XX (pronounced Double X) is a compilation album by American metal band Mushroomhead, released in 2001. It was originally released through Eclipse Records, where Mushroomhead took classic tracks and remixed them. XX was re-released on Universal Records in December of the same year. XX contains tracks from the band's three independently released albums: Mushroomhead, Superbuick, and M3.
Being the first Mushroomhead album released on a major label, XX's re-release on Universal Records introduced Mushroomhead on a national and international level, while they were previously just a regionally known band. The album has sold over 300,000 copies. Musically, the album is primarily within the genres of industrial metal, nu metal and alternative metal with a diverse influence from genres such as gothic rock, punk rock, techno, and hip hop.
Contents
Difference between versions
Compared to the Universal Records release, the Eclipse Records version contains clearer production that's more faithful to the original albums, a different track listing, and a hidden prank call. The original version features the newly recorded track "Epiphany". The reissued version removes "Epiphany", but includes the newly recorded track "Empty Spaces" along with remixes of "Too Much Nothing" and "Fear Held Dear".
Music videos
"Solitaire Unraveling" is the only song from the album to have a music video produced, which was directed by Dean Karr. The video is set in a Southern California airplane hangar and shows the band in specially designed masks. According to J Mann, the song "acts as a metaphor for the cycles of life and the duality of man". Drummer and founding member Skinny adds, "It's very much us: dark, creepy, surreal."
It found airplay on Uranium, Kerrang! TV, MTV2, and MTV2 Europe.
Personnel
Tracks noted are based on the reissued Universal Records version. JJ Righteous was featured in the booklet for the original version whereas Stitch was featured in the reissued version.
Mushroomhead
Jeffrey Nothing – vocals
J Mann – vocals
Skinny – drums
Shmotz – keyboards
JJ Righteous – guitars (tracks 1–9, 11–14)
Pig Benis – bass (tracks 1–11, 13)
Bronson – samples (tracks 1, 3, 6, 9, 11); guitars (track 10, Universal version)
Gravy – guitars (tracks 10, 15)
Stitch – samples (track 10, Universal version)
Dinner – guitars (tracks 1–9, 11–14)
Mr. Murdernickel – bass (tracks 12, 14)
DJ Virus – turntables (tracks 2, 4–5, 7–8, 12, 14)
Additional personnel
Steve Felton – producer
Mushroomhead – producer
Bill Korecky – engineer, mixer (Eclipse version)
Pat Lewis – engineer
Scot Edgell – additional vocals (track 9)
Reception
CMJ (4/30/01, p. 17) - "Employs piano, clean vocals, and strong song structures; and beckons more to Faith No More ca. King for a Day or Fool for a Lifetime."
