Van Halen: Sammy Hagar (vocals); Eddie Van Halen (guitar, keyboards); Michael Anthony (bass); Alex Van Halen (drums, percussion).
Recorded at 5150 Studios, Hollywood, California.
Personnel: Sammy Hagar (vocals); Eddie Van Halen (guitar, keyboards, background vocals); Alex Van Halen (drums, percussion, background vocals); Michael Anthony (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Michael Scott; Andy Johns; Ted Templeman.
Recording information: "5150".
Photographers: Glenn Wexler; David Seltzer.
Although 1988's OU812 was another mega-seller for Van Halen, it turned out to be a somewhat rushed affair, since the group was under a strict deadline to finish it in time for the start of the band's summer concert festival, "Monsters of Rock." More time was spent on 1991's FOR UNLAWFUL CARNAL KNOWLEDGE, and it shows--it's one of the best and most consistent Van Halen release of the Sammy Hagar era. It also turned out to be the line-up's heaviest and most rock-oriented release, due in part to the involvement of Led Zeppelin producer Andy Johns.
The album spawned several popular singles and MTV videos, such as the album-opening "Poundcake" (which the group performed live on the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards), and the more pop-oriented tracks "Runaround," "Top of the World," and "Right Now." Also featured was the Eddie Van Halen solo guitar piece "316" (written for his newly-born son, Wolfgang), as well as "Judgement Day," "Pleasure Dome," and "Man on a Mission." The ensuing tour for the album eventually resulted in Van Halen's first live album, 1993's LIVE: RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.
