When I first heard of Motorhead, I was listening to Metallica's live version of "Damage Case," sung by them at Lemmy's 50th birthday party. On the whole, I didn't think Metallica was particularly good at the song, but I was struck by the simple lyric and fast delivery. So my friend whipped out "Overkill," the Motorhead album in which "Damage Case" originally appeared, and a love affair was born.

I immediately went out and got "Ace of Spades." Being generally regarded as Motorhead's best album, "Spades" is an absolute force of nature. After the first listen, I was so taken aback by the simple metallic riffs and throbbing, distorted bass. I listened to it again that very day. Upon the second listen, I was struck by the loin-inspired lyrics and Western theme of a few of the songs. What I now held in my hand was an absolute classic. And a mere two days earlier, the most I knew about Motorhead was that they had recorded a gimmick song for Triple H.

"Spades" is the fourth of a six-disc run by the so-called "classic" line-up of Motorhead, including Lem Kilmister on bass and vocals, "Fast" Eddie Clarke on guitar and "Philthy" Phil Taylor on drums. The line-up produced a few classic albums, but none as complete and devastating as "Ace of Spades." From the opening bass line of the title track to the guitar driven fury of "The Hammer," the album drips of sonic confidence. This is a band that knows what they want, and they know how to get it.

The thing that really jumps out at you is that this album never lets you go from note one. Every song rocks you to your bones and leaves you broken, bleeding, moved beyond words...it's simply an experience this is, for a hard rock fan, pure bliss. There is no compromise or selling point. You like the music. You don't. Whatever you want to do, listen or get out of the way!

Songs like "Shoot You In The Back," and "Live To Win" allow you hear Motorhead's mission statement before you're truly ready to get to the meat of the album. "Fast And Loose," "Fire Fire," "Jailbait," and "Dance" illuminate Lemmy's softer, more introspective side...basically a walk through his sexual fantasies set to blistering guitars and a bass so distorted, you will mistake for a rhythm guitar. "(We Are) The Road Crew" and "The Chase Is Better Than The Catch" are more Motorhead anthems than anything else, meant to get a crowd stomping and screaming.

Of the twelve songs on this album, you will skip...none. If you listen to the first ten seconds of every song, you can become addicted right then and there. The new version released by "Metal Is" includes three bonus tracks, which I find useless. "Ace of Spades" is so good in it's own right that it needs no bonus. This is a true classic of the hard rock genre, and the model for many American metal bands to come later. Owning up to Motorhead and owning this album will be the best purchase you can ever make.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving