July 11, 2022

1991 - June: Van Halen “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge”

46 minutes

For their ninth studio album and Sammy Hagar's third album as lead singer, Hagar suggested Van Halen title it F*CK (... only the * was a letter). Censorship in rock music was a controversial topic at the time, and Hagar wanted to push limits. The name changed to For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge when Hagar was told by Ray "Boom Boom” Mancini that the vulgarity was actually an acronym for this phrase.

For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge was intended to be a return to the rock roots of Van Halen after a number of albums featuring more use of synthesizers and a stronger pop feel. The album took a year to make, as Van Halen was one of the most successful and well-known rock bands at the time, and the members were enjoying the material fruits of that success. They also had their own recording studio (Eddie Van Halen's 5150 Studios), and money sufficient to not have to worry about rushing an album out.

Critical reception was mixed at best. Nevertheless, it was a commercial hit, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

We hope you enjoy this album podcast, and the debate on the David Lee Roth/Sammy Hagar eras of Van Halen.

P.S. Wayne is crazy if he doesn't like Sammy.

Guest contributor Joe Davis brings us his favorite Van Halen album.

Judgement Day

This deeper cut is the second track from the album. It is a fast moving, hard rocking critique of conservative Christianity’s moves to censor words and actions. This song contains screams from Hagar and Anthony that are some of the loudest notes hit by the two on any Van Halen song.

Pleasure Dome

Joe picked this song because he considers it “the best guitar solo in any Van Halen song.” Many consider the song to be inspired by Rush's “Xanadu,” and both take inspiration from the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem “Kubla Kahn.” The lyrics reflect the temptation and trap that is a life focused on pleasure.

The Dream Is Over

This deep cut discusses the disillusionment when the dream of easy money or success following "the system" results in failure. If a generation can't succeed by the rules of society, then “dream another dream, this dream is over.”

Runaround

Another deep cut, this one starts with a six-stringed bass guitar. A number of innovations were featured in this album, from this six-string guitar to the use of a drill near the pickups to start "Poundcake." The lyrics are about a girl who can't get pinned down.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

(Everything I do) I Do It For You by Bryan Adams (from the motion picture "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves")

Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman starred in this rendition of the classic Robin Hood tale.

STAFF PICKS:

It's You That Leaves Me Dry by EMF

Wayne gets the staff picks rolling with the Manchester sound. This deep cut from the same album that gave us “Unbelievable” was a popular track in dance clubs in the UK. The lyrics are about a bad relationship where one partner sucks the life out of another.

All the Time in the World by Junkyard

Rob brings us another deep cut with a Motley Crue feel. Junkyard hails from Los Angeles, and this song went to number 24 on the charts. The members of Junkyard were fans of the Southern Rock sound, though not fans of Southern Rock culture.

Losing My Religion by R.E.M.

Friend of the show John Lynch brings us one which is definitely not a deep cut! This mandolin-based song is the lead single off "Out of Time," R.E.M.'s seventh studio album. Lead singer Michael Stipe has stated that the song is not about religion - despite the title - but more about losing temper, or feelings of desperation.

Man In The Box by Alice In Chains

Joe finishes off the staff picks with a track loosely about censorship, but more specifically inspired by a discussion about cattle being raised in small boxes with little room. This also ushers in the start of the grunge era.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Black Napkins by Frank Zappa

The always eclectic Frank Zappa finishes us off this week with a jazzy instrumental piece.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings