Various Artists: Frezno Smooth

VARIOUS ARTISTS

"Frezno Smooth: Music From the Motion Picture" (Spitfire)

This soundtrack from the film "Frezno Smooth" succeeds on two levels. First, it works as a compilation album. Second, it makes you want to see the movie.

"Frezno Smooth" begins with "Hardcore," a song penned by Twisted Sister's Dee Snider for Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister. Snider recorded it on his recent solo album; Lemmy sings it here. It's a hardcore metal anthem that is as much a tribute to that genre of music as it is to the master, Lemmy himself.

Next up is a rough and heavy cover of the Go Go's "We Got the Beat by 4 Gazm. Haven't heard this band before, but this cover bodes well. You're still aware of the Go Go's poppy sounds, but 4 Gazm has put some real power behind it.

"Gimme" is next, from Alice Cooper's brilliant "Brutal Planet" CD. 'nuff said.

96 Decibel Freaks perform "Freak" next, which sounds like it could have come off the last Limp Bizkit record. The classic "Shout at the Devil" by Motley Crue is next, followed by the Black Label Society's driving "Counterfeit God." Zakk Wylde has seldom sounded better.

Sixty Watt Shaman perform "Fear Death by Water" next, and it's a groovy, funky number with great vocals and strong guitars. Following the Shaman is Dee Snider with a live version of "We're Not Gonna Take It." Don't ask me why, but this song never seems to work live (unless you're there) and this version is one of this CD's weaker tracks.

Testament do "Riding the Snake" next and, as expected, it's a powerful tune. Convoy's "Chevy" follows and it's a goofy little novelty number that brings to mind Randy Newman. The Whitecaps do "Disco Ball" next and it roars through your speakers like the punk rock monster it is.

The CD rounds out with "Chalis" by Dio and a live version of Motorhead's "Motorhead." Hey, if you gotta go out, go out with a bang.

"Frezno Smooth" is that rare soundtrack recording that works. The songs meld effortlessly together (in fact, the movie dialogue interspersed between songs often gets in the way!) and, as I mentioned previously, it makes you want to see the movie.

Speaking of the movie, "Frezno Smooth" stars Seth Enslow, Ice-T, Mike Metzger, Ron Jeremy, Mike Ness, Tony Hawk, Lemmy, Christian Fletcher, Tony Alva, Tori Welles and more. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.freznosmooth.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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