Van Halen

Best of Both Worlds

Can't Complain

Review Score:

(8/10)
Van Halen vs. Van Hagar. Sure, there are the VH purists who will tell you that the DLR VH is the only true Van Halen or whatever. I agree that the original lineup is the definitive Van Halen and is my favorite. However, I also think that Hagar put out some good ones with the boys and sometimes I find myself in the mood for Why Can't This Be Love, When It's Love or Love Walks In (Hmmm, there seems to be a theme here.) David sang rock songs while Sammy sang love songs. Definitely two different styles, one hard rock and one adult-contemporary, but both a part of the history and legacy of VH. I like both.

Several months ago I put together my own two disc compilation, since it has taken VH so long for an anthology to come out. This comes pretty close to my own picks. There are a few variations: I ommitted Everybody Wants Some, Poundcake and the last 8 tracks (I would have given this 5 stars were it not for the inclusion of these duds. But I chose to include Feel Your Love Tonight, Ice Cream Man, You're No Good, Spanish Fly, Women in Love, Mean Street, Where Have All the Good Times Gone, Cathedral, Little Guitars, Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now), Happy Trails, Top Jimmy & Fire in the Hole (neither Roth or Hagar VH but Gary Cherone)--this last one just to include something different, though it sounds a lot like Hagar VH. Sure, a few of these are not rockers (ICM, BBB & HT), but I chose to include them for their novelty. I also included on my compilation Diamond Dave's post-VH solo hit Just a Gigolo & Hagar's Pre-VH I Can't Drive 55 just for kicks (even if his speed wasn't much over 60). Of course, I would not expect them to be included on an actual VH anthology. So, for the most part, I am pleased with this compilation.

If you only like the hard-rockin' VH, I suggest starting with their first CD & 1984. Not a weak spot on the first one, to be sure. If the adult contemporary is your scene, may I suggest 5150 & OU812--unless your idea of rock is Hewey Lewis & the News, then I can't help you.

One complaint: The cover art sucks. Of course, I was never a Jackson Pollack fan.

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