Diver Down [Remaster] (CD - 1982)

Addtional personnel: Jan Van Halen (clarinet).

Recorded in 1982.

Digitally remastered by Chris Bellman.

DIVER DOWN was a #3 smash for Van Halen in 1982. The band scored its biggest hit up to that point with "(Oh) Pretty Woman," and were to begin its "Hide Your Sheep" tour by headlining the US festival. Although criticized for containing nearly 50 percent cover material, DIVER propelled the group into the rock stratosphere.

"Where Have All The Good Times Gone" actually exceeds the Kinks' original, using the same formula that worked with "You Really Got Me." "Hang 'Em High" contains a blistering Eddie Van Halen solo, while the somber instrumental "Cathedral" shows Ed's use of digital delay and electric guitar volume swells to create a synthesizer-like sound. On "Dancing In The Street" the band tries to stay true to the vibe of the original tune while still injecting the Van Halen sound. The flamenco-style intro of "Little Guitars" leads into another distinct, innovative Eddie guitar line. The album concludes on a humorous note with "Happy Trails." Great songs, David Lee Roth's charismatic vocals, and Eddie's virtuoso guitar are just some of the reasons to pick up DIVER DOWN. minimize