The instrumental-laden and cover-heavy Diver Down (1982) has generated some pretty mixed reviews among casual listeners and dedicated fans alike.  Some consider it to be underrated, much like Fair Warning, while others knock it's lack of focus and conviction.

Well, they can say whatever they want, I can only speak for myself, and I will say - I like it.  Is it my favorite?  No.  But there are some gems here, including the raucous instrumental "Intruder", which segues right into the Roy Orbison cover "Pretty Woman."

And it may be just me, but ever since my high school marching band days, I've thought that "Intruder" would be a kickass song for a band to play from the sidelines at a football game.  Can you imagine how such an arrangement would sound with a well-oiled percussion section, some booming tubas and tenor saxes and a few wailing trumpets?  Wouldn't that just rule?

OK, maybe it is just me.  But it would sure be better than that lame fight song the USC band plays FIFTY BILLION TIMES a game.

Hear "Intruder/Pretty Woman" on YouTube

This is part of a week-long series on David Lee Roth-era Van Halen.