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The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock PodcastThe Ugly American Werewolf in London is a weekly podcast about classic rock, hard rock, progressive rock, heavy metal, early MTV, 80s music, UK vs. US chart success and all things rock! Author: Mac B. Language: en Genres: Music, Music Commentary, Music History Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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UAWIL #259: Motorhead - Ace of Spades
Episode 259
Wednesday, 5 November, 2025
Every metalhead knows Motorhead for their all out attack playing style with raunchy lyrics that bounces you from one three minute bludgeoning to the next. When Lemmy Kilmister (gravely vocals and lead bass), "Fast" Eddie Clark (lead guitar), and Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor recorded Ace of Spades in 1980, the band were hot. 1979 saw the release of Overkill and Bomber, two beloved classics in their catalog, the latter of which going to #12 in the UK. They were making a racket all around Europe and found themselves with the soft-spoken Vic Maile in Jackson's Studios (not our co-host Action Jackson's studio) to make what would become their biggest selling and defining album. From Ace of Spades to The Hammer there are no brakes, no pauses, no ballads, no turning it down. Whether you're gambling day and night (Ace of Spades), making time with the ladies (Love Me Like a Reptile, Fast and Loose, Jailbait) or doing violence in the street (Shoot You in the Back, The Hammer), Lemmy and the boys crush their way through the lens of rough and rowdy real-life rockers. They give a shout out to the young fans who follow them to follow their dreams (Live to Win) and show their love for the guys who live just as hard as they do (We are) the Road Crew) which creates a sense of family and belonging. Fire, Fire and Dance give the audience a chance to shout along The Chase Is Better Than the Catch sums up Lemmy's livestyle succinctly. Hearing Lemmy sing and not just scream is a testament to Vic Maile and what Fast Eddie does with this guitar as Lemmy is occupying that space with his lead bass is why we feel this is the best Motorhead lineup. They may have actually been able to play a bit more than they show but they are all about straight-ahead, white line fever, drink, smoke, rock hard, screw, and do it all again tomorrow. This album is the quintessential Motorhead record and as it turns 45 we give it its due credit. Check out our new website: Ugly American Werewolf in London Website Twitter Threads Instagram YouTube LInkTree www.pantheonpodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
