Van Halen - 1988 OU812Warner Bros 32XD-1055 Japan
best sounding version (SH)!ReviewOU812 is the eighth album by American hard rock band Van Halen, released in 1988. The album title is allegedly a joke on former band member David Lee Roth's 1986 album Eat 'Em and Smile (OU812 translates phonetically to "Oh, you ate one too?"). However, "OU812" was also seen in the 70s sitcom "Taxi" written on a wall. [1]
The original European release (as shipped in France, Germany, Italy and the UK) is missing track 10, as are all vinyl pressings of the album. The CD and cassette versions have Track 10. (Note: some U.S. cassette versions of "OU812" did not contain Track 10.) The track listing on the back cover is arranged in alphabetical order, instead of chronological.
Many people found the production on this album weak. Eddie's guitar sits even lower in the mix, and it's sound, as on 5150 does not resemble the loud, bright sound on the Roth era albums. However, the crisp acoustic western sound and style on Finish What Ya Started was well received as a first for the band [2].
One song, "Cabo Wabo" was a reference to the band's, particuarly Sammy Hagar's, love of the Mexican port town of Cabo San Lucas. The band later opened a Cabo Wabo restaurant and cantina in the city, as well as other American locations. However, the venture was soon bought out to be owned by Hagar in it's entirety. Hagar later parlayed this into a premium tequila brand sold around the world, Cabo Wabo[3]
The album is dedicated to Eddie's and Alex's father, Jan, who died that year at the age of 66. The inner linings of the album include the words, "This one's for you, pop." Jan Van Halen had previously appeared playing clarinet on one track, "Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)," on Van Halen's 1982 album, Diver Down[4].
