DAVID LEE ROTH - EAT 'EM AND SMILE

"Eat Em And Smile" was the first album proper from ex Van Halen frontman DAVID LEE ROTH (always works better in block capitals) after his debut non rock ep 'Crazy From The Heat'. Now as any self respecting rock fan knows Dave was the frontman of the 80's with his flamboyant and totally OTT stage presence, this man was FUN rolled into a hyperactive energy explosion. Sure Van Halen had the musical goods to make it but Dave was what made it work [as shown by the generally lacklustre Hagar years] and in the process made sure that when you heard the name Van Halen he also sprang instantly to mind. Yes Roth was pizzazz but he also has brains and knew he was nowhere without a kick ass band behind him; so he hired supreme musicians in Steve Vai [g], Billy Sheehan [b], and Gregg Bissonette [d] and ultimately cut one of the best good time hard rock albums ever. 'Eat Em & Smile' is everything that you need to know about DLR but in the process is also one of the best 35 minute excuses to have some FUN. The album has superb guitar, ultra tight rhythm work and Dave's witty delivery, sure the guy hasn't got a set of pipes like Dio or Coverdale but he knows how to deliver this type of music and in this genre there are none better.

1. YANKEE ROSE [3.51]
A massive power chord opens the track before the famous conversation between Dave and Vai who makes his guitar talk quite splendidly. The track then rocks into a good time feel that is pure California sun. The lyrics center on a hot chick and the government [possibly?], whatever they are about Dave delivers them with style and I can guarantee a smile will crack onto your face. The track has an interesting bridge that leads to a breakdown that is home to Billy Sheehan's BIG trademark bass sound before Vai throws over some fretboard trickery. The track rides out on this and you are left drained.

2. SHY BOY [3.23]
A track Sheehan brought along from his Talas days and subsequently recorded with Mr Big. A fast paced rocker that is full of explosive pyrotechnics from all involved and its in reality quite dizzying. "Got to keep things moving till my personality starts improving". The solo is a shredfest while the repetitive chorus does get a bit much but before you can blink the track is over ending with more bass and guitar interplay.

3. I'M EASY [2.07]
This is one of those tracks that made Dave famous - a big band track that allows Dave to hog the limelight with his charisma and sass. The solo sees Vai doing straight blues which is a bit of a rarity for him and while the track is not essential it is amusing.

4.LADIES NIGHT IN BUFFALO [4.08]
A superb track that has a mellow upbeat good time groove. A funky guitar motif from Vai and a steady bass line from Sheehan allows Dave to unleash a restraint vocal part. The chorus is pure cool schmmmoozzee class - "Its 2am and traffic's slow, looks like Ladies Night In Buffalo". The good vibes given off by the track are further enhanced by Vai's smooth as ice solo which adds nicely to the feel. A totally addictive essential track that sums up 80's DLR.

5. GOIN' CRAZY [3.06]
The second single from the album and its another goodtime upbeat grooving rock track. The sound is embellished by various percussion fills and sonically the track is huge. The chorus again is pure Dave - "Goin Crazy, Goin Crazy...ooo from the heat". The solo is another of Vai's best and is very musical while Sheehan throws down some great fills and runs. Another top notch track.

6. TOBACCO ROAD [2.27]
A big bluesy rock track originally covered by Edgar Winter. Quite stop start and bluesy with lyrics totally suited to DLR's zany delivery - "I was born in a truck, mommy died and my daddy got drunk, left me here to die along, in the middle of Tobacco Road". After a short Vai solo, Dave goes bonkers at the end with Vai providing all sorts of noises and squeals which highlights the zany relationship these too had.

7. ELEPHANT GUN [2.23]
Quite an odd track driven by Sheehan's frantic bass, Vai's gonzo guitar tricks and Dave's emphatic vocal delivery. The chorus is pretty catchy with the lyrics underlined by chunky riffs before a bass solo from Sheehan which prompts Vai to shred like the devil. The track ends quite abruptly but leaves a smile on your face.

8. BIG TROUBLE [3.56]
Another highlight of the album. 'Big Trouble' contains another irresistible groove and good time sea ozone filled breeze. A great original riff lays the foundations for Dave to tell another story before a good pre chorus leads into a near perfect chorus and bridge. Why this was never released as a single god only knows. The solo contains all the Vai trademarks but retains its focus at all times. The delightful bridge returns and marks the intro to another verse. At 3.56 this track is painfully too short but perhaps that's the secret to its success?

9. BUMP AND GRIND [2.28]
By know you are starting to get a feel for what the Roth/Vai partnership can produce and 'Bump and Grind' is another fine example. Roth's almost rhythmic rap on the verse leads into the great chorus which while not containing the most original lyrics still sounds superb! The solo is again a menagerie of whammy bar fun, smooth legato, two handed tapping and originality. A great track.

10. THAT'S LIFE [2.43]
A cover of the big band classic which is perfectly suited to Dave's showbiz vocals, horns and orchestra combine with Vai, Bisonnette and Sheehan to a fun climax. This is a track you will find yourself humming all day long and its a fine way to see out the album.

'Eat Em & Smile' is probably the best pop rock album ever! There is basically nothing I dislike about this album except the short length. Many of Dave's best tunes are here and it shows that Van Halen need him so I only hope that the VH reunion rumours are true. But back to this album, if you enjoy great musicianship GET IT. If you want an album that will but a smile of yer face and brighten up your day GET IT. If you don't own it GET IT. This is one album any self resepcting rock fan should not be without. If power metal is your thing then this probably won't appeal, but if you have the slightest liking for commercial hard rock then GET THIS. You will not be disappointed.

RATING
9.6
HOT SPOTS: Yankee Rose, Ladies Night In Buffalo, Goin Crazy and Big Trouble.

BOTTOM LINE: An indispensable pop metal release!

Review by Andy Craven.

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