The mighty Lemmy left his mortal coil behind him just before the end of last year. Leaving behind a long, storied history of pure rock n’ roll, Lemmy was a man inarguably more a cultural tome than his own musical legacy – except for ‘Ace of Spades’, of course. But Motorhead released 22 records and though not all contained an ‘Overkill’ or a ‘Bomber’, almost all of us are filled with enough riffs, solos and Lemmy-tuned madness to make them worth at least a sniff.
Here’s a few choice tunes to stick into your next rock playlist so you can avoid using ‘Ace Of Spades’ for the millionth time and driving those of us who listen to rock and heavy metal a little mental.
Iron Horse/Born To Lose
Way back in 1977 the first Motorhead album, self-titled, was released into the world and the world was suddenly altogether a little bit different. It’s a tamer listen by all accounts today, neither as fast nor as ferocious as what would come after, but that just makes it all the more interesting. The ’60s influence still had a vice-grip over Lemmy and the boys and it’d be an album or two before they shook it off and became the Motorhead we’d all come to love. That said, that blues-y swagger was there ’til the end.
Capricorn
OVERKILL!…. Is not the song I’m choosing from the album of the same name, because Phil Taylor‘s thunderous drumming on that track cemented its place in Motorhead history. What’s less known is the surrounding record, which is filled with stuff like ‘Capricorn’ that’s ever so slightly dissonant and ever so not-so-slightly psychadelic. This is the true start of the Motorhead that’d become a staple for every jukebox on the planet.
Going To Brazil
Jumping forward a decade, Motorhead released 1916 and the contrast couldn’t be bigger. The sheer energy and palpable sweat dripping off the band as they just cut straight through the reams of blues-soaked rock n’ roll. I dare you to not bob your head to this one.
In The Name Of Tragedy
Lemmy always maintained that Motorhead were not a “heavy metal” band, they played rock n’ roll and that was that. Of course, he’s right, they are a rock n’ roll band, and that’s that, but that doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally venture into heavier territory. Particularly in the second half of their career, Motorhead were really capable of playing the heaviest blues you’ve just about ever heard of. 2004’s Inferno is a top to bottom adage to that.
Born To Raise Hell
Have you ever seen Airheads? You should watch Airheads, it’s ’90s delinquent gold. Motorhead contributed to the soundtrack, because of course they did, with ‘Born To Raise Hell’. The song is played over the credits of Airheads but more importantly, at just under 50, Lemmy is singing about making a general mess in the name of a good time and selling it more than practically anyone else.
Who’d win in a wrestling, Lemmy or God? TRICK QUESTION! Lemmy IS God.
Doctor Rock
My personal favorite Motorhead cut is a slice off Orgasmatron from 1986. Metallica and Slayer were releasing albums that would change the heavy metal world, Lemmy was doing what he always did. play rock n’ roll and wait for the next group of kids to get around to his records. ‘Doctor Rock’ is just about everything Motorhead are to me in one place – loud, thundering, just enough control, slightly satirical and above all, fun. It puts a smile on my face every time.
When The Sky Comes Looking For You
It’s only fitting to end on the last full length Motorhead put out, Bad Magic. ‘When The Sky Comes Looking For You’ is a slightly self-aware tome that caps off the album in which Lemmy sings about mortality and finally finding your end. Lemmy went out how he always knew he would and we should all wish for the same.
“What are you going to do now
Out in the lonely times
How will you ever get through now
Remembering all of your crimes”
BONUS: Ace Of Spades
Because it’s the ACE OF SPADES, the ACE OF SPADES!
R.I.P Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister – Thanks for everything.
