There are a few bands in the history of rock and roll that have cultivated a specific style, written that same style ad nauseam, perfected it over time, and yet still have the ability to knock my socks off every time an album of theirs comes on. Off the top of my head there are only two bands that have truly perfected that feat– AC/DC and Motörhead.
Ace of Spades was Motörhead’s commercial breakthrough and ushered in a new age of high octane rock and roll across the pond in Great Britain. Combining elements of punk rock and heavy metal into one distilled dose of piss and vinegar, Motörhead effectively helped lay the framework for thrash metal that would truly take off later in the decade with bands like Metallica and Megadeth.
Everything about Motörhead is just pure rock and roll. Lead singer Lemmy is a certified legend– whether it be his monstrous mutton chops, military boots, black leather jackets, and gravelly vocal rasp that sounds like it was bombarded with a full pack of Marlboro Reds every day for the last 20 years (spoiler alert: it was), the dude was the living embodiment of the live fast ethos that makes rock and roll such a spectacular piece of art. The fact that he was a roadie for Jimi Hendrix before he started his own musical career adds to his mythical qualities. Upon his passing in 2015 at the age of 70, Lemmy had his ashes placed into bullets and given to his closest friends, as well as had his ashes scattered into the mud at the Wacken Open Air heavy metal festival in Germany. Like I said, certified legend.
Ace of Spades is a helluva ride that celebrates fast-paced rock and roll. Like Lemmy famously said about Motorhead’s sound– “We weren’t trying to get a message across, apart from have a good time, you know: get pissed, get stoned, and f*** a chick. And that’ll do.”
That’ll do indeed. RIP to a legend.
Standout Songs: “Ace of Spades”, “(We Are) The Roadcrew”, “Jailbait”, “The Chase Is Better Than The Catch”
