Van Halen (180g LP)

Van Halen is what it means to rock. And enjoy oneself while doing it. Even if you're too young to remember or simply forgot about such decadence, Warner Bros.' analog reissue more than serves as an excellent time machine. Remastered from the original analog tapes at Acoustech by Kevin Gray and pressed at RTI, the LP is the finest-sounding Van Halen document available. Having inspired air-guitar heroics the world over, the band's groundbreaking self-titled debut truly has never been better.

Has an album ever rocked so hard, flaunted each band members' distinct personalities, displayed virtuosic musicianship, and had so much fun while doing it? Doubtful. Upon its original release in 1978, no one had ever heard Eddie Van Halen's speed, dexterity, and revolutionary guitar techniques. Or Roth's flamboyant humor and gonzo character. Throw in a gut punching rhythm section and eleven killer songs--the loose cover of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me," classically inspired solo explosion "Eruption," primal "I'm the One," and anthemic "Runnin' With the Devil" among them--and Van Halen remains an insanely great album.

Even better, this audiophile-minded pressing not only brings the dynamics and punch of the music into crystal-clear focus, it also brings into view the group's famous characteristics: Roth's butt-less chaps and omnipresent chest hair; Alex Van Halen's silly white headband; Michael Anthony's coiffed hair; Eddie Van Halen's leopard-print pants and guitar-hero poses.

No, the Camaro and six-pack aren't included, but play this version of Van Halen at full volume on a knock-out stereo, and hedonistic late-70s good times will return in spades!