Motörhead

You've got to love Motorhead. These guys have been around since the mid-70's, have forged their own style and pretty much stuck to it for 30 years. It is basic rock n roll at it's most primal with band leader Lemmy leading the charge. Most fans consider "Ace Of Spades" to be the band's all time classic album, and indeed it is a good one, although not without it faults. The title track is probably the band's most recognizable tune (they have never really had a hit at least here in the U.S.) and the rest of the album is also quite strong. There are a few clunkers on this one though, I really don't care much for "Fire Fire", "Dance", "Jailbait" (talk about clichéd lyrics), but there are also some classics like "We Are The Road Crew", and "The Chase Is Better Than The Catch" along with the title track. Moterhead were a little bit ahead of their time in many respects and never reached the commercial success that many of their imitators would later in the 80's and 90's. I find "Ace" to be a good, but not necessarily classic Motorhead album, but a lot of the band's fans would probably disagree.

As I sit here listening to the Ace of Spades album I can't help but say a few words even though another positive review of this classic album isn't at all necessary.
You've undoubtedly heard of this album, own it or at least have heard the title track. Ace of Spades is the most popular and famous Motorhead album. It's their British Steel, Number of the Beast, Dark Side of the Moon, Agents of Fortune, etc, etc. And like those albums, it's very strong and very solid. It's not the best album Motorhead has done, nor is it the only one someone should buy. These guys continue to put out great stuff(look no further than 2004's Inferno for that).
One of the best qualities of Motorhead is that there is no B.S. with these guys. They achieved their legendary status by simply being themselves and never having to compromise. Wanting to continue in the tradition of the original concepts of Rock and Roll music-music that is loud, wild, energetic, tough, dirty and bugs the hell out of parents-Motorhead have made it their mission to be the rowdiest, dirtiest and loudest rock band in the world. And they pull it off in....ahem....Spades.
Motorhead hate being categorized as a heavy metal band. In many ways they are quite different than the metal bands of that time, but they do share the same intensity of those bands, even surpassing many of them. Because of it's volume and energy, it's quite easy to see why they earn this label. It is easier to think of them more as a very loud and energetic biker type rock band. The album cover pretty much sums up the sound of the band-Rough looking outlaw looking types who don't look like the kind of guys you wanna screw around with.
Ace of Spades is a very good intro to the newcomer. Some disagree with me, but I really don't feel there are any filler songs on this album. It is a great starting point, but don't think it's the only great album they did.

Motorhead-Ace Of Spades *****

Before I start my official review I just want to say that Motorhead is without a doubt one of the all time greatest bands in the history of rock n' roll. Much in the same way The Ramones are one of the best and have a amazing following yet are not hardly ever given their dues, Motorhead is in the same category.

This is by far Motorheads best album. Ace Of Spades is an unrelenting, take to prisoners, punch you in the face and buy you a beer afterwards sort of rock n' roll album. Lemmy wrote so of his best straight up rock lyrics here, while not as politically charged as some of his later work the lyrics still are great. His vocal performance is rough and satisfying as always. His rumbling bass playing along side Philthy Phill's killer drum grooves and Fast Eddie Clark's amazing, and I do mean amazing guitar work is incredible.

From the rumbling opening riff of the classic title track, 'Ace Of Spades' through the sloppy 'Fast And Loose' (though I think sloppy was the point), the honest 'Jailbait' and the cliche' yet okay when done by a band like Motorhead 'Bite The Bullet' Ace of Spades is a damn near perfect album.

Some versions of the album come with three bonus tracks. These were originally released on a Ep with the band Girlschool. 'Dirty Love' 'Please Don't Touch' and 'Emergency' are all great additions to the end of the album and always make for a great and interesting listen.

It just doesn't get much better than this. This is the kind of rock n' roll album that can truly wear the badge of rock n' roll. It is unapologetic, loud, fast, angry at times and not during others. So if your looking for a Motorhead album this is the one!

Motörhead has the reputation, much like AC/DC, of having made the same album again and again. But a quick comparison of Ace of Spades with other notables from Motörhead's catalog, notably Overkill, which has a somewhat more atmospheric bent, and later releases like Inferno and Kiss of Death, which are very bluesy by comparison, reveals a band that has pursued a number of variations in style, and all to great success.

With that in mind, Ace of Spades is representative of the most commonly perceived Motörhead style. Much of the album is in the speed metal vein that they helped to create (despite the claims that "We are Motörhead. We play rock n' roll."), though there are some clear blues influences ("The Chase is Better than the Catch," for example), and punk ("The Hammer" and many others) as well. As such, the album is an unrelenting assault on the senses. Its goal? To beat you into submission! And to this end it is successful.

I find, however, that despite its claim to fame, this is far from the best Motörhead album. All three of those mentioned above are stronger in their execution and songwriting though, much like The Number of the Beast to fans of Iron Maiden, this one lays claim to a special place in the hearts of the fans and in metal history.

In addition to the quality of the album as a whole, the bonus tracks here are a worthwhile addition and add a great bit of fun at the end of an already strong album.

If you a metal fan you already know about his album. It should be in everyones collection. Fast raw heavy thick energy. If the ramones are tin foil, this album is concrete and steel. The pace of this album is like sprinting a marathon.

The Best of Motorhead is a great collection of songs. I've had it for about a month now and it's almost all I listen to. This was the first Motorhead CD(s) I've bought. I'm not sure why I waited so long because I've really been missing out! They probably could have left off the song from the girl band and Louie Louie, but it's still a great collection.

I've often found Motorhead albums a bit middlin', a bit one-dimensional, (excepting `Another Perfect Day' which is extraordinary) but often boasting 2 or 3 exceptional songs which usually find their way as singles releases.
Wouldn't it be sweet then, if some-one out there on Planet Motorbonce, decided in their wisdom, to compile said startling moments, and lash `em on a double cd.
Which is just what they've done. `Best of' ( yes, I have had a chuckle at that title), is both a splendid retrospective of the groups ferocious history, and a top sampler for any coy popsters currently pondering whether to immerse themselves in that fantastic swirling, murky Motortop sound.
There's no way to describe it in print, unless you start going down the `whoarrrrgggghhh!!' route with our studded-black-leather, metal-gnawin' brethren. It's a colossal yet pleasing row, that WILL loosen your fillings, whip your brain with barb-wire etc etc.
It exists in a dimension us mortals can only glimpse into occasionally. That dark, hellish heavy-metal netherworld, of which we are justifiably afraid, and dare not enter without invoking the spirits of Lemmy and Philthy Phil (Animal) Taylor. Courageous souls only on that trip.
So what the rest of us do, is buy this type of compilation to make us look brave. So our friends will think we've got some really challenging, unorthodox stuff sitting angrily next to REM and Brucie, just waiting to pounce!
'Best of's removal from its radio-active proof casing, invariably results in mass groans and feeble cries of "Not them please, can't we listen to `the Wall'"
Not in the Ess abode children, we like to go full hit into the maelstrom when the moon is full, and certain celestial beacons are aligned. Watch them shudder as the intro to the paint-strippingly loud `I Got Mine' pillages it's way into the room. Observe them grovel as `Ace of Spades' crunches it's deathly outro into the back-from-the-pub, post-takeaway ether. See them wail in pain as the storming `Iron Fist' rustles the curtains, and rattles the window-frames, earthquake fashion. (I'm loving this HM writing btw, the cliché count's through the roof!)
Some of these songs were decent chart hits of course, which shows the lads-in-black don't just deal in blood and guts apocalyptic metal mayhem (yay!) but have got a choon or 3 in their cupboard, along with some nifty pseudo-cynical lyrics. A Smiths fan would appreciate Motorskull, if it wasn't for all that leather. And why aren't they doing film music? Imagine the `Lord of the Rings' or 'Harry Potter' with a Motornut soundtrack!
There's some filler, which is why I've docked `em a star, but generally this double (thickness concrete?) cd is well worth a few spins. That is, of course, if you don't mind what else comes in from that famous netherworld...

This collection was not chosen well. The band's early years are covered well, but the still-in-print No Remorse is a much better collection of the early years. This collection skimps on the last 12 years worth of Motorhead, with only one selection each (and never the best) from fan favorite albums like 1916, Sacrifice and Snake Bite Love. Space is also wasted on a track by Girlschool (covering a Motorhead song) and a song by leader Lemmy's previous band, Hawkwind.

If you want a sampling of Motorhead, No Remorse covers the first 8 years well. In addition, where is beautiful ballads?

I would highly suggest this for someone who likes the band and doesn't want to have to buy a lot of cds to get a lot of motorhead. They have a huge catalog and unless you're die hard you should be satisfied with this.

Multiple obvious incorrect choices for a greatest hits. You would think that they could get all the best with 40-45 songs to work with but they didn't. Too many earlier songs with Lemmy's other bands and too many crowd favorites that aren't as good on CD as they are live. Still entertaining as all Motorhead albums are, but somewhat lacking.

Motorhead-Overkill *****

"Only way to feel the noise is when it's good and loud" Lemmy Kilmister testifies on the very first line of the what many consider to be teh greatest hard rock album of all time. Overkill is unlike any other Motorhead album yet it encompass everything that we would see and love about the band in the years to come. Powerful, angry, intelligent, and incredible rock n' roll.

'Overkill' the massively influential title track, 'No Class' and the riff frenzy that is 'Damage Case' are all here. All three of which are easily the bands most influential tracks, with out the likes of whom bands like Metallica would have never formed. But more than that is the gender bending, though not really 'Ill Be Your Sister' the spacey 'Capricorn' the mania of '(I Won't)Pay Your Price' and the 'Limb From Limb' which may or may not be the very best Motorhead tune of all time.

Riffs from out of this world played by Fast Eddie Clarke. Some of the most solid drumming of all time is played by Philthy Taylor. But Lemmy shines here the most. His bass is more prominent on Overkill than any other album and his lyrics are some of his more personal and strongest. While he hadn't taken on any serious subjects like war, and politics as he would later these are still some of his best lyrics.

Overkill was a landmark album for metal, punk, and rock n' roll. While never really fitting into either of those genres it still is claimed by all. Overkill caused a million kids to form bands, and launched Motorhead into cult status. Along with Bomber, and of course Ace Of Spades, Overkill is essential for early Motorhead.

I knew Motorhead Rocked, but this second effort shows them jelling into a classic band. All the big tunes, "Stay Clean", "Metropolis", and "Louie, Louie" Are solid. The ones I haven't heard "Pay Your Price", "Tear Ya Down", and "Limb By Limb" were great surprises too. If you're a Motorhead fan or are new to the band This ones a must have!

If you think you know what they mean when they say "Heavy Metal" and you have never heard this album... than you are lying to yourself. Lemmy of Motorhead had been noodling around with a few sounds, and a few line-ups since about '74, trying to create a bar band that was as true to the term "Kick A&&" as he was. The peices slowly fell together a year or so earlier when he got the trio together to make up the first real line-up to Motorhead. While the debut album was a frenzy of hard rockin sound that literally bounced off your walls and into your brain stem, it was here with OVERKILL that the band took it past the limits and created the most balls out heavy metal experience around.
Overkill is the album that really shows how epic metal can be, without all of the extended jams or the drawn out solos. In fact, every song is pretty basic, and under five minutes. But it packs the punch. This album is best coupled with Bomber, the bands next release... however the latter album mellows out just a tad (it'll still make your mommas head explode though)... Overkill is pretty much the pinnacle, of nasty, bad ace rock,roll and metal. Arrrrrrgggggg....lets slug some whiskey and jump on things!

One of Motörhead's best, ... offers their usual mix of groove infused speed metal with some atmosphere ("Capricorn") and punk inspired hark rock ("Tear Ya Down"). A very strong album, with no weak tracks!

Some musical purists may turn up their noses, but I don't see how anyone who enjoys 30-40 minutes of straight-ahead, no-BS rock could dislike Motorhead.

"Overkill" is a 100-percenter of an album, meaning every cut here is a complete classic, and I never have to hit the "skip" button once. Furthermore, I'm going to need to create a new designation for future albums I review, called CVR.

CVR stands for Certified Volume Raiser, and it goes to any album that involuntarily causes me to reach for the control marked "Volume" and adjust so as to make the music louder. "Overkill" is one of those albums.

Anyway, rock albums that clock in at under 40 minutes with zero cheesy power ballads rule the earth. (Not that cheesy power ballads are always a bad thing.) "Overkill" fits that bill to a T, and you could make the argument that at times this record is almost punkish in its intensity. Alternatively, songs such as "Capricorn" and "Metropolis", nicely slow the pace down to that of a chugging runaway train, and kick tail THAT way.

The best song on this album is "Limb From Limb", which starts out as a Hendrix-like tune before opening up the throttle and going all-out toward its roaring conclusion. A classic. "Stay Clean" is another finalist for Best Song, because when you first hear it, it doesn't sound like anything special, but as with the best songs it gets better and better with every listen.

Everyone says Motorhead and this album in particular influenced speed metal. While that may be true, for me it's just good solid hard rock-type JAMS. A true CVR, indeed. 10 out of 10.

MOTORHEAD is and always will be one of my top three favorite bands of all time (along with THE RAMONES and NOFX). This album is amazing, Slash and Ozzy appear on it, they do a bad a$$ cover of "cat scratch fever"... Just a solid album that's mixed well, has plenty of variety and above all is pure %110 Rock and Roll in it's truest form... This, and 1916, are the two studio albums Sony screwed the band on, hence the "nice price" price tag... Don't be fooled... Steal both of these at $6.99 and own a couple of true gems from the most "Rock and Roll" Rock and Roll band of all time!!! Lemmy is god!!!

You would figure that it is bound to happen even with great bands like Motorhead. There would be a time that they would release a horrid album, and lets face it, when you have been releasing albums since 1977, there is going to be a title that the fan base doesnt like. 1992's "March or Die" is the follow up to the below average "1916", and for some reason the band, after a four year abscene (1987 Rock N Roll was released, and it wouldnt be til 1991 til the next release) the band seemed to be heading in a downward spiral. Like I stated before "1916" sounded just different. Gone was the rawness of the style of the band, and they had a more polished, almost more poppy sound. No, they didnt sell out, but I think the lack of studio time really hurt them. "March or Die" is pretty much a diaster, but I did give it another half of a star since "Stand" and "Name in Vein" are really good songs. The rest is just plain bad, and if you are just gettting into the band, and looking to get some more of the bands albums, this is the one that I would avoid. If you are looking for the some of the bands 1990's material, get "Bastards" , "Sacrifice" and "Snake Bite Love" all which are solid to excellent. I am sure that there will be those that disagree with me, as there are those that love every album the band has put out. I just happen to like the more "Thrashy" and "Raw" sound of the band from the older days, and thats why I am a bit more cricical or the bands newer stuff. Try on 2004's "Hammered" also. It is the best release since "Bastards" and is so impressive that they could make such a great album this late in their careers.

How does Motorhead follow up the experimental 4.5 star album 1916 with a even better album "March or Die"
1. Stand starts off the arsenal with a great speed and motovational lyrics, followed by the cover of 2. Cat Scratch Fever which is just great, 3. Bad Religion another classic off this album, 4. Jack The Ripper is probably my favorite track on the cd, 5. I Ain't No Nice Guy with Ozzy is a classic,6. Hellraiser is great to drive around in your car blarring the track with the windows down, 7. Asylum Choir, 8. Too Good To Be True are four star tracks, 9. You Better Run is another classic, 10. Name in vain 4 stars, and finally 11. March or Die is a 4 star track they have made better title tracks than this but still good nonetheless

First of, R.E. is my dad. I'm Trenton. Now.... How could you not like this album? First of all, the title track sums up our world - listen to the lyrics - it's us! We lie, cheat, decieve. Lemmy has got it straight in this song! Just look around! Second, the riffs are amazing and the lyrics just seem to fall into place! And third, Ozzy and Slash (two icons of R&R) team up with Lemmy for I Ain't No Nice Guy. The God of Rock has sent me a message - if you have ever heard of Motorhead - GET THIS ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The greatest metal band in the world with anther stellar cd. Generic Motorhead critics say, but what you expect? These guys have kicked ass for more then 30 years and Lemmy's voice has not faded like Ozzy, Slayer, amung some other metal bands. The songs are hard rock at its finest, and the 1 ballad per album (has happened since the beginning of the 1990s for some reason)is thoughtful and beautiful. One of the best albums by the most underlooked metal band in the world.

Motorhead-Bomber *****

Bomber just might be Motorhead's best album, or at the very least the second. Ace of Spades might have just a slight edge because it took where Bomber left off and perfected it. Similarly, Bomber was released around the same time and consisting of the same line up as Ace Of Spades. Lemmy, Philthy Animal Taylor, and Fast Eddie Clarke all dominate here.

Originally released in 1979 this was Motorhead's strongest effort up to date. 'Dead Men Tell No Tales' opens the album with a force. 'Lawman' which may be the strongest track keeps things going with a killer riff from Clarke and great vocals from Lemmy. 'Sweet Revenge' is full of slide guitar and unlike anything else in the groups canon. Groove heavy and full of power. As with all the previous tracks, the rest of the album relies on a western theme, one that Lemmy would perfect on Ace Of Spades and continue and obsession with for the rest of time. Just check out his uniform of choice next chance you get. 'Bomber' the albums title track is the only one not to follow the format, and it happens to be on of the albums best songs, but really one of the groups all time best. Taylor really shines on the title cut.

While not as instantly memorable as Ace, tracks like the opener, 'Sharpshooter' 'All The Aces' and the title track will live forever as early Motorhead classics. Call Motorhead what you want, personally rock n' roll usually does the trick. Bomber is a Motorhead and rock n' roll classic and one that could find a home in any rock collection. Classic, and essential!

1979s Bomber is a large step in the honing of Motorheads development as a pioneer of heavy music. Two of their big hits are on this disc "Dead Men Tell No Tales" and the Metal classic "Stone Dead Forever". The songs I haven't heard before getting Bomber are very good on their own. Lawman" and "Poison" can stand with the big Moterhead hits. Really all the tunes are solid and it has a lot of bonus material.

There's no such thing as a bad Motorhead album. The original line up with fast Eddie and Philthy is impossible to beat in the heavy metal realm. Bomber is my least favorite of the Eddie/Phil classic era, but it's still a freakin' fantastic record. I like Ace of Spades, Over Kill, and Iron Fist better, but this is also a must have for Motor heads.

Standout tracks: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Stone Dead Forever

Motorhead was probably the nastiest, loudest and bombastic band to ever emerge from the British punk scene, although they are not a punk band per se. What attracted metal fans and punks alike was a stripped down fast loud approach to balls-to-the-wall rock and roll - punky spirit with metal's chops.
'Bomber', the third assault by this three man panzer division, is a must have for those who still prefer the old classic lineup days with Fast Eddie Clarke and Philthy Animal Taylor alongside Lemmy Kilmister, now the only original member left.
Clarke especially gave Motorhead its signature sound with huge fat guitars and bluesy leads that added some class to the mix. Not that this meant Motorhead were anything but fast, loud and crude. It is incredible to remember that 1979 saw 'Overkill' and 'Bomber' in the stores alongside disco, the BeeGees, and other horrible acts too numerous to mention.
"Stone Dead Forever" and the title track are just two gems on this punishing CD. Fans will delight to the retakes and live cuts on the bonus CD, which sound better than the bonus tracks on 'Ironfist'. It's migraine inspiring, rude and perfect for ruining anybody's day who isn't a Motorheadbanger.

you know what your gonna get when you purchase a Motorhead cd...no frills, balls out, sweaty dirty rock and roll; and Bomber stands up as a highlight in their expansive catalogue. the songs are tight and the playing is solid and strong. the main album alone is a great buy but this additional cd adds some nice touches for fans....a few live songs and some alternate versions.

Motorhead-Inferno ****1/2

Brutal isn't the right word, just the first to come to mind. Inferno was Motorhead's 2004 album and one of their heaviest and all time best. Easily the strongest since 1995.

Mikkey Dee proves once again that he is currently the best drummer in all of rock n' roll. His power, speed, sometimes refrain, fills, and all around accuracy make him the man for the sticks! Philip Campbell is no slouch on Inferno either. Some of the best guitar playing of his career can be found here. His dueling lead work with the great Steve Vai on 'Terminal Show' and 'Down On Me' is stunning. But what is most amazing is his acoustic playing on 'Whorehouse Blues.' Then there is Mr. Kilmister. Some of his most vivid and image ridden lyrics ever. Not to mention his vocals are the best they have been since Another Perfect Day. Then his flawless bass playing which needs no introduction.

'Terminal Show' is one of the most intricate tracks the band has ever released as well as one of their best. 'Killers' is among their most intense. The angry protest of 'In The Name Of Tragedy' is classic Motorhead in the vein of the Iron Fist album of the early 1980's. 'In The Year Of The Wolf' might be the groups greatest song. 'Smiling Like A Killer' is Motorhead at their most evil, and intelligent at the same time.

'Whorehouse' shines above all though. It is the song we all knew Lemmy had in him since the beginning and when he finally wrote it he nailed it. Perfect line up for it as well. Top five Motorhead songs easily.

Inferno is really nothing new for Motorhead (with the exception of 'Whorehouse Blues') it is the same old formula just faster and louder. But they nail it (again). If your a fan and looking for yet another solid and great Motorhead album this will make a fine addition. No it isn't an instant classic, and yes they have made better albums; but Inferno won't do any harm to your record collection...except maybe melt all your other albums.

Thanks to Amazon.com, I got a new Motorhead CD, at a much lower price than at simular onling sites, and not to mention the on the spot timing amazon has with diliveries, when the say 3 days, it will be there in 3 days. And Motorhead is an amazing metal band that I have enjoyed listening to for years, The album is awesome, and its worth every pennie I spent on it, "In the year of the wolf" is my personal favorite song from the album. It takes some real musicianship to write such a powerful song, with such intense lyrics.

At this point in Motorheads career, their legacy is secure. Critically speaking, it doesn't matter too much what they do, its not really going to effect what the world in general will remember them for.

So the new albums are just the band throwing more songs onto the giant pile of awesome Motorhead material.

"Inferno" is no different. The sound remains the same, Motorheads still making music thats either the worlds heaviest rock or the worlds most groveable metal. Some of its more metal, some of its more rock, but it all sounds just like Motorhead.

In that respect, it's probably not going to convert people who don't like Motorhead, but who cares about them? "Inferno" is a great album, it totally rocks.

We get some true standouts like "Terminal Show" "In The Name Of Tradgedy" and "In The Year Of The Wolf" all of which are super heavy, rockin' and darn catchy.

The other songs here aren't that far behind, even if they won't be making any of my "Top Motorhead" lists, they certainly are great Motorhead songs.

And thats really what makes this album so great, its consistancy. Its all basically good. Usually there are one or two obviously weak tracks on most of Motorheads albums. But not on "Inferno."

There's no embarassingly bad, ham-fisted ballads or experiments like "1916" or "Don't Let Daddy Kiss Me" or "Serial Killer." The one 'experiment' on here is actually quite good (its a nice little acoustic blues jam), and they even put it at the end so as not to upset the albums momentum and tick off the closed-minded headbangers who can't enjoy some low-key blues once and a while.

Bottom line: "Inferno" is a top shelf Motorhead album, as good as, if not better than, anything they've done from "Orgasmatron" onward.

Yes it is amazing that Motorhead can still release great material considering that they released the debut album in 1977. Even though there was a short period in which they released two albums that were not up to par (1992's diaster "March or Die" and 1998's "Overnight Sensation")it is amazing that the band is still rocking this hard at this point, and considering their age, its even more impressive. "Inferno" is a fast paced album with the signiture Motorhead sound, which deliever just as hard as they did back in the "Ace of Spades" and "Overkill" days. Even though the album as a whole isnt as good as the two I just mentioned (and what Motorhead albums are??) it still great that they gave such a strong effort, and still to this day have never really sold out there sound (even though they had a major label for 1916 and March or Die, they quickly ditched Sony Records to release the Metal classic "Bastards") Hopefully many rock bands will follow the form of Motorhead and just worrying about releasing great music for their fans, and not trying to get greedy and change their sound just to make a few extra bucks. Enjoy this 2004 release, and hopefully a new release will be ready for us soon, and I am sure the band wont let us down.

Inferno is the latest offering from Lemmy and the boys and they prove to be as blisteringly heavy as ever. The current lineup consists of Lemmy on bass / vocals, Mickey Dee on drums, and Phil Campbell on guitars. No it is not the classic lineup, but this album has an energy and relevance that really pushes it to the same level as some of the bands prime era. Motorhead have been around for a long time and never achieved the fame and fortune that many of their followers did, but this album can stand up with just about any current metal band out there. The playing is downright brutal at times and Lemmy's gruff voice sounds as good (or bad depending on your perspective) as ever. The guitar work by Campbell is very good and Dee is solid on the drums. The album is chock full of great songs, Terminal Show, Killers, In The Name Of Tragedy, Life's A Bitch, In The Year Of The Wolf, and Smiling Like A Killer are all great heavy rockers. The band even closes the album with of all things an acoustic blues number called Whorehouse Blues. Great stuff, and with Lemmy singing it, funny as hell. I don't own a lot of Motorhead on CD, but every time I listen to this album it reminds me that I need to pick up more of their stuff. When you just want to listen to some seriously heavy music and head bang a bit, this album is the perfect prescription.

Motorhead was big in Europe throughout the late 70's and 80's but did not make much of a dent here in the U.S. Even their seminal early 80's album "Ace Of Spades" never charted on this side of the pond. By the end of the decade though, Motorhead had developed a solid cult following in the States, and "1916" would prove to be the band's highest charting album up until their current resurgence in 2008. The single "I'm So Bad Baby I Don't Care" even managed to get some airplay on American rock radio. The album also features several songs that have become concert staples ("One To Sing The Blues", and "Going To Brazil") over the years. This is really kind of a unique album for Motorhead as they move out of their hard rock comfort zone here and there, dabbling in electronics and keyboards with "Nightmare / The Dreamtime", and of all things a ballad about a soldier in WWI with the title track "1916". In fact it is this track that really sets this album apart. Lemmy actually sings on this one, (instead of his usual growl) and it is a great little portrait of the horrors of war. Other highlights include "No Voices In The Sky", "Angel City" and "Love Me Forever" with a killer guitar solo from Phil Campbell. My only complaint about this album is the recording. Sonically this thing sounds like it was recorded in a tin can. There is very little bottom end and listening to this on a good stereo system can really be distracting. Other than that I think this is one of the band's best studio efforts. If you are a fan of Motorhead, this one should be in your collection, but it could use a good remastering.

ah..the good old days.buying cigarettes underage,losing my virginity at age 14,sneaking my first couple of beers,ah and of course,my first motorheaad cassette. this record is timeless. lemmy and the boys deliver with gutteral force. songs like "i'm so bad baby i dont care" and the war ballad "1916" are a constant reminder of how these guys are old but man can they still rock.if you dont own any motorhead stuff,get this record. you wont be dissapoined.

The 1990s saw a real resurgence of Motorhead. After Eddie Clarke quit in 1982, the band seemed to struggle for the rest of the 80s. No release was really "bad", but Another Perfect Day was a largely failed experiment, and Orgasmatron and Rock n Roll were warm ups runs (albeit good ones). With 1991's "1916" album however the band definitely found a sound to equal, even exceed the original Lemmy/ Clarke/ Taylor souund.

1995's Sacrifice is in my opinion the highest point of the post Clarke era. It's probably their most consistent album of the 90s. There are probably some songs on other albums that I like better, but as a whole, I find that this is an album where I seldom skip anything.

It's also notable for being probably Motorheads heaviest. Of course all Motorhead albums are "heavy" but Sacrifice replaces the more normal sharp "attacky" guitar tone with a low frequency rumble guitar tone. It's also a bit darker and gloomier than usual. I consider Motorhead primarily a rock and roll band at heart, with the more serious, Sabbath-esque a lesser aspect. Here though it sounds as if the rock and roll is of less importance although of course it's still there in healthy doses!

A highly recommeded album for Motorhead fans. And if anyone cna think of a song more head banging than the title track let me know.

Sacrifice (1995) after flirting with mainstream acceptance and alienating both audiences, Lemmy and Co. went back to the backs and made a raw metal album filled with depressing and dark lyrics coupled with heavy doses of
power chords, mean riffs and drums! All the songs are fast and hard hitting. This disc goes through you like a bullet, the first five tracks are one the money (Sacrifice, Sex and Death, War for War, Order). Pure Motorhead, accept no substitutes!

Awesome album, highly recommended.

Everybody always talks about the old Motör-albums. They are great, sure, but the albums that the band hase during the 90's and in the new millennium, are fantastic!
Sacrifice is the last album that has the two-guitar line-up with Würzel. Sacrifice is also a great demonstration from drummer Mickey Dee, whose role in Motörhead has become very important. His style of playing is FAR BETTER than Phil Taylor's (or Pete Gill's), and without him, there couldn't be songs like Sacrifice or Make 'em Blind.
The title track is probably the greatest Motörhead song written for more than a decade. The album is very strong, typical Motörhead, though I don't think that it is quite as good as the previous album, Bastards, which I think is their greatest ever.

This album is not representative. It's Motorhead's weakest release up to date. It's just heavy and maybe Lemmy tried to show that he and his buddys are the heaviest, dirtiest and loudest on earth but they aren't. Only for true fans.

everyone is always ranting about ace of spades. i love that album but the new motorhead stuff can't be missed. this is pretty much the same classic motorhead sound. its actually a bit heavier but it still has the punk/metal motorhead sound. it appeals to a wide variety of listeners, if you like iron maiden, the ramones, or slayer you would probably like this. it is really good.

anyone who says this is a bad album is WRONG!
even the bad tracks are good.

this is my favorite motorhead album. to me, this album is the perfect mix of old and new motorhead. songs to check out are, "walk a crooked mile", "shut your mouth", and "the game". if you only have room for a few motorhead albums in your cd collection, this is a must!

Motorhead-Hammered ***


Not the best. Hammered honestly let me down. I'm not saying it is a bad album because it most certainly isn't. The thing is that I expected more from it when I bought it and not only did I not get that but I got something completly different. Hammered came out in 2002, which was sort of the heighth of that NuMetal bull and this album really sounds NuMetal more so than my taste can handle. I hate NuMetal so this album is a little hard for me to stomach which is sad because Motorhead is one of my very favorite bands.

'Walk A Crooked Mile' starts off the album decent but should have been much better. The lyrics are among that of Lemmys best but the musicianship is just poor, it's like they tried to dumb down to keep up with the times of NuMetal which is full of musicians who can hardly play their instruments. 'Down The Line' continues the album but you hardly notice it, it should have been left off. Hammered really starts with 'Brave New World' it is the albums strongest track and should have been the opener. The musicianship is great, and the lyrics are even better. Lemmys lyrics are amazing here. Philip Campbell also plays some of the best guitar of the album on 'Brave New World.' Not only that but from this point on the songs are actually pretty strong. 'Voices Of War' 'Mine All Mine' and Shut Your Mouth' all go hand in hand, or hand in hand in hand I should say. 'Kill The World' is one of the strongest tracks on the album as well as one of the most angry songs that Lemmy has ever written. 'Dr. Love' is a return to Lemmy's love for sixties love songs which the band as always pulls of great. 'No Remorse' is another great song and should have ended the album. 'Red Raw' is take or leave with me. 'Serial Killer' is cool, a spoken word poem-esque thing that really is in the wrong place, it should have been an intro to a song or the start of the album not the end. Now if you buy the rerelease of the album then you also get the two bonus tracks. 'The Game' which I think is the intro music to one of the wrestlers on television, who I think also goes by the name, The Game. It is a great song even though it sounds very NuMetal. The lyrics are phenomonal, and I can see why the guy would want to use it as his intro music because it can get anyone pumped up for anything. Also a live version of 'Overnight Sensation' which is a great addition to the album.

This is not a bad album by any means, but it just isn't Motorhead. This is Lemmy trying to keep up with the times, when really the times are trying to keep up with Lemmy head and Motorhead. Hammered is worth checking out if your a real Motorhead fan.

Lemmy,Mikkey Dee, and Phillip Campbell write and record another excellent album, If your a Motorhead fan you will like this one a lot!!

This album honestly is just not good. Dont get me wrong, motorhead is definaltey one of my top three favorite bands, and ive seen them twice in concert, but this album just doesnt cut it! It is waaaaay too melodic and poetic. I know everyone was waiting for another motorhead album three years ago, but this definatley did not satisfy me. If you are someone new to motorhead, dont get this, get bomber, ace of spades, overkill, and no sleep til' hammersmith first. Bit seriously I am so glad inferno came out, it seriously kicked ass go get that one too.

This album is Rock ' n ' Roll perfection . If you don't own this or aspire to own this album you have no ears !

I normally shy away from live albums, since they are mainly re-worked retreads of old material, and usually with inferior sound. It's a quick way for a band to fulfill contract obligations without going to much effort.
However, some bands live for the stage, and to not own some of their live material is missing an essential piece of the picture. This list of must have live CD's includes the Who's "Live At Leeds", KISS' "Alive" (not the godawful "Alive II"), Cheap Trick's "Budokan" CD's, which now feature the whole concert, and Motorhead's "No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith".
We get the real essence of the Fast Eddie era Motorhead with this gem, and the band pounds through its first four albums, taking cuts like "Iron Horse", "Overkill" and "No Class" and turning them into sonic assaults worthy of the bomber that donned their stage show at that time. Of course, "Ace Of Spades" and "The Hammer" are here, and the most demented scream you'll ever hear at the end of "Overkill", courtesy of one of Motorhead's looniest road crew members, which, of course, morphs into the roadie anthem "We Are The Road Crew".
The sound is great, the audience was in pure freakout mode, and the Odeon probably had to have major foundation repair done after this show. It's what metal/ultra hard rock 'n roll is all about, and a great testament to one of rock's greatest bands, ever.

Led by Lemmy, Motorhead has been a relative model of consistency despite numerous personnel changes, holding itself out as a heavy metal power trio that delights the kids with its loud n' fast headbanger grind. That being said "No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith" is the group's first live album, showcasing what many consider to be the group's initial classic line up.

The live album touches upon all the high points of the group's first 4 albums, and is recorded excellently. Motorhead has to be considered the first group where punk and metal shake hands, and this album shows how that alliance was first made. Definitely worth picking if you have any interest at all in hard rock.

In my opinion the best live heavy metal album ever made. I should qualify this by saying that I'm by no means a Metal devotee but I've never heard anything faster, tougher, nastier, stronger or sonically clearer from any other Metal band than this wonderful onslaught to my ears. It's a beautifully violent speed assault to the senses. `Ace of Spades', `Motorhead' and `Bomber' are all more impressive here than the studio versions and there's absolutely no filler tracks on this album. I remember that this was a massive success in the U.K. when it first came out to a lot of people's surprise and then people couldn't really figure out if `Motorhead' were a Metal/Punk, Punk/Metal or purely Metal band. In the end people decided that they couldn't care less and all types from the Punks (before they became extinct) and the hardcore metal-heads for a time celebrated one of the few bands who embraced both the styles so effortlessly. Lemmy's ultra-gruff voice is in full force here and hold's it's own with the mad-fast power guitar riffs and maniacal drumming that accompany for instance `Ace of Spaces' which is for my money the best Metal song bar-none. This is hard-metal, not the soft puffy crap that populated the 80's and with this album alone `Motorhead' are assured as one of the top 10 Metal bands of all time. This is their best album and to my mind the most adrenaline pumping kick in the face record maybe ever made. Clearly a band at the height of its powers, this is Motorhead's high-point and if you'd like to reacquaint yourself with some raw metal power mayhem this is the place to go. Anybody claiming to be a Metal fan who doesn't have this album well......just isn't a metal fan. This is essential.

God, I love Motorhead. They are one of the best rock/metal bands of all time, and one of my favorite bands as well. Their 1981 classic live album "No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith" was the first Motorhead album that I ever bought, and I just freakin love it, it's so addicting just like every Motorhead album I've listened to. This album showcases the classic lineup of Kilmister/Clarke/Taylor performing their early classic songs from "Ace of Spades", to "Overkill", to "Bomber", and doing it all in true Motorhead fashion: Loud, Fast, Dirty, and IN YOUR FACE! The songs on here are more faster and more heavier live than on the studio albums. Lemmy Kilmister's vocals are totally awesome, and his bass just makes the floor shake. "Fast" Eddie Clarke's guitar riffs and solos just makes your hair spin and your head banging happily. "Philthy" Phil Taylor's drumming is more faster live as well. Please read on for the song list and ratings.
Jeremy's song ratings:
1. Ace of Spades - 5/5
2. Stay Clean - 5/5
3. Metropolis - 5/5
4. The Hammer - 5/5
5. Iron Horse/Born to Lose - 5/5
6. No Class - 5/5
7. Overkill - 5/5
8. (We Are) The Road Crew - 5/5
9. Capricorn - 5/5
10. Bomber - 5/5
11. Motorhead - 5/5
Bonus Tracks
12. Over the Top - 5/5
13. Capricorn (Alternate Version) - 5/5
14. Train Kept-A-Rollin - 5/5

Overall Score: 100/100
Grade: A+ all the way man!!

Bottom Line: This album is a true and pure thrash/speed metal masterpiece, and it represents the way heavy metal is supposed to be. A definite must have for any fan of Motorhead, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, or just good music in general. Buy it now!! MOTORHEAD RULES!! LEMMY IS GOD!!