In the ’90s, the Brits who comprise the Prodigy did for electronica what Garth Brooks did for country and Run-D.M.C. did for hardcore rap — they made it safe for rockers. The fact that the Prodigy had a rock-friendly outlook wasn’t lost on rock fans; in many cases, rockers who weren’t heavily into the rave scene became Prodigy converts. It isn’t uncommon to hear alternative rock fans saying things like, “As a rule, I can take electronica or leave it, but I really love the Prodigy.” The bottom line is: the Prodigy rocks, and for the most part, this Prodigy tribute album should have no problem appealing to rockers. Released on Cleopatra’s Hypnotic label in 2002, A Tribute to the Prodigy finds 12 different artists covering Prodigy tunes. Essentially, this CD falls into the electronica category, and it has plenty of techno appeal. But it also has a great deal of alternative rock and alternative metal appeal, which is why rockers should have an easy time getting into Glampire on “Serial Thrilla,” DJ Matthew Grimm on “Breathe,” or Dkay.com on “Firestarter.” The CD also has a lot of hip-hop appeal; Imperious Rex’s version of “Diesel Power,” for example, almost picks up where Mantronix left off. A Tribute to the Prodigy doesn’t exclude those who are not seasoned ravers — the CD will not intimidate the sort of listener who holds Ministry, Soundgarden, DMX, Godflesh, and Mobb Deep in equally high regard but has only a casual interest in electronica, techno, and rave music. And if you fit that description, A Tribute to the Prodigy is worth exploring. – Alex Henderson
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