There is likely not a metal fan who doesn’t know of the fame or the lasting music that Lemmy generated, in early 1975 he was fired from Hawkwind, and curious enough his last song he wrote for them was called ‘Motorhead’. However, before Motorhead became that, it was known as Bastards, as revenge on the former band, but cooler heads prevailed, though one doesn’t forget that the past is the past easily and 18-years large the masterfully creation of the album called “Bastards” released on November 29th, 1993 by ZYX Music. Sadly, for so many we lost this great talent in December 28th, 1995, hence in 2020 it shall be the 5th-anniversary of his death, and this year makes nearly 45-years of his incredible journey. Nevertheless, this isn’t about his life or contributions to music and film, that shall come in a later article one day, rather it’s about lasting number of tracks from the “Bastards” album.
While you can definitely listen to all the rapid pacing riffs, one thing no one can overlook is the intensely incredible drumming skills of Mikkey Dee who played on numerous King Diamond albums including “Abigail” (1987) and “Them” (1988), before joining Lemmy’s band this signaling his first album and both King and Lemmy later remarking to Dee’s work ethic and phenomenal solos sometimes lasting between five to fifteen minutes (in concerts). Although there’s a bit more to unpackage in this album, from the opening track ‘On Your Feet Or On Your Knees’ an anti-tech/media song to the sixth track is “Don’t Let Daddy Kiss Me,” an extremely eerie and dark ballad concerning child abuse, it was originally written for Lita Ford, but Lemmy actually recorded it. Strangely the song became lost because of the efforts of Aerosmith’s ‘Janie’s Got a Gun’ from 1989, likely due to the willingness of the band to change the lyrics to commercial friendly radio, which isn’t most metal bands intentions. Then again often bands do as well for radio, only to change it to the original form for live performances. After this track comes the popular ‘Bad Woman’ filled with ramped up rock’n’ roll style, complete with piano and simply in your face attitudes. Closing out the album is an adrenaline fueled song called ‘Devils’ featuring for most heavy metal at its finest and fascinating plenty of air-guitar wannabes and it matches an earlier track called ‘Born to Raise Hell’ which was featured on the Airheads’ soundtrack where Lemmy had cameo scene. As is customary on many Motorhead albums a song ode to military themes hence found on ‘Death or Glory’, as he was student and buff on history in general.
Track Listing:
On Your Feet Or On Your Knees
Burner
Death or Glory
I Am the Sword
Born To Raise Hell
Don’t Let Daddy Kiss Me
Bad Woman
Liar
Lost In the Ozone
I’m Your Man
We Bring the Shake
Devils
Band members:
Lemmy Kilmister – Bass vocals Guitars acoustic
Phil Campbell – Guitars lead, acoustic
Wurzel – Guitars lead, rhythm
Mikkey Dee – Drums
The Music Video for ‘Born to Raise Hell’ featured Ice-T
This is an incredible album with Lemmy ‘s creation of snarling metal music and a sincerely frightening haunting ballad track is lasting to the depth of his talents. His actions show a love for Rock-n-Roll, and solid riffs as well as feverish solos pounding drumming all adding to a fitting inclusion to the lengthy discography of what is and was Motorhead.
Baron’s Rating 4.5/5.0
Where to Purchase:
https://www.amazon.com/Bastards-MOT%C3%96RHEAD/dp/B000M4RCYG/
Band Links:
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMotorhead
https://www.instagram.com/officialmotorhead/
https://www.reverbnation.com/motorheadofficial
https://twitter.com/myMotorhead