Van Halen - OU812 1988 [FLAC] [h33t] - Kitlope

Van Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California in 1972. They enjoyed success from the release of their self titled debut album in 1978. As of 2007 Van Halen has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide[2] and have had the most number one hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.[3] According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Van Halen is the 19th best selling band/artist of all time with sales of over 56 million albums in the USA[4] and is one of five rock bands that have had two albums sell more than 10 million copies in the USA.
OU812 is the eighth album by American hard rock band Van Halen, released in 1988. The album title is allegedly a joke on Van Halen's previous lead singer 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]
OU812 is also the license plate on the red Ferrari that Red and Chong drive in Cheech and Chong's Next Movie (released in 1980).
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 its 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, particularly Sammy Hagar's, love of the Mexican port town of Cabo San Lucas. The band 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 its 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, pa." 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]
In a 2007 episode of Chuck, the unlock code to the universal remote control at the Buy More is "OU812#," an apparent reference to this album.