ALBUM REVIEW: MOTORHEAD - UNDER COVER

MOTORHEAD
UNDER COVER
Silver Lining Music
Hard Rock, Speed Metal, NWOBHM.
Listening Format: CD



One criticism that is often thrown Motorhead's way is that all their albums sound exactly the same... Well not this time! I mean it does still have that unmistakable Motorhead sound, production style, and Lemmy's iconic vocals, but it is very refreshing to hear them take on some different sounds and styles to the norm. This compilation collects covers that have mostly appeared elsewhere in their discogaphy, so die hard fans might not have any surprises in store. Most of the tracks have been recorded after the 2000s, but 'Sympathy For the Devil', and a cover of Bowie's 'Heroes' come from the final recording sessions in 2015 before Lemmy's sad passing.

Motorhead are honouring their heroes and influences here, covering artists such as Sex Pistols, Rainbow, Rolling Stones, Ted Nugent, Ramones and more. Compared to the classic 70s Motorhead sound, things are a lot more laid back on this album. That raging, noisy blur of speed that makes iconic tracks like 'Ace of Spades' or 'Motorhead' isn't quite heard on here. 'Cat Scratch Fever' and 'Rockaway Beach' are surprisingly tame for Motorhead. Even when they tackle some of the faster songs like 'God Save the Queen', they don't manage to match the ferocity of The Sex Pistols original. 'Heroes' is an intriguing rendition, almost going for this stadium rock sound, but there is something absolutely wonderful about hearing Lemmy taking on Bowie. On 'Starstruck', Lemmy must have realised that his vocal range isn't anywhere near capable of matching Ronnie James Dio's voice, so Biff Byford from their fellow peers Saxon takes on the high notes on this one. They really stumble through this track, but in a very entertaining way. Metallica have often praised Motorhead as a big influence and even released the 'Motorheadache' EP covering their songs, so it is ace that Motorhead came full circle, covering 'Whiplash' by Metallica, and this is one of the better cuts on the album too.

This Motorhead covers album is kind of like watching the film Birdemic. It's so bad that it's good! None of these covers manage to outdo the originals, but it is so fascinating to hear them Motorheadize some classic Rock songs! 'Under Cover' is kind of terrible, yet utterly enjoyable! 6/10.