Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab’s sonic vinyl upgrade to Van Halen’s monumental 1984 album is superb!
Van Halen – 1984 – Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab UD1S 2-037 Ultradisc One-Step limited edition 45 r.p.m. 180-gram double vinyl *****:
(Alex Van Halen – drums, percussion, background vocals; David Lee Roth – vocals; Edward Van Halen – guitars, keyboards, background vocals; Michael Anthony – bass, background vocals)
Rock music hit a zenith in 1984. Several iconic albums were released from Peter Gabriel (So), Prince (Purple Rain), Bruce Springsteen (Born In The U.S.A.) and The Cars (Heartbeat City). Among these milestones was Van Halen’s 1984. The group burst on the L.A. club scene in the late 70’s with Motley Crue, Quiet Riot and Poison. But Van Halen rose to the top of this movement, due to the pyrotechnic guitar technique of its founder Eddie. Searing distorted notation with finger tapping on the fret left audiences spellbound. Frontman David Lee Roth added showmanship and MTV-friendly commercial exposure. With Alex Van Halen on drums and Michael Anthony on bass, a propulsive rhtyhm section anchored the quartet. Songs like “Eruption” “Runnin’ With The Devil”, and “Dance The Night Away” established a unique intermingling of metal and pop. Van Halen hit their first major commercial peak with 1984, releasing four singles. Roth’s initial departure from the band ensued, but Van Halen remained successful with Sammy Hagar.
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab has released a limited edition 45 r.p.m. double vinyl of 1984 (with Roman Numeral titles). The album helped to define the rebellious chaotic essence of the group, including the controversial cover with a cigarette-holding toddler. Side One opens with a big surprise, Eddie Van Halen on synthesizer. The title cut is a minute-long lyrical run that emphasizes melody. The synth revolution continues on the mega hit (#1 on Billboard) “Jump”. As the intro unfolds, Alex Van Halen surrounds it with crashing drums as Roth delivers his theatrical howling vocals. At the 2:15 mark, EVH unleashes two fierce solos, the first on guitar and the second on keyboards. This is quintessential hard-driving rock that never lets up or sounds dated. For those concerned about reduced guitar, another single, “Panama” unleashes the raw metal fury of this band. It explodes on the first chords and sustains the muscular attitude. “Top Jimmy” kicks off with some nimble fret picking and urgent vocals with high harmonies. Van Halen is rooted in blues. On “Drop Dead Legs” a sinewy groove is established, and Roth’s screeching vocals fit. The tempo shifts, and the occasional Zeppelin-esque bombast and incendiary guitar runs are compelling.
An electrifying Alex Van Halen drum intro (a combination of acoustic and electronic) ignites “Hot For Teacher”. EVH lays down serious hooks and his solo is ferocious. Roth’s urgent, comical vocals are among his finest. On the Michael McDonald co-penned “I’ll Wait”, the flowing synth work reappears, but there is plenty of guitar histrionics. There are synthesized bass and Rotator drums. In a change of style, “Girl Gone Bad” has some progressive rock elements, slower interludes, but trademark Van Halen intensity with cohesive rhythm, and Roth’s over-the-top singing. The finale, “House Of Pain” is a no-holds-barred “classic” heavy rock instrumental with guitar, bass and drums blazing away.
This Ultradisc One-Step 45 r.p.m.vinyl of 1984 is a significant upgrade. The overall mix is expansive with enhanced detail and separation. Bass and percussion accents are more discernible. A quieter soundscape adds to the instrumental and vocal clarity. Small details like backup harmony vocals are more present. Even with a sleeker aural landscape, the potency of Eddie Van Halen’s searing guitar is captured. Cranking up the volume does not produce excess distortion.
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
Van Halen – 1984
TrackList:
LP ONE:
Side One: 1984; Jump; Panama
Side Two: Top Jimmy; Drop Dead Legs
LP TWO:
Side Three: Hot For Teacher; I’ll Wait
Side Four: Girl Gone Bad; House Of Pain.
