Compilation CD's are always a risky venture and when MTV gets involved, anyone the least bit weary of the commercial side of the music industry, aka the bulk of heavy music fans, are likely to avoid it altogether. On that note enter "MTV Road Rules: Don't Make Me Pull This Thing Over Volume 1", a surprisingly well rounded effort that showcases not the pop or nu-metal bands that currently get massive amounts of airplay on the aforementioned station, but rather groups from the current indie/emo/punk scene that is presently bubbling under the surface and being touted as the eventual birthplace of the next big thing.

From the generously overplayed poppy rock of Jimmy Eat World and the abrasive emocore breakdowns of Thursday to the melodic hard rock of Hoobastank and the chunky modern metal of the Deftones, this release contains a wealth of strong tracks from a modestly diverse range of artists, most of whom have already built up an established fan base for themselves. Thankfully its not all heavy hitters though as the inclusion of the likes of the blistering electro-hardcore/punk of The Rise, the voracious emo meets metal collision that is Haste and the up and coming punky post hardcore reminiscent music of The Used and more who are present here suggest that this disc will serve as a gateway for many listeners new to the scene.

Still with little in the form of new songs offered up on this disc and most of the contributions consisting of already worn out singles, it's hard to see this outing enticing any of the longtime fans of the bands featured on it as it is ultimately comprised of tracks that anyone even half inclined to the scene it showcases will likely already have. With that in mind it tends to be a great introductory disc and a well put together compilation but offers little to those who've already wet their feet in the waters of the current "underground" scene.