Van Halen fans have a reason to celebrate as the iconic rock band is set to release an expanded edition of their ninth studio album, “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge,” in 2024. This exclusive bundle, available through Rhino.com, features a comprehensive collection that includes two LPs, two CDs, a Blu-ray, and four 7” singles.
Originally released in June 1991, “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” was an immediate hit, reaching triple platinum certification and earning Van Halen their first Grammy® Award for Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album. The album, produced and engineered by Bernie Grundman, has been expertly remastered for this edition, ensuring pristine sound quality.
The expanded edition is packed with previously unreleased content, including alternate versions of fan favorites like “Right Now” and “The Dream Is Over.” However, the highlight of this release is the never-before-seen concert footage from Van Halen’s December 4, 1991, performance in Dallas. This electrifying show, part of the “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Tour,” showcases Van Halen’s unparalleled stage presence and energy.
The concert setlist is a mix of new tracks from the album, such as “Judgement Day” and “Poundcake,” along with hits from their earlier albums “5150” and “OU812,” including “Best Of Both Worlds” and “Finish What Ya Started.” The band also performed “Panama,” a classic from their era with David Lee Roth, and two of Sammy Hagar’s solo hits, “I Can’t Drive 55” and “There’s Only One Way To Rock.”
In addition to the live performance, the Blu-ray includes official music videos for “Poundcake,” “Runaround,” “Right Now,” and “Top Of The World.” The remastered album is presented as a double LP, with an etching of the Van Halen logo on the fourth side, adding a unique touch for collectors.
The four 7” singles in the bundle feature tracks like “Poundcake” / “Pleasure Dome,” “Top Of The World” / “In ‘N’ Out,” “Right Now” (Organ Version) / “Man On A Mission,” and “Right Now” (Guitar Version) / “The Dream Is Over” (Instrumental Version).
The track listing for the CDs is as follows:
CD1: ORIGINAL ALBUM (REMASTERED)
1. Poundcake (Remastered)
2. Judgement Day (Remastered)
3. Spanked (Remastered)
4. Runaround (Remastered)
5. Pleasure Dome (Remastered)
6. In ‘N’ Out (Remastered)
7. Man On A Mission (Remastered)
8. The Dream Is Over (Remastered)
9. Right Now (Remastered)
10. 316 (Remastered)
11. Top Of The World (Remastered)
CD2: RARITIES & LIVE AT WESTEND MARKET, DALLAS, TX, 12/4/91
1. Right Now (Organ Version) [Single Mix]
2. The Dream Is Over (Instrumental Version)*
3. Right Now (Guitar Version) [Single Mix]*
4. Poundcake (Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91)*
5. Judgement Day (Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91)*
6. There’s Only One Way To Rock (Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91)*
7. Runaround (Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91)*
8. Why Can’t This Be Love (Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91)*
9. Panama (Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91)*
10. A Apolitical Blues (Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91)*
11. Finish What Ya Started (Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91)*
12. I Can’t Drive 55 (Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91)*
13. Best Of Both Worlds (Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91)*
14. Top Of The World (Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91)*
*Previously Unreleased
The Blu-ray content includes:
1. Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX, 12/4/91
– Poundcake
– Judgement Day
– One Way To Rock
– Runaround
– Why Can’t This Be Love
– Panama
– A Apolitical Blues
– Finish What Ya Started
– I Can’t Drive 55
– Best Of Both Worlds
– Top Of The World
2. Poundcake (Promo Video)
3. Runaround (Promo Video)
4. Right Now (Promo Video)
5. Top Of The World (Promo Video)
The LP track listing is as follows:
SIDE A
A1. Poundcake (Remastered)
A2. Judgement Day (Remastered)
A3. Spanked (Remastered)
A4. Runaround (Remastered)
SIDE B
B1. Pleasure Dome (Remastered)
B2. In ‘N’ Out (Remastered)
B3. Man On A Mission (Remastered)
SIDE C
C1. The Dream Is Over (Remastered)
C2. Right Now (Remastered)
C3. 316 (Remastered)
C4. Top Of The World (Remastered)
SIDE D
D. Van Halen Logo Etching
This limited edition release is a must-have for any Van Halen fan. The expanded edition not only offers a remastered version of the original album but also provides a treasure trove of rare and previously unreleased material. The inclusion of live footage from their 1991 Dallas concert and official music videos adds significant value to this collection.
Pre-orders are available now, and with the limited nature of this release, fans are encouraged to secure their copies early. The set is expected to ship in early July, with delivery anticipated a few days before the official release date.
Van Halen’s “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” expanded edition is a celebration of the band’s legacy and a testament to their enduring impact on the rock music scene. This release offers a unique opportunity to experience the album in a new light, with enhanced audio quality and exclusive content that captures the essence of Van Halen’s live performances and creative prowess.
Source: Rhino.com, Van Halen Store
