Van Halen Releases ‘For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge’ Expanded Edition
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Van Halen’s ninth studio album, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, has gotten expanded. The newly remastered version of the 1991 original is accompanied by previously unreleased audio and video footage from the band’s December 4, 1991, concert in Dallas, Texas. The new edition, on 2-CDs, 2-LPs and Blu-ray, arrived July 12, 2024, via Rhino. It’s available in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here. Watch the previously unreleased live versions of “Poundcake” and “Top of the World” below.
Originally released June 17, 1991, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge was an immediate success, debuting at #1 in the July 6 issue of Billboard and staying there for three weeks. It was the third consecutive #1 album from singer Sammy Hagar, guitarist Eddie Van Halen, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony. The album reached triple platinum certification and earned Van Halen its first Grammy® Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. Producer and engineer Bernie Grundman expertly remastered and cut lacquers for this edition, ensuring pristine sound quality.
Van Halen in the “Right Now” video
Hagar and Anthony are touring together in 2024. Tickets are available here.
From the label’s May 23 announcement: The Expanded Edition includes previously unreleased alternate versions of “Right Now” and “The Dream Is Over.” The main attraction, however, has to be the previously unreleased concert footage from Van Halen’s performance in Dallas. Captured during the “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” tour, this electrifying show is a powerful example of the band’s unparalleled stage presence.
Related: How EVH changed rock guitar
The show’s setlist mixes new songs (“Judgement Day” and “Poundcake”) with songs from 5150 and OU812 (“Best Of Both Worlds” and “Finish What Ya Started”).
The band also played “Panama,” a hit from its time with singer David Lee Roth, plus two of Hagar’s hits, “I Can’t Drive 55” and “There’s Only One Way To Rock.”
In addition, the Blu-ray includes the official music videos for “Poundcake,” “Runaround,” “Top Of The World,” and the 1992 MTV VMA Video Of The Year winner, “Right Now.”
Finally, the remastered album is included in the set as a double LP, featuring an etching of the Van Halen logo on the fourth side.
FOR UNLAWFUL CARNAL KNOWLEDGE (EXPANDED EDITION) Track Listing
2-CD Track Listing
Disc One: Original Album Remastered
“Poundcake”
“Judgement Day”
“Spanked”
“Runaround”
“Pleasure Dome”
“In ’n’ Out”
“Man On A Mission”
“The Dream Is Over”
“Right Now”
“316”
“Top Of The World”
Disc Two: Rarities & Live
“Right Now” – Organ Version (Single Mix)
“The Dream Is Over” – Instrumental Version *
“Right Now” – Guitar Version (Single Mix) *
Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX (12/4/91)
“Poundcake” *
“Judgement Day” *
“There’s Only 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” *
Blu-ray
Live at the Westend Market, Dallas, TX (12/4/91)
Poundcake” *
“Judgement Day” *
“There’s Only 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” *
“Poundcake” – Promo Video
“Runaround” – Promo Video
“Right Now” – Promo Video
“Top Of The World” – Promo Video
* previously unreleased
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationSuch a missed opportunity here for a much more complete package. First, ditch the vinyl. Second, the Dallas show is cool, but it’s been available for a while if you look hard enough. Third, There was a live version of “Top Of The World” from Sacramento, CA – 22,23 August 1993 that was played quite a few times on MTV. Speaking of MTV, their appearance and performance of “Poundcake” at the VMA’s would have been nice to have as well.
Will I buy this, most likely just to have a nicer version of the Dallas show, as well as the elusive Organ solo version of “Right Now”. I’ll probably sell the vinyl.