http://democratherald.com/blogs/first-impression-van-halen-tokyo-dome-vh-in-concert/article_d815c3ca-d7f7-11e4-8e46-ab356bd3f1bf.html

First impression: Van Halen, “Tokyo Dome: VH in Concert”
2 hours ago – CORY FRYE, Albany Democrat-Herald

Van Halen, “Tokyo Dome: VH in Concert” (2 CDs, Rhino)

Ever since David Lee Roth returned in ’07, I’ve wondered if he’s the lab rat in an elaborate experiment, where Eddie and Alex Van Halen exact revenge on the diehards who insist the group is lost without him. If “Tokyo Dome,” recorded in 2013, proves anything, it’s that Diamond Dave serves at the brothers’ pleasure, and that they, through nightly demonstrations of instrumental dynamism, wield the real power. Remember who needs who, buddy. Remember who signs the checks.

Roth’s pipes remain reliably inconsistent, limping past howlers, boomeranging from impressive explosions to wet-cat scat, and stumbling chagrined through “Hot for Teacher” (lead-in: “And the Cradle Will Rock … , ” natch), but you can’t blame him, since it’s mutated from ribald juvenile fantasy to social epidemic. Yet he’s retained his usual charm as host, engaging Tokyo in its native tongue, although when he asks, “How are we doing so far tonight?” during a shambolic “Unchained,” it sounds more like apology than repartee. Eddie’s son Wolfgang has acclimated to Michael Anthony’s shadow as a passable bassist/vocal support. However, while he nails the general vicinity of his predecessor’s range, he lacks that firework wallop (see: “Women in Love”).

Alternately overlong and unsatisfying — a frustrating appraisal of a set fat with pleasers (dump ” Tattoo” and replace it with, I dunno, “Little Dreamer”) — “Tokyo” comes alive precisely once, near the end, with a titanic “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” where at last the rock gods parry and feast. Good news for Dave, since such performances keep him out of soup lines. Bad news for listeners demanding more. A worthy live document is out there somewhere. It may even be possible now. Only stray traces exist on this sunken ship.

I accepted Roth’s vocal ability at the start of the 2012 tour so I think it’s the best 2012-2013 document were going to get our hands on, I hope I am wrong.

That review is pretty much what everyone has said a billion times over. The band is smokin’, Wolfie has gained weight and Dave hasn’t really improved. We know this. It is what it is. Listen to him on the ’81 promo video. His voice was squeaking on “Unchained” and “So This Is Love” and that’s probably just what was left in after editing. Listen to the US Festival. He didn’t sing half of the night and talked his way through most of that show as well. Not to mention the classic Bobby Brady moment of, “How the hell are ya, Califor-SQUEAK-nia???!!!” He’s never been a great singer. He’s 60+ and has beat the hell out of his voice. My biggest problem with his vocals is he never used to try to push these really high vocals that almost sound like he’s trying to do Mikey’s old harmonies. When he stays in his range and sings the songs closer to the original versions, he sounds so much better. When he tries to improvise or whatever it is he’s doing, he falls flat, totally misses his notes or his voice cracks and squeaks. That’s what drives me crazy. It would sound SO MUCH BETTER if he just did what he does BEST.

Regardless, people will still critique this as though Dave sounded like the albums live throughout his career and they will be bashed and we’ll get the continuous “Bring back Sammy” nonsense. Oh well. I’m looking forward to getting to see at least one show this year.

voodoo: Not to mention the classic Bobby Brady moment of, “How the hell are ya, Califor-SQUEAK-nia???!!!” .

I thought it was Peter?

Dave: I thought it was Peter?

You are correct! LOL!

Getting through it in the way to work in the car! I’m really enjoying it, Dave is Dave ain’t gonna change, but the band is rocking with Wolf playing some nice bass. good to see Eddie back to his best. Let’s all appreciate the moment! VH rocking the UK 2016!

I discovered today while listening to it in my truck at ear shattering decibels while howling along with Dave to DTNA that Dave is still a better singer than me. I fuckin love it.

Damn I wish I would have known there was a 24-96 download before I payed 16 bucks the cds yesterday, Nothing like paying twice!!
(CDS for sale 10 bucks! HA!!!) just kidding….

sickman: I discovered today while listening to it in my truck at ear shattering decibels while howling along with Dave to DTNA that Dave is still a better singer than me. I fuckin love it.

ditto love it..! fucking mighty VH live and in your face!

The CD gets released in Australia tomorrow. Who’s stupid idea was it to release it on Good Friday when everything is closed!

KISSMAD: The CD gets released in Australia tomorrow. Who’s stupid idea was it to release it on Good Friday when everything is closed!

Ladies and gentlemen, your Van Halen marketing team!

They probably thought it was Thursday.

voodoo: They probably thought it was Thursday.

I guess the CD will rotate the other way as well!

KISSMAD: The CD gets released in Australia tomorrow. Who’s stupid idea was it to release it on Good Friday when everything is closed!

Got my right now.
The JB HIFI near me wasn’t getting it until next week.
I called the City store near where I’m working & was there as they came out of delivery box.
BEERS & VH MUSIC tonight my friends..

I’m waiting for my cds..I will listen to them carefully, and I’m sure I will be happy with that