Motörhead (Roadracer) 1977
Motörhead (Dead Line) 1977

1. "Motorhead" (3:10)
2. "Vibrator" (3:36)
3. "Lost Johnny" (4:13)
4. "Iron Horse/Born to Lose" (5:19)
5. "White Line Fever" (2:37)
6. "Keep Us on the Road" (5:55)
7. "Watcher" (4:27)
8. "Train Kept A-Rollin'" (3:16)
BONUS TRACKS
9. "City Kids" (3:24)
10. "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers" (3:25)
11. "On Parole" (5:57)
12. "Instro" (2:27)
13. "I'm Your Witch Doctor" (2:57)
14. "Leaving Here" [live] (2:59)

In the mid-1970's Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister was arrested and given his walking papers from his old psychedelic band Hawkwind. Lemmy wasn't about to let this stop him, so he formed a new trio called Motorhead with Larry Wallis and Lucas Fox, named for a song he originally wrote and performed with Hawkwind. In 1975 this trio recorded their debut album for United Artists, who immediately buried the tapes and didn't released the album apparently because they didn't like what they heard. (These recordings were later released under the title "On Parole". See review below.) Eventually, "Fast" Eddie Clarke replaced Larry Wallis on guitar, and Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor replaced former drummer Lucas Fox. Together these three became the classic Motorhead line-up that would record this first, officially released debut as well as many other classic albums. The debut album was produced by John "Speedy' Keene and was recorded at Escape Studios, then owned by Jeff Beck. Joe Petagno created the now-legendary Snaggletooth cover art creature. These facts alone make this album an important part of heavy metal history.

Motorhead's debut is slightly different from what many consider to be the band's classic catalog. Motorhead had not yet found their speed metal roots and had an odd mixture of hard driving 1970's rock & roll and punk. The sound was very stripped down and raw, although for me this is part of the charm of this album. This was attributed to the fact that this CD was recorded and mixed in only two days. The opening song and the track the band took their name after was originally recorded by Hawkwind some years earlier, but this new version is the quintessential version. Unlike the original Hawkwind version, there are no traces of the psychadelic rock. Rather this one is stripped down to a raw rocker with a punk delivery. The entire CD follows in a similar manner with a stripped down rock sound and punk delivery. Standout tracks are "White Line Fever" with it's classic British metal sound, "Vibrator", another straight-up hard rocker and their classic cover of "The Train Kept A-Rollin'". "Train Kept A-Rollin" is a Johnny Burnette song that was also covered by the Yardbirds, Aerosmith and Molly Hatchet, among others.

This album has been reissued so many times it's impossible to keep count. The original release of this album was in silver and black. Later editions were black and white. There have been any number of CD issues. For years I had the Roadracer reissue which included the "Beer Drinker and Hell Raisers" EP as bonus tracks. The cover to this issue featured a pink Motorhead logo and a black and white snaggletooth. The packaging was a bit weak, but the sound quality was better than most of the other CD reissues. Of course the inclusion of the bonus tracks made it essential. In 2005 Dead Line remastered and rereleased "Motorhead" with the "Beer Drinkers" EP included, as well as a live version of "Leaving Here". The sound quality is improved over the Roadracer release and features far better packaging. This time around the CD is released in a digi-pack format with simulated leather cover and a silver, foil stamped cover. A 12-page black and white insert is also included with photos and extensive biographical notes. Of course, "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers" is a ZZ Top tune.

A note from Philthy Phil Taylor about NoLifeTilMetal.com and the first Motorhead album:
Dear Person or whom it may concern,
I was just reading through your Motorhead discography pages at your excellent website, "ultmetal". It's very, very good. I now know where to go if my memory fails and I need to know what I was doing and who I was doing it with or to in years past!!!

The other reason I am writing you this email is to point out an error regarding the information you have on the FIRST MOTORHEAD album. In it you state that our first album was produced by Ted Caroll of Chiswick Records. It was in fact produced by JOHN "SPEEDY" KEENE, and was recorded at Escape Studios (then) owned by Jeff Beck in Kent. Good old Speedy died a few years ago, but he was a great guy and certainly influenced myself in more ways than one I can tell you! My hat goes off to him!

So, that's it really, except to say once more that you're doing a great job with all those facts, you just need to put this one right is all.

Cheers, Philthy

Of course I fixed the producer credit error in my review. Thanks for pointing it out Philthy.

Victor Griffin covers "Iron Horse" on his "Late for an Early Grave" CD.

Motörhead - Live, Loud, Lewd (Big Ear Music)

1. "Watcher" (4:09) 2. "Iron Horse/Born to Lose" (4:56) 3. "On Parole" (5:32) 4. "White Line Fever" (2:38) 5. "Keep Us on the Road" (5:27) 6. "Leaving Here" (3:15) 7. "I'm Your Witchdoctor" (3:13) 8. "Train Kept A Rollin'" (2:50) 9. "City Kids" (3:36) BONUS TRACKS 10. "Motorhead" (3:05) 11. "Iron Fist" (3:07) 12. "Overkill" (4:53)

Whats Words Worth LP

I believe this is the infamous "What's Words Worth?" show, with a different title and some bonus tracks thrown on the end. This disc has been bootleged by and licensed to several companies and released under many different names including "City Kids", "What's Word's Worth?", "Motörhead Live" and "Iron Fist and the Hordes from Hades," to name a few. This is a 1978 show in which Motörhead, for contractual reasons, needed to perform under a different name. The band billed themselves as Iron Fist & the Hordes from Hades. The show was recorded with the Rolling Stones mobile truck and was eventually released through Big Beat Records in 1983. The vinyl version finishes with Lemmy saying, "Thank you very much. We'll see you soon. Read plenty of words worth." For some reason this is left off the CD version. It also sounds as if the CD version has had extra crowd noise added, or perhaps the crowd noise has just been enhanced somehow through mixing or mastering. Not really sure. I actually prefer the vinyl version to this CD version. I own both.

Motörhead - Live Blitzkreig on Birmingham '77 (Receiver)

1. "Motorhead" (3:21)
2. "Vibrator" (4:01)
3. "Keep Us on the Road" (5:53)
4. "The Watcher" (5:13)
5. "Iron Horse/Born to Lose" (5:08)
6. "Leaving Here" (2:59)
7. "On Parole" (6:32)
8. "I'm Your Witchdoctor" (3:03)
9. "Train Kept on Rollin'" (3:45)
10. "City Kids" (4:32)
11. "White Line Fever" (2:40)

This is one of the very first shows with the classic Motörhead line-up of Lemmy Kilmister, Fast Eddie Clarke, and Philthy Animal Taylor. Unfortunately, the recording is rather raw, even for Motörhead standards. Still a nice collector's disc. Found this European import used for $5.99.

Motörhead - Overkill (Roadracer) 1979 1."Overkill" (5:10) 2."Stay Clean" (2:38) 3."(I Won't) Pay Your Price" (2:53) 4."I'll Be Your Sister" (2:51) 5."Capricorn" (4:11) 6."No Class" (2:37) 7."Damage Case" (3:01) 8."Tear Ya Down" (2:38) 9."Metropolis" (3:33) 10."Limb from Limb" (4:53) BONUS TRACKS 11. "Too Late, Too Late" (3:23) 12. "Tear Ya Down" (original version) (2:39) 13. "Louie, Louie" (2:45)

L to R: Lemmy, Fast Eddie Clark, Philthy Phil Taylor

From Metallica to Overkill to the Ramones, this is the disc that inspired a generation of rockers, metalheads, thrashers and punks. There are so many classics on this one that it might as well be a greatest hits album on it's own. Of course the title track alone could peel the paint of walls. However, many of these tracks remained concert favorites for decades. "Stay Clean", "Capricorn", "No Class", "Damage Case", "Tear Ya Down" and "Metropolis" are all some of my favorite Motorhead tracks. Who can deny the raw power that this album represents. "Overkill" was also genre crossing. When punk was the flavor of the day in the late 70's, Motorhead appealed to the punks. However, no one would label Motorhead as a punk band. An entire movement of thrashers including Metallica, Testament, Exodus, Slayer, Anthrax and others list "Overkill" as one of their early influences as well. However, Motorhead are not a thrash band. No, this is raw, raunchy, rock 'n' roll; Killmister style! Indeed, "Overkill" stands at the top of Motorhead's catalog.

Found this European import version in a budget bin still shrink wrapped for $2.50. Ha! Gotta love a bargain! I originally owned a green vinyl version of this album. Looking out for another copy of this.

Besides being the inspiration behind their name, Overkill also recorded a charged up version of "Overkill" (released on their "Coverkill" CD.) Metallica and Grave Digger, among others, have also recorded covers of this song.

Motörhead - Bomber (Castle) 1979

1."Dead Men Tell No Tales" (3:04)
2."Lawman" (3:57)
3."Sweet Revenge" (4:13)
4."Sharpshooter" (3:17)
5."Poison" (2:57)
6."Stone Dead Forever" (4:54)
7."All the Aces" (3:23)
8."Step Down" (3:41)
9."Talking Head" (3:43)
10."Bomber" (3:45)
BONUS TRACKS
11. "Over the Top" (3:21)
12. "Leaving Here" [live] (3:02)
13. "Stone Dead Forever" [live] (5:21)
14. "Dead Men Tell No Tales" [live](2:55)
15. "Too Late Too Late" [live](3:22)

"Bomber" follows in the pattern set by "Overkill," heavy, raw rock and roll. I held out forever to find a used copy of this but finally broke down and bought it new when I found this re-issue for $9.99. The live bonus tracks are from "The Golden Years" EP and "Over the Top" is an excellent b-side track from the "Bomber" single. One other thing that is different about this album is that Fast Eddie sings lead vocals on "Step Down."

Motörhead - The Golden Years-Live EP (Bronze) 1980

1. "Leaving Here"[live] (3:03)
2. "Stone Dead Forever"[live] (5:20)
3. "Dead Men Tell No Tales"[live] (2:54)
4. "Too Late, Too Late"[live] (3:22)

Recorded live at the Lochem Pop Festival on May 25, 1980. This 7" vinyl EP was later included as bonus tracks on the 1996, remastered version of "Bomber".

Motörhead - On Parole (EMI) 1979

1. "Motorhead" (2:49)
2. "On Parole" (5:37)
3. "Vibrator" (2:52)
4. "Iron Horse/Born to Lose" (5:14)
5. "City Kids" (3:43)
6. "The Watcher" (4:46)
7. "Leaving Here" (2:53)
8. "Lost Johnny" (3:30)
9. "Fools" (5:35)
BONUS TRACKS
10. "On Parole (Alternative Take)" (3:47)
11. "City Kids (Alternative Take)" (2:48)
12. "Motorhead (Alternative Take)" (3:01)
13. "Leaving Here (Alternative Take)" (3:03)

"On Parole" was recorded in 1975 with Larry Wallis on guitar and Lucas Fox on drums for United Artists. However, Philthy Phil Taylor ended up going back in and re-recording all the drum tracks except for "Lost Johnny". Unfortunately the tapes were rejected and were not released until several years later after the bands popularity began to soar in Europe, and without the consent of Lemmy from what I have read. In 1977 Lemmy, along with new drummer Philthy Phil Taylor and guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke, basically re-recorded this album and released it under the title "Motorhead." It wasn't until after that time that United Artist released the original recordings and titled them "On Parole." In anycase, this disc has been re-released several different times with many different covers. This particular version is wrapped in a very cool white packaging, including a white cover and white jewel case. Looking through the hole in the cd holder the words "Born to Lose, Live to Win" are printed in black around a black spade. This is probably the nicest version of this disc I have ever seen. It also contains four bonus tracks/alternative takes

Motörhead - Ace of Spades (Castle) 1980

1. "Ace of Spades" (2:47) 2. "Love Me Like a Reptile" (3:24) 3. "Shoot You in the Back" (2:40) 4. "Live to Win" (3:37) 5. "Fast and Loose" (3:22) 6. "(We Are) The Road Crew" (3:12) 7. "Fire, Fire" (2:42) 8. "Jailbait" (3:33) 9. "Dance" (2:37) 10. "Bite the Bullet" (1:38) 11. "The Chase is Better Than the Catch" (4:17) 12. "The Hammer" (2:45) BONUS TRACKS 13. "Dirty Love" (2:57) 14. "Please Don't Touch" (2:48) 15. "Emergency" (2:58)

Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister

Is there a more classic Motorhead album than this one? Overkill perhaps, but coming in at a close second is "Ace of Spades." I know there is no other Motorhead song that is more well known than "Ace of Spades." Even the most casual of heavy metal fans knows this song. Of course this one also includes such classics as "Love Me Like A Reptile", "Fast and Loose", "We Are the Roadcrew", "Jailbait" and "The Chase is Better Than the Catch" This re-issue includes the b-side to the "Ace of Spades" single and the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" EP with Girlschool. "Please Don't Touch" was originally by Johnny Kidd and he Pirates. Have never seen this one used so I just went ahead and bought it new.

Back in 1988 when my wife and I were talking about selecting a wedding song for our first dance, I chose "Love Me Like a Reptile" (jokingly, sort of). She didn't agree. We ended up with "Together As One" by Stryper. Hmmm, probably a bit more appropriate.

At War recorded a smokin' cover of "The Hammer" on their "Ordered to Kill" CD. Abattoir recorded "Ace of Spades" on their "Vicious Attack" album. Diamond Rexx recorded a cover of "Ace of Spade" on their "The Evil" CD.

Motörhead/Girlschool - St. Valentine's Day Massacre (Bronze) 1981

SIDE A
1.  Please Don't Touch (2:49)
SIDE B
2.  Bomber (3:38)
3.  Emergency (3:00)

"St. Valentine's Day Massacre" is a 10" single that was credited to motör headgirl school, or often referred to has HeadGirl. The 3-song EP was recorded by members of Motörhead and Girlschool, who happened to be labelmates on Bronze Records during the early years of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. The EP included the two bands duetting on a cover of Johnny Kidd & The Pirates' "Please Don't Touch". The band's cover has a fun, heavy, punk vibe to it. The two bands also covered each other, with Girlschool playing Motörhead's "Bomber" and Motörhead performing Girlschool's "Emergency". The single was also released as a 7" 45 RPM vinyl. The single reached #5 in the UK Singles Charts. All three songs have appeared on later albums by both bands, with both "Please Don't Touch" and "Emergency" being released on Motorhead's 1984 release "No Remorse".

Motörhead - Stone Dead Forever (Receiver)

1. "Nightmare" (4:12)
2. "Treat Me Nice" (3:54)
3. "Stone Dead Forever" (4:35)
4. "Sharpshooter" (3:18)
5. "You Ain't Gonna Live Forever" (3:11)
6. "The Hammer" (3:12)
7. "Bomber" (3:36)
8. "Love Me Like a Reptile" (3:32)
9. "Fun on the Farm" [instrumental] (3:00)
10. "Tear Ya Down" (2:41)
11. "Fire Fire" (2:41)
12. "Louie Louie" (2:45)
13. "Jailbait" (3:33)
14. "Step Down" (3:27)

Saw this disc sitting on the shelf at Circuit City and I debated for about 20 minutes whether it was worth the measly $7.99. The only reason I hesitated was because I thought it was just another compilation album, but the thing that struck me was that I did not recognize some of the songs. Well, I lucked out because this is an excellent collection of studio outtakes & demos with very good sound quality, except for "Tear Ya Down" which has the vocals a bit buried. "Treat Me Nice", "You Ain't Gonna Live Forever", and the very cool instrumental, "Fun on the Farm" are all previously unreleased. Imported from the jolly 'ol England.

Motörhead - No Sleep Til Hammersmith (Castle) 1981

1. "Ace of Spades" (2:57)
2. "Stay Clean" (2:52)
3. "Metropolis" (3:25)
4. "The Hammer" (3:04)
5. "Iron Horse" (3:52)
6. "No Class" (2:49)
7. "Overkill" (4:45)
8. "(We Are) The Road Crew" (4:01)
9. "Capricorn" (4:43)
10. "Bomber" (3:20)
11. "Motorhead" (4:42)
BONUS TRACKS
12. "Over the Top" (3:04)
13. "Capricorn" (Alternate Version) (4:53)
14. "Train Kept-a-Rollin'" (2:45)

This is one of the all time classic live albums. At this point Motorhead still featured the classic line-up of Fast Eddie Clark, Philthy Animal Taylor and Lemmy Kilmister; and they were hot in Europe. Most of their albums were still only available as imports in the US. "No Sleep" was the first record that was readily available. I was in high school when it was released and remember reading in Cream or Circus that Motörhead were voted worst band of the year. I had to hear this band! Motorhead were so obnoxious that I became an instant Motörhead fan. "No Sleep" was a big part of my high school years as I blasted it from any stereo I could. We laughed at the intro to "Road Crew" every time-G.R. is hilarious! This is a great disc to be introduced to Motorhead by. It worked for me. If I could only own one Motorhead disc, this would be the one. The Castle reissue has superior sound to the crappy vinyl and some of the bad import versions. The Castle version also features some smoking bonus tracks, tons of new photos, and all the original liner notes. (Wish it would also have included a live version of "Love Me Like a Reptile.") None of the songs on "No Sleep Til Hammersmith" were actually recorded at the Hammersmith, they were at West Runton, Leeds and Newcastle.

Motörhead - Motorhead/Over the Top (Bronze Records) 1981

A. "Motorhead" [live]
B. "Over the Top" [live]

Import Picture Disc 45 RPM vinyl, picture disc, single for the "No Sleep til Hammersmith" album. Manufactured by Bronze Records in 1981. The opposite side has a color live photo of the band.

Motörhead - Iron Fist (Dojo) 1982

1. "Iron Fist" (2:53)
2. "Heart of Stone" (3:02)
3. "I'm the Doctor" (2:39)
4. "Go to Hell" (3:07)
5. "Loser" (3:51)
6. "Sex and Outrage" (2:08)
7. "America" (3:36)
8. "Shut it Down" (2:38)
9. "Speedfreak" (3:20)
10. "(Don't Let 'Em) Grind Ya Down" (3:06)
11. "(Don't Need) Religion" (2:40)
12. "Bang to Rights" (2:39)
BONUS TRACKS
13. "Remember Me, I'm Gone" (2:17)
14. "(Don't Let 'Em) Grind Ya Down"-alternate version (3:09)
15. "Lemmy Goes to the Pub"-alternate version of "Heart of Stone" (3:01)
16. "Same Old Song, I'm Gone"-alternate version of "Remember Me, I'm Gone" (2:20)
17. "Young and Crazy"-instrumental version of "Sex and Outrage" (2:11)

The last disc with Fast Eddie Clarke is generally not regarded as their best. However, I find "Iron Fist" to be another solid slab of slammin' heavy metal and hard rock. The title cut is an excellent song with a sound as hard as nails. (This song was covered by Ultimatum on their "Lex Metalis" CD) As well, "Iron Fist" features such classics as "Speedfreak" and the longtime concert favorite "(Don't Need) Religion".

The Castle reissue includes five bonus tracks. Four of the five are alternate versions of other songs with different names. (I feel gypped!) I found two copies of this in a cut out bin for $2.99 each. Bought 'em both and traded off the second copy. Quite a deal, but I think they were mismarked. (Guess I didn't get gypped after all.) "Remember Me, I'm Gone" is the b-side to the "Iron Fist" single.

Motörhead - Another Perfect Day (Castle) 1983

1. "Back at the Funny Farm" (4:12) 2. "Shine" (3:10) 3. "Dancing on Your Grave" (4:27) 4. "Rock It" (3:55) 5. "One Track Mind" (5:54) 6. "Another Perfect Day" (5:26) 7. "Marching Off to War" (4:10) 8. "I Got Mine" (5:21) 9. "Tales of Glory" (2:54) 10. "Die You Bastard" (4:33) BONUS TRACKS 11. "Turn You Round Again" (3:56) 12. "(I'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man" [live] (6:30) 13. "(Don't Need) Religion"[live] (2:52)

Going to McDonald's to grab some McNuggets.

Ok, everybody knew that Thin Lizzy's egomaniac guitar-slinger Brian Robertson was the wrong man for the job, but while it lasted, in my opinion, he forced the Motor-guys to put out one heck of a heavy metal platter. "Another Perfect Day" is by far one of my favorite Motorhead discs. The album is riveting and heavy, yet slightly more melodic than anything that Motorhead had recorded at this point. Songs like "Shine" and "Dancing On Your Grave" are just phenomenal. I also think that "Another Perfect Day" sports on of the best Motorhead covers up to this point.

My CD copy is from Germany and contains three cool bonus songs. Paid $16.99 for it when it was first re-released on CD, but it was worth it. I also own an original vinyl copy.

Motörhead - The King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Motorhead (KBFH Records) 1997 1. "Back at the Funny Farm" (3:56) 2. "Tales of Glory" (3:19) 3. "Marching off to War" (4:14) 4. "Iron Horse/Born to Lose" (3:53) 5. "Another Perfect Day" (6:07) 6. "Shine" (3:45) 7. "I Got Mine" (5:43) 8. "Interview with Lemmy" (21:13)

Brian Robertson & Lemmy

Recorded Live at the L'Amour East, Queens, NY on August 10th, 1983. The cool thing about this bootleg quality disc is that it is one of the few live albums to feature Brian Robertson and material from the underrated "Another Perfect Day." Nice detailed liner notes about Motorhead and the King Biscuit Flower Hour as well. The interview at the end of the disc is almost as long as the show itself. It's sort of a short disc, but worth the $2.50 shipping I paid through BMG. Hey, it's Motorhead LIVE!

Motörhead - No Remorse (Castle) 1984

Motörhead - Anthology (Raw Power) 1985

1. "I Got Mine" (5:24)
2. "Jailbait" (3:32)
3. "Over The Top" (3:15)
4. "Step Down" (3:42)
5. "Dirty Love" (2:57)
6. "Ace Of Spades" (2:47)
7. "Hoochie Coochie Man" (6:29)
8. "Go To Hell" (3:08)
9. "Heart Of Stone" (3:05)
10. "Louie Louie" (2:46)
11. "Stone Dead Forever" (4:51)
12. "Back At The Funny Farm" (4:13)
13. "The Chase Is Better Than The Catch" (4:15)
14. "Turn You Round Again" (3:56)

An odd compilation of Motörhead classics that summed up an era of the band. Some obscure choices on this one, rather than the usual hits like "Overkill" and "Bomber." Of course Motörhead's biggest hit, "Ace of Spades" was included. Packaging includes some photos of the Lemmy, Fast Eddie Clark, Philthy Phil Taylor era of the band and has a red jewel case. (thanks James)

Motörhead - Orgasmatron (Castle) 1986 1. "Deaf Forever" (4:25) 2. "Nothing Up My Sleeve" (3:11) 3. "Ain't My Crime" (3:42) 4. "Claw" (3:31) 5. "Mean Machine" (2:56) 6. "Built for Speed" (4:56) 7. "Ridin' with the Driver" (3:47) 8. "Doctor Rock" (3:37) 9. "Orgasmatron" (5:24) BONUS TRACKS 10. "On the Road" [live] (5:00) 11. "Steal Your Face" [live] (4:16) 12. "Claw" (alternate version) (3:32)

Pete Gill (ex-Saxon)

After the break-up of the classic lineup of Lemmy/Fast Eddie/Philthy "Animal" Taylor, (and a short stint with Brian Robertson) Lemmy put together a new Motorhead, a quartet. The new line-up included ex-Saxon drummer Pete Gill and two guitarists-- Wurzel and Phil Campbell, who as of the year 2000, is still with Motorhead. Many people dismissed the band at this point, but I loved this disc. "Deaf Forever" is one of the best Motorhead songs ever and is just a monster of a song, "Mean Machine" and "Nothing Up My Sleeve" are classic Motorhead speed metaltunes. "Orgasmatron" has been hailed as the greatest Motorhead song ever. While I would agree that it is a cool song, it is not necessarily their best ever. I kind of get tired of hearing bands complain about religion. Anyhow, "Built for Speed" is the same tune as "On the Road." Took me many years, and reading someone else's web page, before I ever snapped to that. In any case, this is a great Motorhead album. How could it not be with a guitarist named Wurzel and a bassist named Lemmy? Paid $12.99 for this 1999 reissue

I actually saw Motorhead on this tour at the Penny Arcade in Rochester, NY with Raven as the opening act. They gave out buttons announcing that "Philthy Animal Taylor is back." Nice surprise to see Phil behind the kit. They put on a great show in that hot little club.

Sepultura recorded a killer cover of "Orgasmatron".

Motorhead - Deaf Forever (GWR) 1986

SIDE ONE
1. Deaf Forever
SIDE TWO
2. On The Road [live]
3. Steal Your Face [live]

European 12" single for "Deaf Forever". When it was released, it featured two exclusive live tracks, which were later added as bonus tracks to the remastered CD.

Motorhead - Rock and Roll (Castle) 1987 1. "Rock 'N' Roll" (3:48) 2. "Eat the Rich" (3:40) 3. "Blackheart" (4:00) 4. "Stone Deaf in the U.S.A." (3:34) 5. "The Wolf" (4:25) 6. "Traitor" (3:18) 7. "Dogs" (3:46) 8. "All for You" (4:08) 9. "Boogeyman" (3:15) BONUS TRACKS 10. "Cradle to the Grave" (4:05) 11. "Just 'Cos You Got the Power" (7:30)

Motorhead 1987: Wurzel, Lemmy, Philthy Phil, Phil Campbell

Philthy Phil returned to the band during the "Orgasmatron" tour and stayed with the band for the recording of "Rock and Roll." "Rock and Roll" doesn't come close to the intensity and creativity of "Orgasmatron." but it is still not a bad disc, and certainly not as bad as everyone has said. The intro to "The Wolf" is spoken by Monty Python's Michael Palin. "Eat the Rich," "Stone Deaf in the U.S.A." and "Dogs" are all decent Motorbangers. I dunno, not much to say about this one. It was the last disc I needed to complete the Motorhead studio collection. Now I can focus on the MANY live discs that Motorhead have out. I bid on it about 20 times on eBay when the bidding started at around $5, but stupid eBay bidders always pushed the price up above $10. Stupid bidders, you can buy the darn thing new for that much.

Motörhead - The Birthday Party (Enigma) 1985 1. "Iron First" (3:14) 2. "Mean Machine" (3:09) 3. "One The Road" (5:10) 4. "We Are the Road Crew" (2:38) 5. "The Hammer" (2:35) 6. "Metropolis" (2:58) 7. "Ace of Spades" (2:44) 8. "Steal Your Face" (4:09) 9. "Nothing Up My Sleeve" (3:17) 10. "Bite the Bullet" (1:29) 11. "The Chase is Better than the Catch" (4:10) 12. "No Class" (2:37) 13. "Killed By Death" (5:25) 14. "Bomber" (3:14) 15. "Motorhead" (3:19)

Michael Burston aka Wurzel

"The Birthday Party" was recorded in 1985 but was not released until 1990 due to legal battles with record companies. "The Birthday Party" is a GREAT live testimony to the intensity, speed and sheer volume of Motorhead, as well as a celebration of 10 years of Motor-music. Recorded live at the Hammersmith Odean, on June 26th, 1985 this is the only official live release that features Pete Gill (ex-Saxon) on drums as he left the band shortly before the tour for Orgasmatron when Philthy Phil joined back up with Lemmy, Wurzel, and Phil Campbell. The CD starts off with the crowd singing Happy Birthday before the band launches into 15 songs of Motorhead fury. At one point Lemmy announces, "We may not be the best band around, but we certainly are the fastest." Guest musicians come out and share the stage including Wendy O Williams, who shares lead vocals on "No Class." Also making a guest appearance is ALL the former members of Motorhead, including Fast Eddie Clarke, and very special guest Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) on bass during "Motorhead."

A good friend of mine at work brought this disc in, knowing that I was a big Motorhead fan. Of course after hearing it I was on a quest to find my own copy, which was to no avail since just about anything on Enigma is hard to find these days. This being so, my friend was going to burn me a cdr copy of the disc. Well, to my surprise, instead of burning me the CDr, he gave me the original. Well, how cool is that? (Thanks Nick)

Motörhead - No Sleep At All (Castle) 1990 1. "Dr. Rock" (3:20) 2. "Traitor" (2:51) 3. "Dogs" (3:25) 4. "Ace of Spades" (2:52) 5. "Eat the Rich" (4:34) 6. "Built for Speed" (4:51) 7. "Deaf Forever" (4:04) 8. "Just 'Cos You've Got the Power" (7:37) 9. "Killed by Death" (5:57) 10. "Overkill" (6:39) BONUS TRACKS 11. "Stay Clean" (2:38) 12. "Metropolis" (3:03)

Autographed promo LP.

No Sleep at All is Motorhead's second "official" live album, although few bands have as many live discs as Motörhead. In any case, Lemmy and Co. were unhappy with the final cut of this disc and because of it, they engaged in yet another legal battle with their record company, thus the reason for the crappy distribution of their next few discs. "No Sleep at All" features alot of newer material from "Rock and Roll" an album many people were disappointed with. One noticeable problem with the mix as well, as the bass guitar is mixed way back. Despite this, I think this is a great live album with tons of raw energy. The band is...well, they're Motörhead. No one expects sheer technical bliss here, we just want raw rock and roll and that is what Motörhead deliver.

Lemmy's 1916 is as inspired as any past Motorhead disc and, in my opinion, better than some of the past discs. Despite the constant change in guitarists, Motorhead's sound continues in the same speedy, punk/metal sledgehammer approach. As usual the song themes range from amusing and comical ("Angel City"," Ramones") to reflective and somber ("1916"). I gotta say, Motorhead are generally a band that rocks me, but the song "1916" really moved me. Paying careful attention to the lyrics, the words are very strong, and unlike most sappy radio ballads, really extracted a thoughtful and melancholy emotion from m

Doro recorded a cover of "Love Me Forever" with Lemmy.

Motörhead - Meltdown (Roadrunner) 1992

1. "Turn You Round Again" (3:58)
2. "Under The Knife I" (3:48)
3. "Under The Knife II" (4:34)
4. "Stand By Your Man" (3:06)
5. "Emergency" (3:07)
6. "Lemmy Goes To The Pub" (3:02)
7. "Tales Of Glory" [live] (3:45)
8. "Heart Of Stone" [live] (3:15)
9. "Hoochie Coochie Man" [live] (6:27)
10. "(Don't Need) Religion" [live] (2:46)
11. "Go To Hell" [live] (3:32)
12. "One Track Mind" [live] (5:48)
13. "Shoot You In The Back" [live] (2:53)

Pretty cool compilation that features one-half rare studio tracks and one-half live tracks, most of which feature the "Another Perfect Day" line-up of Motorhead. I was a bit worried when I bought this disc that the live tracks would be the same exact same recordings as featured on "The King Biscuit Flower Hour" CD. However, none of these tracks appear on that CD. I particularly love the track Lemmy sings with Wendy O. Williams, "Stand By Your Man." It's humorous, if not freakin' hilarious.

Motörhead - March or Die (Epic) 1992

1. "Stand" (3:31)
2. "Cat Scratch Fever" (3:51)
3. "Bad Religion" (5:01)
4. "Jack the Ripper" (4:37)
5. "I Ain't No Nice Guy" (4:15)
6. "Hellraiser" (4:33)
7. "Asylum Choir" (3:40)
8. "Too Good to be True" (3:35)
9. "You Better Run" (4:50)
10. "Name in Vain" (3:05)
11. "March or Die" (5:42)

"March or Die" seems to be the album that most Motorhead die-hards dismiss as their attempt at being commercial. There does seem to be some more 'commercial' moments here and there. Bringing in guest artists like Slash of Guns N' Roses and having Lemmy sing an acoustic duet with Ozzy doesn't help to dismiss this idea either. I suppose this was Motorhead's attempt at mainstream success. Despite these things, there is still plenty of heavy Mothorheadbangers contained herein. "Stand" is a fast & fun opener. You Better Run" is worth the price of the disc alone. This is a classic, boogie-woogie based song complete with Kilmister trading off bass licks with Wurzel and Phil "Zööm" Campbell. The Ted Nugent cover rocks hard. "Hellraiser" is a classic as well; just listen to that Rickenbacker roar. The title track has a similar vibe to the title track from "Orgasmatron". This song offers a scathing view of politicians who create wars and abuse the environment. "Bad Religion" is a song that takes on corrupt TV evangelists and is another prime slab of Motorhead. So despite the slightly cleaner production and Epic Record's attempts to make Motorhead become a bigger commodity, "March or Die" is still Motorhead!

Motörhead - Bad Religion (Epic) 1992

1. "Bad Religion" (5:01)

Not much to say about this one. This is an advance single that was sent out to American radio stations to prime channels for the "March or Die" cd. Found it at a cd show for $1.

Motörhead - Bastards (ZYX) 1993

1."On Your Feet or On Your Knees" (2:33)
2."Burner" (2:52)
3."Death or Glory" (4:50)
4."I Am the Sword" (4:28)
5."Born to Raise Hell" (4:57)
6."Don't Let Daddy Kiss Me" (4:05)
7."Bad Woman" (3:16)
8."Liar" (4:10)
9."Lost in the Ozone" (3:26)
10."I'm Your Man" (3:28)
11."We Bring the Shake" (3:46)
12."Devils" (5:56)

This disc was a pain in the butt to obtain. Who the heck are ZYX Records? I had to have a friend in Germany pick it up for me. They obviously have terrible distribution. In any case, this album shreds all over the overtly commercial "March or Die." It's heavy, greasy, and grinds steel grooves. Motorhead never sounded so good, save for the ballad (?!?!) "Don't Let Daddy Kiss Me," which is a song about incest! "Liar" is very much like "Orgasmatron."

Motörhead - All the Aces: The Best of Motörhead/The Muggers Tapes (Castle) 1993

1. " Ace of Spades" (2:47)
2. "Killed by Death" (4:37)
3. " Motörhead" [live] (4:46)
4. "Iron Fist" (2:51)
5. "Orgasmatron" (5:23)
6. "Love Me Like a Reptile" (3:20)
7. "(We Are) The Road Crew" (3:09)
8. "Bomber" (3:40)
9. " The Chase Is Better Than the Catch" (4:15)
10. "Louie, Louie " (2:44)
11. "No Class" (2:38)
12. "Deaf Forever" (4:26)
13. "Over the Top" (3:20)
14. "Overkill" (5:12)
15. " Ace of Spades" [CCN remix] (3:23)
16. " Ace of Spades" [live/video] (2:59)
17. "Motörhead" [live/video] (2:44)
DISC TWO
18. "White Lightning" [live] (5:34)
19. "Space Chaser" [live] (4:43)
20. "Somethin' Else" [live] (5:48)
21. "Would If You Could" [live] (5:07)
22. "(Just A) Nightmare" [live] (6:54)
23. "Cinnamon Girl" [live] (5:17)
24. "Summertime Blues" [live] (5:24)
25. "Killer, Killer" [live] (5:42)

There are probably more 'best of' Motörhead discs out than there are actual Motörhead studio releases. I suppose a hardcore collector might want them all, but I can't even imagine the most die hard fan wanting all these 'best of' discs. After the awesome "No Remorse" disc, is there really any other that would match up? The answer is a resounding NO! This disc is not exception. I mean, who needs an industrial dance mix of "Ace of Spades"? I can think of a number of songs that could have been included rather than this horrible injustice of metal. I am sure there are barrels of unreleased material they could have chosen from as well. So this disc is far from exhaustive, despite the fact that there is some outstanding material included. However, I found this disc sitting on the used racks for $6, and it was unopened and without any cutouts. I figured I would pick it up for disc two, which features tracks that have not been previously released. The Muggers Tapes is a live recording of a side project called the Muggers featuring Eddie Clarke, Phil Taylor, John "Speedy" Keen, and Billy Wrath. (Of course, without Lemmy, it's not Motörhead.) This disc features the Muggers cranking out some heavy bar rock that is entertaining, but nothing spectacular. For the collectible value I suppose it's worth the money spent, but overall this is just a way of the record company to bilk money out of fans. The multimedia extras and the two live videos are a nice inclusion, however. Buy cheap or pass.

Motorhead - Live at Brixton (Roadrunner) 1994

1. "Doctor Rock" (3:11) 2. "Stay Clean" (2:38) 3. "Traitor" (2:49) 4. "Metropolis" (3:14) 5. "Dogs" (3:14) 6. "Ace of Spades" (3:08) 7. "Stone Deaf in the USA" (3:30) 8. "Eat the Rich" (4:50) 9. "Built for Speed" (4:44) 10. "Rock & Roll" (3:54) 11. "Deaf Forever"(4:37) 12. "Just 'Cos You Got the Power" (8:24)

Lemmy & Dave Murray of Iron Maiden

The release facts about "Brixton" are a bit confusing. It is a recording of the band's Christmas Show at Brixton Academy on December 23, 1987. When and why it was released is a bit confusing to me. According to the book inside the officially released box set "Stone Deaf Forever!", "Live at Brixton" was released in 1994. Other sources say it was released in 1990 as an alternate to "No Sleep At All" as the band wasn't happy with the mix on that CD. The story as I read it is that "No Sleep At All" was Motorhead's second "official" live album, but the band was unhappy with the final cut and its release sparked yet another legal battle with their record company. Bad record deals have plagued Motorhead since the beginning. Anyhow, this set was originally chosen by the band for release as "No Sleep At All" but at the last minute the record company chose not to use it for unknown reasons.

"Live at Brixton" features virtually the same songs as "No Sleep at All", but with a noticable difference in production. This show was Philthy's comeback show in the UK and was on the heels of a successful European tour, so the band was ready and primed. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, the enchore "Overkill" was left off the disc. Argh! Anyhow, "Just 'cos You Got the Power," on this disc is spectacular and clocks in at over eight minutes.

Motörhead - Best of Vol. 2 (Roadrunner) 1994

1. "Deaf Forever" (4:26)
2. "Stay Clean" (2:39)
3. "One to Sing the Blues" (3:07)
4. "Hellraiser" (4:33)
5. "Metropolis" (3:25)
6. "I'm So Bad (Baby I Don't Care)" (3:13)
7. "I'll Be Your Sister" (2:51)
8. "Traitor" (3:18)
9. "Fire, Fire" (2:42)
10. "Too Late, Too Late" (3:21)
11. "Steal Your Face" (4:21)
12. "Bad Religion" (5:01)
13. "No Voices in the Sky" (4:12)
14. "Just 'Cos You Got the Power" (7:30)
15. "Cradle to the Grave" (4:10)

Essential for the two unreleased tracks, "Just 'Cos You Got the Power" and "Cradle to the Grave," both excellent Motor-bangers. Otherwise, this is an ok "Best of" collection. Found this one for $4.92 used.

Motörhead - Sacrifice (CMC International) 1995 1."Sacrifice" (3:16) 2."Sex and Death" (2:02) 3."Over Your Shoulder" (3:17) 4."War for War" (3:08) 5."Order/Fade to Black" (4:02) 6."Dog-Face Boy" (3:25) 7."All Gone to Hell" (3:41) 8."Make 'em Blind" (4:25) 9."Don't Waste Your Time" (2:32) 10."In Another Time" (3:09) 11."Out of the Sun" (3:43)

Motorhead 1995: Lemmy, Wurzel, MickeyDee, Phil Campbell

Some people said that Motorhead had sold out to commercialism. Whatever! OK, maybe "March or Die" was a bit of a sellout. This album, however, smokes! "Sacrifice" sounds as if it could have been the follow-up to "Iron Fist." No doubt, this is Motorhead at their best, in all it's wart infested ugliness. "Don't Waste Your Time" pays homage to some of Lemmy's influences-Little Richard and Chuck Berry. "Sex & Death" is a fast little punk ditty. "Sacrifice" is one of the best Motorhead tunes since "Ace of Spades" Sellout? Never! Found this one for $2.50 in the used bins and it's in perfect condition. Quite the find, eh?

Wurzel is still playing with the band on this CD, but decided to leave shortly after recording. While his guitar work is still featured on this disc, on the US pressings Wurzel was removed from the credits and the photos. I am interested in getting a European copy of this. The picture above is from the European booklet.

Motörhead - Overnight Sensation (CMC International) 1996

1."Civil War" (3:01) 2."Crazy Like a Fox" (4:32) 3."I Don't Believe a Word" (6:31) 4."Eat the Gun" (2:13) 5."Overnight Sensation" (4:10) 6."Love Can't Buy You Money" (3:06) 7."Broken" (4:34) 8."Them Not Me" (2:47) 9."Murder Show" (3:03) 10."Shake the World" (3:29) 11."Listen to Your Heart" (3:45)

Hilariously titled considering it's Motorhead--the band everyone loves to hate. Ah, who cares, this is one heck of a disc, one of the best later day Motor-offerings. "Crazy Like a Fox" even offers a bit of harmonica. "Hey, why does that guy have coo-coo puffs on his face? 'Cause co-co puffs are cool!" Picked this good'n up through BMG Music Club.

Motorhead - Don't Believe A Word (CMC International) 1996

1. "I Don't Believe A Word" [single version] (4:38)
2. "I Don't Believe A Word" [album version] (6:31)

Promotional single sent out to radio stations to promote the "Overnight Sensation" CD. Nothing more than a collector's disc for Motorhead fanatics.

Motörhead ‎– Fast, Loose & Live (Emporio) 1996

1.     Ace of Spades (3:05)
2.     White Line Fever (2:28)
3.     Motörhead (3:00)
4.     Lost Johnny (3:46)
5.     Leaving Here (2:49)
6.     Love Me Like a Reptile (4:16)
7.     Iron Horse / Born to Lose (4:33)
8.     I'm Your Witchdoctor (3:07)
9.     Godzilla Akimbo [instrumental] (2:19)
10.     Hump on Your Back (3:41)
11.     Bastard (3:02)
12.     Dirty Love (3:51)
13.     Shoot You in the Back (3:10)
14.     Waltz of the Vampire (3:40)
15.     Instro [instrumental] (2:47)
16.     Fast and Loose (3:06)

This is an oddball compilation of live tracks and demo tracks. The sound on this bootleg is all over the place, with the volume and quality changing from song to song. There was no thought put into the order of the songs, and there was obviously no mastering done to make the album have any sort of flow. For the most part this will never be a CD that fans will spend a lot of time listening to. Rather, it is a CD for die-hard fans and collectors of all things Motörhead, like myself.

Motörhead - Snake Bite Love (CMC International) 1998

1."Love for Sale" (4:52)
2."Dogs of War" (3:38)
3."Snake Bite Love" (3:30)
4."Assassin" (4:48)
5."Take the Blame" (4:03)
6."Dead and Gone" (4:18)
7."Night Side" (3:37)
8."Don't Lie to Me" (3:59)
9."Joy of Labour" (4:52)
10."Desperate for You" (3:27)
11."Better off Dead" (3:42)

Well, if there is one thing that you can't say about Motorhead, it's that they are not consistent. "Snake Bite Love" continues in the greasy biker metal vein that Motorhead is so good at. Motorhead like AC/DC, have a sound that works for them, so why should they change it? I would actually venture out to say that the last three Motorhead cds could stand up to "Overkill" and "Ace of Spades." **GASP** Have I committed blasphemy?

Motörhead - the Singles Collection: the Bronze Years 1978-84 (Cleopatra) 1998

1. "Louie, Louie" (2:48)
2. "Overkill" (5:13)
3. "No Class" (2:41)
4. "Bomber" (3:43)
5. "Leaving Here" [live] (2:54)
6. "Ace of Spades" (2:48)
7. "The Train Kept a Rollin'" [live] (2:45)
8. "Please Don't Touch" (w/ Girlschool) (2:50)
9. "Motorhead" [live] (4:47)
10. "Don't Do That" (The Young & Moody Band) (3:22)
11. "Iron Fist" (2:56)
12. "Stand By Your Man" (w/ Wendy O'Williams) (3:06)
13. "I Got Mine" (5:24)
14. "Shine" (3:12)
15. "Killed by Death" (5:59)

This is a really cool package that features a gold disc, a 12-page booklet, and a slipcase with the artwork to all the singles released on the Bronze label. Nothing really new on it but a nice collectors disc nonetheless.

Motörhead - Everything Louder than Everything Else (CMC International) 1999

If there is one thing this live disc proves, other than the fact that Motorhead are at home on the stage, it's that the new songs sound just as good as the old classics. This would be a great disc to give someone to introduce them to Motorhead as it contains the best of the best played live. I can't believe that Lemmy is over 50; you'd never know it by this performance.

Motörhead - We Are Motorhead (CMC International) 2000

1.   "See Me Burning" (2:59)
2.   "Slow Dance" (4:29)
3.   "Stay out of Jail" (3:02)
4.   "God Save the Queen" (3:19)
5.   "Out to Lunch" (3:26)
6.   "Wake the Dead" (5:14)
7.   "One More Fucking Time" (6:46)
8.   "Stagefright/Crash & Burn" (3:02)
9.   "(Wearing Your) Heart on Your Sleeve" (3:42)
10. "We Are Motorhead" (2:21)

Lemmy and Motorhead survive another millennium bringing us new bombastic rock 'n roll in the year 2000. And what better name for the album than, "We are Motorhead, Born to Kick Your Ass!" If that description alone isn't enough for you, you probably aren't a Motorhead fan to begin with. Simply put, "We Are Motorhead" rocks! There are several blazing heavy metal tracks including "See Me Burning", "Wake the Dead" and the groovy "Slow Dance". There is a smokin' bass solo in the middle of "Out to Lunch", a track reminscent of "Orgasmtron. There is even a ballad that I would basically describe as "Life According to Lemmy" titled "One More Fucking Time". Oh and in case anyone is wonder, yes, "God Save the Queen" is the Sex Pistol's anthem! HA! Lemmy old? Nah! Morothead kicks arse!

Motörhead - Hammered (SPV/Steamhavver) 2002

It's hard to believe that 'ol Lemmy is still kicking out such heavy jams as this. Most bands that are this 'mature' and are still together are using outside songwriters, are incorporating more modern electronic elements, or are just putting out duds. Motorhead, however, are one of the few bands whose new cds I rush to get as soon as they are available. Several killer songs on this disc, including the opening tracks "Walk a Crooked Mile" and "Down the Line." However, I honestly did not lose interest in this disc from beginning to end. I picked up this German 2-cd, digi-pack edition. The bonus disc contains the studio tracks "The Game", which was apparently written for the WWF. It also contains two live tracks and a 16 minute video, that I have yet to see.

The U.S. edition on Metal-Is contains the two bonus tracks: "The Game" and a live version of "Overnight Sensation." I'll have to keep my eyes open for a cheap used copy of that for the one bonus track.

Motörhead - Hellraiser - Best of the Epic Years (Sony Music) 2003

1. "The One To Sing The Blues" (3:09)
2. "Shut You Down" (2:41)
3. "I Ain't No Nice Guy" (4:15)
4. "Hellraiser" (4:32)
5. "Asylum Choir" (3:41)
6. "Bad Religion" (5:02)
7. "Eagle Rock" (3:09)
8. "You Better Run" (4:51)
9. "Cat Scratch Fever" (3:53)
10. "March Or Die" (5:41)
11. "Angel City" (3:58)
12. "1916" (3:45)
13. "Make My Day" (4:25)
14. "Going To Brasil" (2:30)
15. "Dead Man's Hand" (3:31)
16. "Ramones" (1:27)

There are so many Motörhead compilations. Many of them are not worth owning due to the fact that they are all just rehashes of compilations that had already been released. This one is unique in that it sums up the "big label" years of Motörhead. What makes it essential, however, is the inclusion of two non-album tracks "Eagle Rock" and "Going To Brasil". These two tracks had only ever been released on some rare promotional singles, as far as I am aware of. "Eagle Rock" was released on a promotional single for 1916 that also included the track "No Voices in the Sky". "March or Die" is perhaps my least favorite Motorhead CD, but it had a few gems, like the title track and the Ted Nugent cover "Cat Scratch Fever", so it was nice to have those inclusions here. "I Ain't No Nice Guy" is a ballad duet with Ozzy that I still find bizzare and uncharacteristic of the band. Overall, however, a good compilation that I am happy to have included in my collection. (Thanks Olaf!)

Motörhead - Stone Deaf Forever! (Castle Music /Sanctuary) 2003

click for song listing and review

Motörhead - Inferno (Sanctuary Records) 2004 1. "Terminal Show" (3:47) 2. "Killers" (4:16) 3. "In The Name Of Tragedy" (3:05) 4. "Suicide" (5:09) 5. "Life's A Bitch" (4:15) 6. "Down On Me" (4:14) 7. "In The Black" (4:33) 8. "Fight" (3:44) 9. "Year Of The Wolf" (4:19) 10. "Keys To The Kingdom" (4:48) 11. "Smiling Like A Killer" (2:46) 12. "Whorehouse Blues" (3:52)

Giant autographed Philip Campbell pick (Click image to see actual size.) The green pick above I caught at the show and also belongs to Philip Campbell.

One thing for sure, Motorhead are Motorhead and they don't really ever depart from that dependable sound. Love 'em or hate 'em, this album won't disappoint fans, and will probably delight most. Motrhead is one of the few bands that does very little to alter their sound from album to album, like AC/DC, and there's both comfort and tedium inherent in that. Personally it is that quality that draws me to purchase their CDs without even taking the time to listen to them first. I have yet to be disappointed. "Inferno" mixes Motorhead's unique blend of metal, punk, and rock'n'roll. This album even sports a bit of blues. As a matter of fact, album closer "Whorehouse Blues" is a straight up blues track; acoustic guitar, harmonica and all. "Inferno" starts off strong with "Terminal Show", a fast metal romp that will tear the paint off our walls and is followed up by the equally strong "Killers" and "In The Name Of Tragedy". There are a few songs that aren't quit as strong as these, but overall "inferno" is another solid effort from Motorhead. It's Motorhead, do you really need any other reason?

Motörhead - Stage Fright (SPV) 2005

This is one of the most entertaining concert DVDs ever. While I have only watched the actual concert once, I've enjoyed watching the commentary and the "We Are the Road Crew" section multiple times. This section of the DVD includes interviews with Lemmy, Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee, as well as the road crew, who talk about life on tour and share some personal insights into the musicians. If any fan really wants to get to know Motörhead as people and as musicians, these commentaries are a great watch. The band and crew, just being themselves are pretty funny and amusing to watch. The concert itself has a good mix of material from all the different eras of Motörhead. They were touring for the "Inferno" album so there are few songs from thing that album, including the humorous acoustic ditty, "Whorehouse Blues". Drummer Mikkey Dee comes out to the front of the stage to play acoustic guitar with Mickey Dee. The sound is good, although the bass is quite prominent in the mix, especially early on in the concert. Overall "Stage Fright" offers over four hours of playing time and comes in DTS 96/24, Dolby digital 5.1 and AC3 stereo sound and is region free.

Motorhead - BBC Live & In-Session (Sanctuary) 2005

Does anyone have as many compilations and live discs as Motorhead? I doubt it. Well, I really like these BBC discs to begin with, but add to this the fact that I am a Motorhead-fanatic, this disc only become that more essential. Lots of raw and heavy live versions of early Motorhead classics here. A total of three versions of "I'll Be Your Sister", two versins of "White Line Fever" and not even one version of "Ace of Spades" or "Overkill". Sort of hard to believe isn't it? Actually, I sort of enjoyed hearing some of the more obscure songs from Lemmy and Co. "BBC Live & In-Session" is a CD for the Motorhead completist like myself and probably not a disc for the casual fan.

Motörhead - Kiss of Death (Sanctuary Records) 2006

1. "Sucker" (2:59)
2. "One Night Stand" (3:05)
3. "Devil I Know" (3:01)
4. "Trigger" (3:53)
5. "Under the Gun" (4:45)
6. "God Was Never on Your Side" (4:21)
7. "Living in the Past" (3:45)
8. "Christine" (3:42)
9. "Sword of Glory" (3:57)
10. "Be My Baby" (3:40)
11. "Kingdom of the Worm" (4:08)
12. "Going Down" (03:35)
13. "R.A.M.O.N.E.S." (1:22)

If you aren't already a Motorhead fan, chances are you won't be one. Motörhead are nothing, if not consistant. Lemmy and Co. know what they do and they do it well. "Kiss of Death" is yet another lesson in Motörhead's unique brank of noisy rock and roll. However, unlike their excellent last album "Inferno" this one wasn't as immediately likeable. It took me several listens before I started becoming familiar with the material and really began digging the tunes. "Sucker" starts things off with a metallic bang! This will be a concert staple for a while. "One Night Stand" is a wall of noise boogie that would make Angus Young proud. "Devil I Know" is a full throttle rocker, and "Trigger" takes the intensity up another lever. "God Was Never On You Side" is a ballad of sorts. Ths song has that classic low verse/loud chorus/low verse style that modern day Motorhead seems to incorporate with each album. "Living in the Past" brings on the metal onslaught once again with razorblade riffs and Mikkey Dee's incredible drumwork. "Kingdom of the Worm" has an almost thrash metal sound to it, especially in the opening. None of this is atypical for Motorhead. "Kiss of Death" is what Motorhead is all about; high voltage, wall-of-noise, rock and roll. That album finishes off with a re-recorded version of the Motorhead classic "R.A.M.O.N.E.S." which I can only assume is here as yet another tribute to America's original punk band.

lyricially Lemmy is as sinister as ever. In the lyrics for the first track entitled "Sucker" Lemmy growls that "nobody cares if you're in or you're out, we¹re gonna give you a smack in the mouth." How much doesn't that sum up the Kilmister attitude? "God Was Never on Your Side" has Lemmy questioning God. "If God is wise, why is he still, when these false prophets call him friends, why is he silent, why is he blind, will he see nothing in the end."

Motorhead is one of England's greatest exports (even if Lemmy is now a resident of the US). "Kiss of Death" if full throttle, Rickenbastard bass driven, heavy, rock and roll.

Motörhead - Overkill / Tie Your Mother Down (Cleopatra) 2007 SIDE A 1. Overkill (Exclusive Version) SIDE B 2. Tie Your Mother Down (Lemmy & Ted Nugent) This is an odd vinyl collector's single that features a newly recorded version of "Overkill" with the current line-up, as well as the Queen cover that Lemmy and Ted Nugent were a part of for Bob Kulick. I have yet to figure out if this is an official release or not. There are three different versions of this vinyl release available. The editions are as follows: Blue vinyl: Limited to 500 copies, green vinyl: Limited to 300 copies, and red vinyl: limited to 300 pieces. All copies are hand numbered. I have the red version, number 003/300.

B-side label.

Motörhead - Better Motorhead than Dead - Live At Hammersmith (SPV) 2007

Motorhead's 30th anniversary show recorded live at the infamous Hammersmith Odeon on June 16, 2005. There really is not need for a review here. It's Motorhead live in all it's raw, fast, deafening glory. The set list covers as much of the band's history as possible in a single concert, even including such forgotten gems such as "Dancing On Your Grave" and "Love Me Like A Reptile". Actually, I wouldn't have minded a few more newer songs from albums like "Hammered" which I think are as good as, if not better than the classic 70's material. There are a few tunes from their last studio album "Inferno" including the acoustic "Whorehouse Blues" which features both Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee on acoustic guitars. The production is great; it captures that live energy that Motorhead delivers but sounds fantastic at the same time. I seriously doubt there are any overdubs to be found here. Motorhead are not about perfect recordings, they are about bombastic rock and roll, and that is what they deliver.

Motörhead - Motörizer (Steamhammer/SPV) 2008 1. "Runaround Man" (2:58) 2. "Teach You How To Sing The Blues" (3:04) 3. "When The Eagle Screams" (3:44) 4. "Rock Out" (2:08) 5. "One Short Life" (4:06) 6. "Buried Alive" (3:13) 7. "English Rose" (3:38) 8. "Back On The Chain" (3:25) 9. "Heroes" (5:00) 10. "Time Is Right" (3:14) 11. "The Thousand Names Of God" (4:33)

Motörhead live in Albuquerque, 8-27-08. Crappy photo taken with my cell phone from about 20 rows back.

Lemmy and Motorhead are a heavy metal icon. Whether anyone appreciates their music over the years or not, one thing will still hold true. Motorhead have become a larger than life figure in heavy metal circles. Lemmy at 62 is still rocking as hard as any band in their 20's. His dirty, Rickenbacker (Rickenbastard) bass sound acts as a wall of sound, giving Motorhead their unique sound. Guitarist Phil Campbell has been with the band since '84, and his catchy riffs and bluesy guitar solos add character to the signature Motorhead sound. "Motorizer" is Motorhead's 24th album, which is a remarkable feat in and of itself. Fellow british metal icon like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, who have seen more commercial success, cannot claim to have released such a large arsenal of albums.

My first thoughts when I popped "Motorizer" into my CD player were, "it sounds like Motorhead to me." Indeed! While Motorhead have progressed over the years, they have a sound that is distinctly theirs. "Motorizer" doesn't sound all that different than equally great albums such as "Inferno" or "Hammered". From heavy anthems such as "Rock Out and "Back on the Chain" to bluesy rockers such as "One Short Life" to full throttle rockers like album opener "Runaround Man", Motorhead are still cranking out the high-voltage rock and roll. They may not be re-inventing themselves, but they certainly don't sound stale either. The thing about groups like Motorhead is you know exactly what you're going to get. They'll deliver songs that are loud, fast, abrasive and pack a punch. "Motorizer" is no different! It's just another in a line of albums that kick some serious butt!

Motörhead - The World Is Yours (Motörhead Music) 2011

DISC ONE (CD)
1. Born To Lose (4:01)
2. I Know How To Die (3:20)
3. Get Back In Line (3:36)
4. Devils In My Head (4:21)
5. Rock 'n' Roll Music (4:25)
6. Waiting For The Snake (3:42)
7. Brotherhood Of Man (5:16)
8. Outlaw (3:31)
9. I Know What You Need (2:58)
10. Bye Bye Bitch Bye Bye (4:04)

DISC TWO (DVD "Live At Wacken 2006")
1. Doctor Rock
2. Love Me Like a Reptile
3. Killers
4. In the Name of Tragedy
5. Dancing On Your Grave
6. Fast and Loose

"The World is Yours" was released in December 2010 in Europe with  a special all Motorhead issue of Classic Rock Magazine. The album was then released in January 2011 in the U.S. through Motörhead's own label, Motörhead Music (distributed by EMI). As such, "The World Is Yours" didn't make my Best of 2010 list, though it will most likely make my 2011 list. "The World is Yours" is pure and simple, Motörhead. Heavy rock and roll with a bit of punk attitude, which has always been Motörhead's formula for success. No, there is nothing new here. Motörhead are Motörhead. They know what they do and they do it well. Much like AC/DC, they continue to build on a successful formula.

"Born to Lose" starts the album off in classic Motörhead-banging fashion. The songs title, as well as most of the song titles, sound like something that Lemmy and Co. had already recorded. (Remember back in '75 "Iron Horse/Born to Lose"?) However, these are not re-recorded songs. "Born to Lose" breaks out of a big drum fill and continues as a pummeling, upbeat, double-bass driven song. Despite being new songs, there is something familiar about this album. A song like "Brotherhood Of Man" is musically and lyrically similar to the classic "Orgasmatron". However, the song features a smokin' bass and guitar solo. "I Know What You Need" reprises “Nothing Up My Sleeve.” "Devils In My Hand" plays a bit of tribute to Lemmy's fallen friend Phil Lynott as the song recalls "Are You Ready" slightly. Yes, they’ve used some of these riffs and titled before, but so what? You either love them or you hate them. Those who love them raise their fists and bang along while the haters cover their ears and run for the hills. Motörhead are not trying to reinvent the wheel. They are what they are. Motörhead play kick ass rock n roll and are still unmatched by anyone.

Motörhead - Aftershock (UDC) 2013

1. Heartbreaker (3:04)

2. Coup de Grace (3:45)

3. Lost Woman Blues (4:09)

4. End of Time (3:17)

5. Do You Believe (2:58)

6. Death Machine (2:37)

7. Dust and Glass (2:50)

8. Going to Mexico (2:51)

9. Silence When You Speak to Me (4:30)

10. Crying Shame (4:28)

11. Queen of the Damned (2:40)

12. Knife (2:57)

13. Keep Your Powder Dry (3:54)

14. Paralyzed (2:50) 

The sticker on the front of the record of "Aftershock" states, "14 New Tracks of Crunchy, Greasy, Bluesy, Gutsy, Rock 'n' Roll". Really that about says it all. Motörhead are nothing if not consistent. Fans such as myself buy the new material year after year knowing exactly what to expect from the band. At 67 years of age, it's not like Lemmy really has any reason to explore new musical terrain or try to keep up with whatever silly trend is going on.

"Aftershock" is packed with uptempo, punk-infused rockers, a few more melodic blues based songs such as "Lost Woman Blues" and "Dust and Glass" and some straight-forward rock 'n' roll songs like "Crying Shame". Album opener "Heartbreaker" is like jumping on a big old loud Harley-Davidson and barreling down the road at full speed while "Going to Mexico" recalls the band's glory days on the 1970's. Lemmy sings with the same passion and conviction he always has. His cracked, hoarse, whiskey-soaked vocals sounding no worse for the years of abuse. Of course Lem's gnarly bass sound is the fuel that fires these songs. All-in-all Lemmy, Campbell, and Dee continue to forge ahead delivering Crunchy, Greasy, Bluesy, Gutsy, Rock 'n' Roll.  

Motorhead - Thunder & Lightning/Electricity (UDR) 2015

1. Thunder & Lightning (3:06)

2. Electricity (2:17)

Motorhead doing things old-school and releasing a pre-release single of two tracks from their up and coming "Bad Magic" album. Of course old-schooler like myself prefer it that way to downloads or YouTube. The single cost $2 but came with a $2 couple off the album when it is released, so of course this Motorhead fan will be taking advantage of that deal. Downloaders can have their ones and zeros. As for me, I am holding a piece of Motorhead history in my hand. 

The two songs here are exactly when anyone would expect from Motorhead at this point. Raw, biting, heavy and hard! "We are Motorhead, we play rock 'n' roll!" 

related collections: Fastway King Diamond Thin Lizzy Fast Eddie Clarke

Back to Index