Essential Noize : The Very Best Of

ut of all the zillions of Motörhead compilations released over the years, 2005's Essential Noize: The Very Best Of may just be the best one yet. And the reason is quite simple -- it covers the best tracks from 1978 through 1984, which just about every single Motörhead fan agrees is their strongest period. At the time this material first arrived, many rock fans and metal heads were left scratching their heads in bewilderment, as few groups managed to combine the energy of punk with the power of metal as Lemmy and company did. By the early 21st century, it became quite clear that Motörhead were bona fide trailblazers, influencing countless bands (Metallica, Soundgarden, etc.) and singlehandedly inventing thrash metal. All you need is Essential Noize for the proof. The late '70s/early '80s saw most rock bands embrace pristine production, while Motörhead went in the complete opposite direction, as evidenced by such raw and rocking delights as "Overkill," "No Class," "Bomber," "(We Are) The Road Crew," and of course, the greatest Motörhead song of them all, "Ace of Spades." Also included are a few post-Fast Eddie Clarke tracks -- "Shine" (which saw Thin Lizzy's Brian Robertson briefly sign on) and "Killed by Death" (which saw Motörhead expand to a quartet). Some of the finest hard rock/heavy metal ever recorded can be found here. A must-have if you don't already own such classics as Overkill, Ace of Spades, etc. Crank it loud! ~ Greg Prato|