Van Halen Gets The Truth Back Online

Van Halen's album," A Different Kind of Truth," is the twelfth and final studio album by Van Halen. Released on February 7, 2012, The first full-length album of studio material with lead singer David Lee Roth since 1984.

The story goes," A Different Kind of Truth," was removed from streaming platforms in October 2022, Wolfgang Van Halen accused David Lee Roth of holding up negotiations to renew its streaming contract because the singer did not like the album.

Roth responded with a mocking video stating he indeed does not think highly of the album — "Do you remember Leon Spinks? How about Larry Holmes or Trevor Berbick? Well, these were the last couple of Muhammad Ali's fights, and nobody wants to remember them because they were no fun… And your albums with Van Halen are much like those last two fights." The Album is D.O.A (dead on arrival). Son, commercially speaking, you got your ass handed to you."

Rumor had it that none of the streaming services were willing to pay what he and Alex Van Halen were asking for its renewal.

The record was a commercial success. "A Different Kind of Truth" sold 188,000 copies in its first six days of release, becoming Van Halen's 14th consecutive top-ten album. At the end of 2012, the album sold 411,000 copies in the US, making it the third highest-selling hard rock album of the year.

There is no official word from any of the cast of Van Halen what led to the album's return. You would think David Lee Roth would have said something off the wall. Wolfgang Van Halen handled the whole situation with class and continues to focus on his career.

I got my album right away from a local mom-and-pop record store, Slick Dics, in Trenton, MI. The album also had a 7" single of the song "She's The Woman." I got a couple of copies of the 7" in hopes I would put one in my jukebox at home. Unfortunately, the single spun at 33 & 1/3.

I love the album, personally.  Songs I initially liked were" Tattoo," "She's The Woman," and "Chinatown." But recently, I've started to like it a bit more. I've changed my tune on songs like "Blood and Fire," "Big River," and" Stay Frosty."

Eddie Van Halen is as good as ever, and Alex is solid. Wolfie is a good bassist (although I miss Mike's backup vocals), and Dave can't hit those high notes, but he still sounds good, as well as his lyrics on "Stay Frosty." All in all, it's a good album.

Many years have passed and moved a few times in my career. After all these years, one thing that is still with me is my love of 8-Tracks and 8-Track players. The quality isn't the best it's more nostalgic than anything. It's a fun side hobby. I have about 40 8-Tracks in total. One player in the living room and one in the man-cave garage. Here are a few of my favorite 8-Tracks on my playlist.

A New World Record is the sixth studio album by Electric Light Orchestra. It was released in October 1976. A great tune is the song, "Do Ya". A song left over from Jeff Lynn's former band The Move. Radio favorites, "Living Thing", "Telephone Line", and "Tightrope". Album widely received by music critics.

How could you go wrong with, "Live Bullet"? The 8-Track squeezes 2 8-Tracks onto one 8-Track! Non-stop music with all the favorites from Cobo Hall.

One of many Beatles 8-Tracks in my collection. This happens to be one of my best ones and gets played the most. The cotton pressure pads need to be replaced sometime soon. Many of the 8-Tracks need a bit of TLC after so many years of play.

A Nod's as Good as a Wink... To a Blind Horse is the 3rd album by the Faces and the band's second album of 1971. With lead singer Rod Stewart's recent solo success, it was their most successful album worldwide, peaking at No. 6 in the US, and reaching No. 2 in the UK. Great tunes from start to finish.

The most amazing thing about this 8-Track is the price. Cost me only $1.99. Anyone anywhere will tell you that's a bargain. 1980 was a great year for Eddie Van Halen. Harder edge to the music and style. The only downfall of this 8-Track is the song, "Fools."  The song is stuck in between tracks 1 & 2. As you listen the song fades out then the 8-Track channel switches the song and continues as it fades back to normal. Still love it and a great find.