For Unlawful Concert Knowledge : VAN HALEN “Right Here Right Now” Warner Bros. ***

Van Halen, one of L.A’s earliest and most consistent metal exports, has turned 15, and is marking the occasion with its first live album.

There are really two Van Halens: the David Lee Roth-led version that formed in 1978, and the current, Sammy Hagar-fronted lineup. There’s a distinct musical difference between the two, and this 24-cut retrospective leans toward the post-Roth material, with only four songs--including “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” and “Panama”--that were originally sung by Diamond Dave.

“Right Here Right Now” is culled from shows recorded as long as six years ago, and contains the expected hits, solos and asides, plus a Who song, a Hagar solo tune and an acoustic outing. Much like the band itself, it’s a polished, pro, high-quality, well-produced package. Though there’s some dead weight (e.g. the keyboard-laden “Dreams” and the dull “Spanked”), Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar work and wondrously full tone on songs such as “Why Can’t This Be Love” compensate.

Overall, “Right Here Right Now” is well-paced, with slick chart-toppers such as “Poundcake” faring well against more fluid, high-energy crash-and-bash fare such as “You Really Got Me.” Don’t be surprised if Van Halen’s around to celebrate the big 3-0.

New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four (excellent).