Have the various members of Van Halen ...

[I Coulda Hada VH]

Ever said what their favorite VH albums are?

I think Dave's is the debut and Mike is partial to Fair Warning. I would suspect that Sam's is 5150. What about Ed, Al, Gary and Wolf?

[Destructo3]

Ever said what their favorite VH albums are?

I think Dave's is the debut and Mike is partial to Fair Warning. I would suspect that Sam's is 5150. What about Ed, Al, Gary and Wolf?

If I recall, Mike was asked about which record he tended to prefer more than the others. This was during the Sam era. His responses was when he really wanted to “rock out” he put on Fair Warning. Never heard the others answer this question. Of course Sam will identify a Sam era disc and Dave would go with something by Liberace. (Kidding). Alex and Ed? Who knows...

[Harpospoke]

Interesting if true about Mike's favorite. That would throw water on the idea that Eddie played the bass on that album. As nice as Mike is, I doubt he would actually list the album he didn't play on as his favorite.

[I Coulda Hada VH]

I would suspect Eddie's favorite from the Dave era would be either I, FW or 1984. I have no idea about Alex's favorite. Could Gary's possibly be III? Could Wolf's be ADKOT?

[JUNGLE DRUMMER]

I have no idea what Al's favorite album is, but I do recall an interview where he did say VHII had some really strong material, and he specifically named SGMAD and LUTS.

[JUNGLE DRUMMER]

I would suspect Eddie's favorite from the Dave era would be either I, FW or 1984. I have no idea about Alex's favorite. Could Gary's possibly be III? Could Wolf's be ADKOT?

I think Wolf has said 1984 from the Dave era, Balance from the Sam era.

[dart93]

Sammy has said that both 5150 and FUCK are great albums. I've never read a comment where he chose one over the other.

[EVHWolf]

Ed has mentioned that the albums (and songs) are like his kids and he can't pick one...(although its obvious III got kicked out of the house).

[Van Squalen]

Ed likes VH1, FW, '84, 5150, and Balance.
Mike likes FW and FUCK.
Dave likes VH1 and VH2.
Sam likes 5150 and FUCK.
Al doesn't seem to have a preference.

[RRvh1]

I don't think Eddie has heard much of the VH catalog. He hasn't bought an album since Peter Gabriel's So was burning up the charts...

[DRFC]

I get the feeling that Ed likes FW best.

"To me, Fair Warning is more true to what I am and what I believe Van Halen is."

He also obviously is fond of VH1 as it's the first, and 1984 and 5150 as they were the ones he was able to use the new studio and have more control, successfully... but while he knows VH1 and 84 are more popular, he typically defends FW.

"For many guitarists and Van Halen fans, Fair Warning is a hot second between either Van Halen or 1984. The album was full of things that I wanted, from “Unchained” to silly things like “Sunday Afternoon in the Park.” I like odd things. I was not a pop guy, even though I have a good sense of how to write a pop song."

[I Coulda Hada VH]

I have no idea what Al's favorite album is, but I do recall an interview where he did say VHII had some really strong material, and he specifically named SGMAD and LUTS.

Those are my two favorite tunes from VH II. Also, Al really shines on Outta Love Again.

[JUNGLE DRUMMER]

Those are my two favorite tunes from VH II. Also, Al really shines on Outta Love Again.

Agreed on all points.

[I Coulda Hada VH]

Agreed on all points.

And YNG is nails.

[Destructo3]

And YNG is nails.

Al is so solid on just about everything. Hard to really know with him. My guess would be 1984. Not only is he attacking songs like Eddie, but it just seemed like his playing was a bigger part of more songs. Personally, I’d go with VHII. So underrated for so many reasons.

Good catch on Mikey liking Fair Warning. Clearly Mike played most of those base parts. Remember Ed made a dumb statement to justify kicking out a prince of a guy. He’s justifying it by focusing on a couple memories of suggesting parts to Mike or showing him how he may consider playing something. Does that mean Ed taught him every note? Of course not. But to conclude the reverse is true and Ed didn’t teach and help Mike is equally idiotic IMO.