Last month's pick was Down II. To see past picks check out the archive.

What's up dirt heads? It was a very sad, sad month of March here at Noize Pollution. I don't mean in CD selection, but I mean as a fan. I was crushed/depressed/hurt and devastated when I found out the latest news that my 2 most favorite bands in the world were calling it quits. Megadeth and Fear Factory. So as a homage to them and what they've meant to me over the years, I've decided to feature and salute my favorite band in the world and their live album, Megadeth- Rude Awakening. (Sanctuary, 2002)

Track Listing-Disc 1
1. Dread and the Fugitive Mind
2. Kill the King
3. Wake Up Dead
4. In My Darkest Hour
5. Angry Again
6. She Wolf
7. Reckoning Day
8. Devil's Island
9. Train Of Consequences
10. A Tout Le Monde
11. Burning Bridges
12. Hangar 18
13. Return To Hangar
14. Hook In Mouth

Track Listing-Disc 2
1. Almost Honest
2. 1,000 Times Goodbye
3. Mechanix
4. Tornado Of Souls
5. Ashes In Mouth
6. Sweating Bullets
7. Trust
8. Symphony of Destruction
9. Peace Sells
10. Holy Wars
*Bonus Track* Peace Sells Medley

This is one of the best live CD's I have in my collection next to Black Sabbath Live! Almost over 2 hours of some of the greatest songs that make you feel like you are there. All you have to do is close your eyes and admire what the band has accomplished, went through and prevailed.

This live CD is a blessing! I'm so happy that they did one after all these years and right before Dave Mustaine's injury to his wrist. I'm at least thankful for that. It features all the classics, some old and some new. From the early days "Mechanix" (The real version-not someone elses attempt) to the newest "Kill the King", "Dread and the Fugitive Mind", & "Burning Bridges" off of their last album. Favorites on here include, "Peace Sells", "Holy Wars," "Symphony of Destruction," and "In my Darkest Hour."

Megadeth is responsible for a lot of the bands that are out there now, but don't let that fool you. There are few and far between bands that can measure up to the potential Megadeth carried. For those of you who grew up on the likes of Limp Bizkit, Korn, & Slipknot, you are missing the bigger picture and most importantly, your roots! (Don't get me wrong, I love those bands.)

Megadeth called it quits and here's what Dave Mustaine had to say: "During the first week of January, 2002, while Megadeth was on hiatus, in Texas, I suffered an injury which caused severe nerve damage to my left arm and hand. It was diagnosed as Radial Neuropathy - specifically, a "compressed radial nerve." My doctors tell me it will take about a year to make as complete a recovery as I can, and even then, we don't know how complete that is going to be. I am working hard with a great team of doctors and physical therapists daily, and God willing, someday I hope to play guitar again.

In the meantime, while I work on rebuilding my arm, I will take this opportunity to reappraise my career and my future. For the time being I have decided to exit Megadeth, and explore other areas of the music business where I might make a contribution without being able to play my instrument.

I have had a terrific time singing and playing for you while I was in Megadeth. I am truly grateful for all of the numerous Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum Records I have been awarded, as well as the many International Record Awards. And I can never thank you, our fans past and present, enough for your loyalty and affection over the years.

My immediate goals now are to do what I can to make something good come out of this terrible situation. First and foremost, I want to use this opportunity to devote more time, energy and attention to my wife Pam and my two children, Justis and Electra. Pam has done a wonderful job carrying the load while I was a long-distance husband and father in the studio or criss-crossing the world on tour, but in terms of being a Gold or Platinum parent, I have a long way to go, and I'm eager to get started.

In closing I would like to depart with the beautiful French words I wrote on the record 'Youthanasia': "A tout le monde, a tous mes amis, Je vous aime, Je dois partir." (To all the world, to all my friends. I love you, I have to leave)"

-Dave Mustaine

Hopefully this isn't the last we see of Megadeth and they will regroup down the road. That's not to much to ask for is it? Or maybe this will be the last Record we will ever hear. Even more reason to go pick it up today! Thanks for the memories! My best to all!

Until next time, later freaks!

By T-Bone