Motörhead

If it was any other band but Motörhead releasing their zillionth live album, they'd certainly be ripe for some criticism, as live albums often reek of "contractual obligation" between band and record co. But Motörhead are the authors of one of hard rock's best (if not the best) live album of all time, 1981's damn near perfect No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith, and have logged more road miles than just about any veteran rock act in existence circa the early 21st century. And with that intro, we present Motörhead's 2007 double-disc live set, Better Motorhead Than Dead: Live at the Hammersmith. Recorded on June 16, 2005 at the site of their aforementioned earlier live triumph, the show marked a special anniversary for the group -- thirty years since Motörhead first took the stage. Of course, the Lemster is the lone original 'head left in the band's ranks, but the trio continues to soldier on -- a much needed gritty antidote to all the modern day rock fluff. Lemmy's vocals still sound croaky, the band still thrashes away, and continues to push the decibel meter into the red. How can you argue with a stellar set list that focuses heavy on some of rock's all-time classics ("Ace of Spades," "Overkill," "(We Are) The Road Crew"), as well as oft-overlooked gems ("Stay Clean," "Love Me Like a Reptile," "R.A.M.O.N.E.S.," etc.)? Heck, you could go as far as say that Motörhead is the finest rock & roll band around today. Just listen to Better Motorhead Than Dead: Live at the Hammersmith if you don't agree with this bold statement; you will. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide