It only has one redeeming quality - A review of Motörhead's ''Under Cöver''

Legendary rock band Motörhead has released numerous outstanding cover tracks throughout the forty years of its incredible career. The group's first single included a cover of Eddie Holland's ''Leavin' Here''. The second single included a rendition of Pink Fairies' ''City Kids''. The band's first studio record even included tight renditions of Hawkwind's ''Motörhead'', ''Lost Johnny'' and ''The Watcher''. The album included a fourth cover song with Tiny Bradshaw's ''The Train Kept-a-Rollin'''. An underrated classic is the band's rendition of Richard Berry's ''Louie Louie''. Think of the cool cover version of Girlschool's ''Emergency'' and Motörhead's collaboration with Girlschool to record Johnny Kidd & The Pirates' ''Please Don't Touch''. I could mention many more excellent examples. 

Now, what do all of the aforementioned tracks in common? That's right, none of them is included on Under Cöver, a release that is supposed to showcase the band's greatest cover songs. This fact basically nullifies the purpose of this questionable release alone. It's another example for a cheap attempt by a label to grab some cash from nostalgic fans and to take advantage of Lemmy's legacy in the most disgraceful way.

Let's get this clear. The songs on this record are mostly very good. Motörhead's raw rendition of Judas Priest's ''Breaking the Law'' might be better than the original version, the ferocious garage rock take on Metallica's ''Whiplash'' kicks ass and Sex Pistols' ''God Save the Queen'' underlines the band's rebellious spirit and connection to the reckless spirit of the punk scene. There is a reason why punks, rock fans and metal maniacs equally admire Motörhead. It's just that this release itself is incomplete and doesn't do this legendary band any justice.

The only reason why this record doesn't get the worst possible rating is the inclusion of a previously unreleased cover song which is basically the only reason to potentially buy this release. Motörhead covered David Bowie's thoughtful anthem ''Heroes'' to honor one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century a few months before Lemmy passed away himself. This makes said rendition even more emotional and nostalgic. The song might not be Motörhead's most convincing cover song but it's one of the most authentic, emotional and personal ones and manages to send shivers down my spine.

To keep it short, grab this record if you can find it for five bucks or less to experience the band's hypnotizing, nostalgic and thoughtful rendition of David Bowie's ''Heroes''. This song is the only redeeming quality of this cheap and incomplete compilation. An extensive greatest hits collection of the band would have made much more sense than exchangeable product here.

Final rating: 10%