Eat ‘Em And Smile – David Lee Roth

Producer: Ted Templeman

Released: July 7, 1986

Rating: *****

If the 80′s were a destination (and they were and still are for many people) than “Diamond” David Lee Roth was your self-appointed tour guide. No, one person, that I can think of, truly embodies the 80′s experience as much as Roth. Christ, just look at this album cover. Were talking about a guy who had no problems making an ass out of himself, just to get your attention. We’re also talking about a guy who is one of the most renowned frontmen of all time. Legendary. Which is why fans of his former band, Van Halen, were stunned when after the band’s mega-successful album 1984, Roth left the band, or was fired, depending on the version of the story you choose to believe.

In January of 1985, while still with Van Halen and just a year after their landmark album 1984 was released, Roth released a harmless, 4 song EP of cover tunes. The EP yielded two hits, California Girls and Just A Gigolo. The songs are pure Roth, but should have posed no threat to the Van Halen organization. I’ve read many interviews regarding the demise of the original line-up, and in more than a few it’s been suggested that Eddie Van Halen was not pleased with Roth’s solo work. Not long after the release of the EP, Crazy From The Heat, rumours started circulating that Roth had left the band.

In March of 1986, Van Halen would release their first album, 5150, with Roth replacement, Sammy Hagar. The album did very well. It was a critical and commercial success. The question was, could Roth stand toe to toe with his former band. Based on his light-hearted EP, fans probably weren’t expecting much. In July of 1986, three months after Van Hagar released 5150, David Lee Roth issued his response, Eat ‘Em And Smile. Some people refer to it as the best post Roth era Van Halen album, if you can wrap your head around that concept.

At 12 years of age, I was just coming into my own, musically. All I can remember is that I was at Fox Valley Mall with my mother, we were in Musicland and I immediately spotted this album cover (affective marketing). For a very brief moment, labels were packaging cassettes in these elaborate, elongated, printed cardboard boxes. Because of that, Eat ‘Em And Smile’s colorful cover could be spotted a mile away. I was immediately drawn to the cover and because of 1984 knew who Roth was. I had to have it and my mother obliged.

The minute I got home and pressed “play” I was blown away! The opening track, Yankee Rose, featured a “talking guitar” intro that was unlike anything I’d ever heard. Not to be outdone by another axe slinger, Roth trades quips with the inquisitive six stringer as one of my all time favorite albums gets under way. And who was that six stringer? Roth spared no expense in assembling an all-star band including Steve Vai on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass and Gregg Bissonette on drums. Clearly, Diamond Dave wasn’t just trying to release a solo album, he actually assembled a very tight band. With Vai on guitar, there was no question that Roth was laser focussed on competing with his former act.

Not only is Yankee Rose a stellar opening track, but it was also one of the most memorable videos of all time. Who else besides Roth could pen a tune dedicated to the Statue Of Liberty that sounds like he’s talking about a super model. Following the opening track is Shyboy, a tune written by Billy Sheehan. This song is a total showcase for the band. Check out Sheehan’s bass lines that mimic Vai’s guitar tracks. Absolutely brilliant. Van Halen, as awesome as they are, never sounded this tight.

One of Roth’s biggest strengths is he’s always been able to pinpoint very appropriate cover tunes, as opposed to choosing completely obvious ones. In doing so, he’s always been able to take these cover tunes and make them sound as if they are his own. The “loungey” I’m Easy is a perfect example and is pure Roth. What’s truly amazing about this very light-hearted tune, is how much Vai stands out. He took a somewhat forgettable tune and laid down some awesome guitar tracks. Next up is one of the albums best tracks, Ladies’ Nite In Buffalo. This moody track oozes cool through your speakers for four plus minutes. You won’t hear Vai shredding on this track, but fear not the licks on this tune are top-notch. Roth’s vocals are laid back as well, which is actually a bit refreshing. If you close your eyes you can almost feel him whispering the lyrics in your ear.

If Ladies’ Nite In Buffalo is departure of sorts, than Goin’ Crazy might be the prototypical David Lee Roth song. Dripping with 80′s synth, I feel like drinking a margarita every time I hear this upbeat, fun-as-hell anthem, dedicated to having a good time. Diamond Dave escapism at its’ best. The second half of the album gets started with another killer cover tune, Tobacco Road, featuring some superb background vocals.

With a frenetic bass track, the hard-driving Elephant Gun gets the award for the album’s strangest song title. Dave’s vocals kick ass during the chorus and check out Billy Sheehan’s bass solo! Big Trouble could be considered a sister tune to Ladies’ Nite In Buffalo. Another moody track with outstanding lyrics that, in classic Roth fashion, only make sense occasionally. It doesn’t matter, I could listen to the line, “How many times have you said to yourself, hey, I feel like a yoyo, I’ve been here too long,” all day long. With a sleazy riff, the aptly titled Bump And Grind has some of the album’s best guitar work. Closing out the album is a cover of Sinatra’s That’s Life. Would you expect anything less from Dave?

Why such long dissertation on this album? I’ve always thought that people have dismissed Roth’s solo career and forget how awesome some of his post Van Halen albums were. This album was a pretty big deal when it was released and for a little while there it looked like Diamond Dave might be able to make it without those brothers from the Netherlands. At literally just 30 minutes and change, this album doesn’t mess around or attempt to present Dave as anything other than an extremely entertaining lead singer. When I listen to this album I literally feel Roth trying to put a smile on my face. Helping the album succeed was a kick ass band and stellar production. Obviously, Templeman knew Roth very well, which helped in producing a spectacular album from start to finish.