Van Halen sound familiar on 'A Different Kind of Truth'
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| Van Halen released their new album, "A Different Kind of Truth," this week. It's the band's first full album of new material with lead singer David Lee Roth since 1984. (Courtesy photo) |
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Here is a look at new music out this week.
Van Halen "A Different Kind of Truth"
It's easy to want to dislike Van Halen. The punchlines are there with the revolving door of lead singers, Eddie's son Wolfgang on bass, and that one album with Gary Cherone. I listened to "Tattoo," the first single from "A Different Kind of Truth" when it was released a few weeks ago. I figured the corny song would be a prelude to yet another eye-rolling Van Halen moment when the album was release this week. I was wrong. Outside of "Tattoo," the new album is pleasant surprise that should have you recalling the early days of the band. "A Different Kind of Truth" is the band's first new full-length album with lead singer David Lee Roth since 1984. And while his hair may be much shorter and his jumping kicks on stage might not be as high, Diamond Dave still has it. His vocals on this could have been recorded in 1984 because he sounds much like he did on the band's early albums. When he's singing "Stay Frosty," he might as be singing about how he's the ice cream man and we should stop him when he's passing by. And while it's great to hear David Lee Roth's voice on a Van Halen album once again, it's even better to hear Eddie Van Halen still sound as innovative as ever on the guitar. "A Different Kind of Truth" is a guitar-gasm with Eddie showing off in true Van Halen fashion. His guitar work on "China Town" and "Bullethead" is rather excessive, but expected because this is a Van Halen album. And while the album's sound may not hold up today, it still should put a smile on the faces of those who were fans of the band in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
Die Antwoord "Ten$ion"
Quick, who's your favorite South African rap-rave act? Yeah, I didn't have one either. Die Antwoord's "Ten$ion" sounds like the result of a crate of Eminem and Nicki Minaj CDs arriving in Cape Town. There's plenty of sexed-up rap lyrics, drug references and hip hop beats. Die Antwoord surely wants to be taken seriously on songs such as "Hey Sexy" and "So What?," but high-pitched female vocals and stale stereotypical rap lyrics do nothing to help their cause. "Fatty Boom Boom" has some nice beats, but over-the-top graphic lyrics unfortunately send the song into the gutter. The rest of the album doesn't stray too far from that path.
The Fray "Scars and Stories"
The Fray brought in Brendan O'Brien to produce their latest album. "Scars and Stories," The Fray's third studio release, is more piano-based pop rock for the Denver-based band. But this time around they add a little more rock into the mix. The effort is noticed on the opening track, "Heartbeat." The song also is the first single from the album and really sets the tone for the rest of this release. "Scars and Stories" contains less songs that sound like they should be playing in the background during a tearful "Grey's Anatomy" scene. The Fray doesn't sound as predictable on this release as the band gets away from the familiar concoction of heavy piano and sappy lyrics. They don't sound as though they are trying to work within a certain formula. The piano is dialed down and the amps are turned up, but not too much, on songs such as "Turn Me On" and "Run For Your Life." "Scars and Stories" shows The Fray is evolving as a band without totally losing its identity.
Paul McCartney "Kisses On the Bottom"
Paul McCartney shows some love for his favorite songs from early in his life on "Kisses On the Bottom." The album is a collection of pop standards with its title coming from a lyric in the song "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter." That song is among those remade by McCartney. "Kisses On the Bottom" does contain two songs written by Sir Paul. Both feature guest spots. "My Valentine" features Eric Clapton while Stevie Wonder stops by for "Only Our Hearts." This album is comparable to Rod Stewart's "The Great American Songbook." Stewart had a similar concept on those albums. Some Stewart fans may have been turned off by the releases since they contrasted with his original material. The same may happen with long-time McCartney fans. But he's still Paul McCartney, so he may get a much-deserved free pass.
Also out this week: AIR, "Le Voyage Dans La Lune"; Dierks Bentley, "Home"; Escape Club, "Celebrity"; Roberta Flack, "Let It Be Roberta: Roberta Flack Sings The Beatles"; Ben Kweller, "Go Fly a Kite"; Mark Lanegan Band, "Blues Funeral"; of Montreal. "Paralytic Stalks"; Shaggy, "Summer in Kingston"; Silverstein, "Short Songs"; Rita Wilson, "AM/FM".
Out Feb. 14: Band of Skulls, "Sweet Sour"; Heartless Bastards, "Arrow"; Phenomenal Handclap Band, "Form & Control"; Mitch Ryder, "The Promise."
Out Feb. 21: Cheap Girls, "Giant Orange"; The Chieftains, "Voice of Ages"; Galactic, "Carnivale Electricos"; Angelique Kidjo, "Spirit Rising"; Sinéad O'Connor, "How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?"; Sleigh Bells, "Reign of Terror."
Out Feb. 28: Carolina Chocolate Drops, "Leaving Eden"; Chiddy Bang, "Breakfast"; Corrosion of Conformity, "Corrosion of Conformity"; The Cranberries, "Roses"; Estelle, "All of Me"; Sophie B. Hawkins, "The Crossing"; Ja Rule, "PIL2 (Pain Is Love 2)"; Oak Ridge Boys and Dukes of Dixieland, "When Country Meets Dixie."
• Click here to check out this week's Sidetracks Make It Pop new music playlist on Spotify. Want this music on the go? Scan the QR code attached to the Sound Tracking column in Thursday's Sidetracks to link directly to the playlist in Spotify (must have premium account).
Rob Carroll writes about pop culture and entertainment for the Northwest Herald. He can be reached at rcarroll@shawmedia.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at @makeitpopblog.
