As an outsider to Linkin Park it's sometimes hard to comprehend the reasoning behind the bands decisions of late. Collaborating with lots of different hip-hop artists is something not even the fans themselves had pictured happening this year end.
From Handsome Boy Modelling School, Chali 2NA and Styles of Beyond, through Motion Man and Jay-Z, the list is getting bigger by the week. The main focus and hype right now though? "Collision Course," the new CD/DVD from Linkin Park and Jay-Z, which oversees the pairings day in the studio as they record a series of "Mash-Ups" of the two's tracks, also featured is the complete live performance of the 6 tracks (with "It's Goin' Down" thrown in for good measure) at Hollywood's Roxy Theatre. The CD premiered on MTV.com this week, so it's time for a review.
Before I get into the review though, a bit of background on the bundle for those not in the know: The CD contains the full 6 studio recordings of the mash-ups (produced by none other than Mike Shinoda), which were recorded all in one day (after a few months 'planning' by Mike). The tracks feature remixed instrumentals and completely re-recorded lyrics for almost the entire thing, as tempo's are altered, lyrics are cut, and new drum and bass parts are pasted into place. The DVD features Linkin Park and Jay-Z performing the 6 tracks live at the Roxy Theatre in southern California, on July 18th 2004, as well as a short documentary from inside the studio, picturing the recording of the album, rehearsals and more. The DVD comes in 5.1 surround sound and also features a gallery full of exclusive photos from the night.
"Collision Course" starts off a little pretentiously with Chester Bennington screaming down the mic about wanting a frappuccino, not the idealistic start to your typical hip-hop album. Then again, "Collision Course" isn't your typical hip-hop album...
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