Mad Mike Jones has been a living legend in the world of motocross racing since the 70's. When he was approached to put his name on a compilation of hard rock songs, he would only agree to do it if all the tracks were as exciting and intense as his racing. And boy are they ever. Mad Mike Jones Presents Mototrax 1 (Divine/Priority) is a compilation of twelve tempestuous tunes from some of today's biggest rockers including Static-X, Slipknot, Mudvayne, Disturbed, Cold, and (hed)p.e. And each one of these raging songs is not available on any other album.
The CD begins with “Electric Heart,” an archetypal punk track by Pure Rubbish that even includes a perky guitar solo. Next up is a furious live performance of “Burning Inside” by Static-X. This band is so good live, putting the studio version on the compilation would have been a sin. Slipknot check in with the “Molt Injected Mix” of “Sic.” To be honest, this remix didn't seem all too different from the original, but one could see how it would be difficult to improve on such a tight song. To keep things rockin', Disturbed contribute a live recording of their breakthrough radio hit “Stupify” to the compilation. But unlike the radio edit, don't expect any screams to replace profanity on this version, as frontman David Draiman asks, “Are you ready to say fuck with me L.A.?”
The next track is the Cold tune “Just Got Wicked,” which has been remixed by Madhatter and is just plain insane. Mudvayne's MTV2 darling “Dig” has also been remixed for this groundbreaking compilation, named the “Everything and Nothing Mix.” This offering amalgamates the two potent genres of hardcore metal and industrial into an aggravated sonic attack. My favorite song on this metal compilation is actually the hip-hop flavored track “Bartender” by (hed)p.e. This version pits West Coast rapper Bad Azz against M.C.U.D. in a classic freestyle contest. Both deliver a lustrous performance, flowing with the beat like the sweat of a Death Row inmate. The offering that follows is the “Total Destruction Mix” of Soulfly's song “Terrorist.” In light of the recent events in New York and Washington D.C., I have opted not to comment on this track, but to instead urge the readers to contribute to the cause.
Texas rockers Union Underground come through with an enthusiastic live version of “Natural High,” taped at a show in Pittsburgh. Even Nashville Pussy put their two cents in by whipping up a rowdy, drunken version of the old Molly Hatchet hit “Flirtin' With Disaster.” Los Angeles club draw Slaves On Dope cover the wicked Black Sabbath anthem “War Pigs,” in which they channel their Satanic screw-the-world intensity into a burning hot dynamo of a song. The CD concludes with Zeke's unrelenting, frenetic tune “Kill The King.” This fast and furious offering is an awesome way to end the high-speed adventure that this album takes the listener on.
If you want to experience the thrill of competing in the fast-paced sport of motocross without breaking any bones, Mad Mike Jones Presents Mototrax 1 is the compilation for you. But if a pit breaks out, and chances are it will, all bets are off. The race begins on October 9, 2001.
-Rikk eLhaj
Rikk@UnEarthed.com
