MOTÖRHEAD — Ace of Spades (review)

Album · 1980 · Heavy Metal

4/5 · 2020-08-19
UMUR

"Ace of Spades" is the 5th full-length studio album by UK heavy rock/metal act Motörhead. The album was released through Bronze Records in November 1980. After a couple of slow years (in terms of success) from 1975 to 1977, where a recorded studio (debut) album was also shelved, Motörhead gained a little attention with the release of their self-titled debut full-length studio album in 1977. It wasn´t until the release of their second full-length studio album "Overkill" in 1979 that things really started rollin´ though. In fact 1979 proved to be an especially busy year for Motörhead who also released their third full-length studio album "Bomber" and the shelved album they had initially recorded as their debut. In that version titled "On Parole". Even The Beatles seldom released three studio albums the same year. But Motörhead were on a roll with both the multible album releases and lots of touring, and "Ace of Spades" more than continued their momentum, and ultimately went on to become their most commercially successful release. It was also the first Motörhead release to see a decent distribution in the US, which was handled by Mercury Records.

"Ace of Spades" was recorded in August and September of 1980 at Jackson's Studios, Rickmansworth, England with producer Vic Maile. The band have often since in interviews spoken positively about Vic Maile, who understood how to handle the wild partying band in the studio and make them perform to the best of their abilities, but also for his ability to bring their loud and raw sound to tape without applying too much polish, but still with a clarity where you´re able to hear the details. To my ears it´s not a perfect production and especially the drum sound leaves a bit to be desired, but overall the sound suits the music well. The band sound as savage as on previous releases. The delivery is organic, gritty, and raw, but it shouldn´t be interpreted as if the trio of Eddie Clarke (guitars), Lemmy Kilmister (Vocals, Bass), and Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor (drums) can´t play, because that´s far from the truth.

The original version of the album features 12 tracks and a full playing time of 36:42 minutes. All tracks are blues based no nonsense rock´n´roll played loud and with a filthy attitude. It´s distorted, it´s ugly, and it´s presented in a primal raw form that´s not far from sounding like it was recorded live (which it isn´t). The tracks deal with ladies, sex, gambling, and life on the road, so all in all just your regular rock´n´roll subject matter. It´s the iconic opening title track (which is also one of the fastest and most hard edged tracks on the album) which most people know off this album, but there are several other great tracks featured here like "Love Me Like a Reptile", "(We Are) The Road Crew", and "The Chase Is Better Than the Catch". Not all tracks are equally memorable though, and in that regard "Ace of Spades" is actually not the most consistent quality release by Motörhead, despite it´s now legendary status.

Upon conclusion "Ace of Spades" does deserve it´s prominent place in rock´n´roll history though, as it´s predominantly a high quality release featuring some really catchy and powerful music. Had all tracks been as memorable as the tracks mentioned above, I would have rated this with a 5 star (100%) rating in a heartbeat, but as that´s not the case a 4 star (80%) rating will do.