Album Review: MOTORHEAD - Under Cöver

01. Breaking the Law (Judas Priest)
02. God Save the Queen (Sex Pistols)
03. Heroes (David Bowie)
04. Starstruck (Dio)
05. Cat Scratch Fever (Ted Nugent)
06. Jumpin' Jack Flash (The Rolling Stones)
07. Sympathy for the Devil (The Rolling Stones)
08. Hellraiser (Ozzy Osbourne)
09. Rockaway Beach (Ramones)
10. Shoot 'Em Down (Twisted Sister)
11. Whiplash (Metallica) 

There's nothing like the death of a beloved rock star to stimulate the business of shameless cash-ins. In fairness, Motörhead's back catalogue was being mercilessly exploited well before Lemmy's death, with compilation albums seemingly being released all the damn time. Maybe I'm just a cynical bastard, and the release of this record is a genuine tribute to one of the most important icons in Rock music? Make up your own mind on that one!

Under Cöver is a compilation of cover versions from throughout Motörhead's career. Most Motörhead die-hards will already have the majority of these, and the only previously unreleased track is a version of David Bowie's Heroes, which is not only a great rendition, but carries a new emotional dynamic due to both Lemmy and Bowie passing soon after this track was recorded. It's a wonderful song to end the story of Motörhead, and the music video is genuinely moving.

Naturally, the material on here is awesome, and Motörhead always knew how to tackle a great song and put their own stamp on it. My personal favourites are God Save The Queen, Heroes, Starstruck (which features Saxon's Biff Byford on lead vocals) and Hellraiser (which Lemmy co-wrote). The cover of Metallica's Whiplash is also great, but did anyone else notice that Motörhead's version of Enter Sandman has been omitted from this collection? That's a real shame.

Under Cöver is a great collection of songs and is definitely worth picking up if you don't already own the majority of the tracks on other releases.