Motörhead
We Take No Prisoners (The Singles: 1995 – 2006)
BMG
“We’re Motörhead! And we play rock and roll!” The infamous, no-nonsense, standard concert-opening proclamation delivered by frontman / bassist and band patriarch, Lemmy Kilmister, served as something of a cautionary PSA: a mighty sonic ass-kicking is about to ensue. Yet, despite their widely known reputation as one of the world’s loudest and most brutal bands, Motörhead DID have, songs — many of which reached beyond their typical headbanging comfort zone.
Throughout the band’s prolific 40-year career, Motörhead released a slew of singles that often reflected the depth of their songwriting. This oft-overlooked observation is proven further with a spectacular, recently released compilation. Available as a nine 7-inch singles box set, as well as deluxe double CD and digital editions, We Take No Prisoners is a gotta-gets collection of singles dropped during the band’s 1995 to 2006 era — promos, radio edits, and live tracks, even a long-lost 2004 interview with Lemmy and drummer Mikkey Dee.
It’s kinda crazy how a band’s music could be perceived initially as too abrasive to have any commercial appeal, only to be used decades later to hock an array of big-name products, including luxury automobiles. But, We Take No Prisoners boasts a bounty of highlights that reveals the full scope of Motörhead’s now-bankable musical brand.
“Sacrifice” oozes signature-style, dick-smacking splendor, while the rib-cracking “Love for Sale” possesses an undeniable pop hook, and the mid-tempo “I Don’t Believe a Word” is a massive, groove-driven chug fest. Heck, the neck-snapping “Take the Blame” even owns a smidge of “Purple”-tinged keyboards — GASP! Arguably as convincing as the original Sex Pistols version, “God Save the Queen” is a snot-soaked standout, and “One More Fucking Time” shows that Motörhead could bang out a ballad(ish) biggie with the best of ‘em.
Almost a decade following Lemmy’s untimely death, their now near-50-year story continues to play out, loud and clear. In the process, they’ve earned distinction as a rock icon. And We Take No Prisoners is a potent compilation, culled from an important period in their history. In sum, “We’re Motörhead! And we play rock and roll!”
Motörhead We Take No Prisoners Vinyl Track List
DISC ONE
A – Sacrifice
B – Over Your Shoulder (Live)
DISC TWO
A – I Don’t Believe a Word (Single Edit)
B – Overnight Sensation (Live)
DISC THREE
A – Love for Sale
B – Take the Blame
DISC FOUR
A – God Save the Queen
B – One More Fucking Time
DISC FIVE
A – Shut Your Mouth
B – See Me Burning
DISC SIX
A – Whorehouse Blues
B – Killers Inferno 2004
DISC SEVEN
A – God Was Never On Your Side
B – Trigger
DISC EIGHT
A – R.A.M.O.N.E.S. (2006 version)
B – R.A.M.O.N.E.S. (Live)
DISC NINE
A/B: Interview – April 2004 (w/ Lemmy and Mikkey Dee)
