Review By: Virgil
Date: 2004-09-23

Mike Taylor is the host of this issue of 411. In my opinion, this is probably the best 411 issue I have seen yet. The openers are jaw-dropping featuring Mike V. and Daewon Song with mind-blowing hammers. The Controlled Chaos features Paul Rodriguez, Jereme Rogers, Eric Bork, Van Wastell, and Terry Kennedy doing what they do best with amazing pop and an awesome song. New Bootleg pro Scott Kane tears up spots in the Rookie section filming long lines with style and finesse. Take a Road Trip with the Venture team though Houston, Texas and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Stacey Lowery, Paul Rodruguez, Danny Montoya, and Dan Drehbol are the few names that also appear at the South Side Skatepark to entertain the Wish Kids. They definitely gave them a time to remember. Up next is Wheels on Fire. Four up-and-comer rippers are featured; Canada's Russ Milligan takes apart most of North Vancouver's unknown spots. Laguna Hill's Kelly Hart reminds me a lot like a Brian Wenning in the making... so that makes him a skater worth watching. The Swiss skater Sven Kilchenmann takes manual variations to new heights. And New Zealand's Bjorn Johnston goes switch-stance on rails like butter on bread. Tampa Am Contest hightlights are next and it's always fun to see newbies skate as good... or even better than the pros that would compete at The SPoT. Another Canadian Am, Grant Patterson of Bootleg, is showcased in the Wheels of Fortune article. He also reminds me of a younger Ryan Gallant. The style and trick variations are very comparable. The second last article is the Chaos. Take skaters like Eric Koston, Henry Sanchez, Justin Strubing, Jeremy Holmes and dozen other recognized and not-so-recognized skaters with awesome bangers and a gnarly song... and you have a very enjoyable Chaos. Issue 63 now closes with Mike Taylor's Profile. This is Mikey's last part since In Bloom. Loads of nollies, ledges, handrails, gaps, and switch-stance with a 3-peat Jay-Z soundtrack in the background. Yet another mind blowing segment from Mikey. His younger brother Matt is his special guest. It's surprising to know that Matt is not sponsored. He'll probably jump on the bandwagon sometime in the near future. If you are looking for a 411VM issue that is worth the money, The Mikey Issue is just right for you. If ya don't like Roc-a-Fella, you'll be surprised becuase the soundtrack is not at all disappointing. Check this video out sooner than later.