Sweden rocks, and if it weren't for their winters, I'd probably investigate moving there.
This album, a compilation of the The Hives best from previous releases, is B*L*I*S*T*E*R*I*N*G!. 110% full-on, buzz-saw, post-punk adrenaline. And every song sounds like the perfectly crafted tune as well. This is an album that will test your stereo max levels - there's no way you can play this softly.
Think Husker Du, Strokes, White Stripes, Ramones, the Velvets, Minutemen and the Pistols (without the politik) - they're all in there somewhere. But The Hives have managed to carve out their own sound as well. And it's beautiful.
Anyone else catch the Pixies-like guitar dives in the breaks of "Main Offender"?
At the price, this is a steal. I probably would have paid double for this. This is an essential record for the year!
Beg, borrow, steal. But get your new favourite band, The Hives.