“Hello BAAAAAYBY!” The coolest way to enter in to the new era of post David Lee Roth in 1986 was new singer Sammy Hagar’s intro to “Good Enough,” the opening track on the band’s first collaboration together. 5150 was a milestone for this legendary band, not only because of the dynamic switch in front men, but it was also the first recordings made almost entirely at guitarist Edward Van Halen’s home studio of the same name. Now remixed and remastered along with some expanded tracks, it has been re-released for the 40th anniversary of its 1986 explosive drop, which resulted in the band’s first ever #1 record. Rhino Records has released 5150 (Expanded Edition), a groundbreaking collection on vinyl, CD and Blu-ray, directly from the original master tapes overseen by the band’s longtime engineer Don Landee.
The set also introduces more than 90 minutes of previously unreleased live recordings from the band’s August 27, 1986 concert at New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven, Connecticut. These are joined by a selection of rare 7” single edits and extended 12” versions. The Blu-Ray includes a new high-definition upgrade of Live Without A Net, Van Halen’s double-Platinum 1986 concert video that was also recorded that same August night in New Haven, along with promotional videos for “Dreams” and “Why Can’t This Be Love.” The LPs come in standard black, but a limited Amazon-exclusive green vinyl version is also available. Again, the packaging on all formats has been updated and looks great.
The set sounds incredible when played at a loud volume. All songs are much crisper than the original releases. The extended versions of “Why Can’t This Be Love” and “Dreams” are mostly just repeats on the chorus, but are cool to have included. The real treat is the high-definition upgrade on the Blu-Ray version of “Live Without a Net.” The video is much sharper than the original, and the live recordings sound is outstanding. Relive the joy and excitement of the re-tooled and remastered Van Halen the way it was meant to be heard, cultivated from the original recordings, and brought to a new life. “The Best of Both Worlds” so to speak…
~ Jordan West
Purchase
5150 (Expanded Edition)
