The Hives - Love in Plaster

Once again, The Hives have come from Sweden to save rock-and-roll. They seem to do that every couple of years, and for that I am grateful.

The Hives became one of the most trendy bands of the early 2000's as the garage-rock sound exploded nationwide. It was one of the strangest things I've ever seen. Two-piece, beer-guzzling R&B trashbands from detroit and svelte, Eastern-Europeans that would be mistaken for The Stooges if they were less produced by one iota began to dominate popular radio. It would have been heaven for the indie-rock kids if they were allowed to listen to records that sell more than 10,000 copies. At least it was a fitting pendulum swing from the decade I regard to be the worst in rock-and-roll history: the 90s (Nirvana ruined everything, but that's another rant). The Hives have been the standout in the garage revival. The three albums they've released over their eleven-year history are all classic material, proving that the Hives are more than just a flash in the pan riding on a fad. In fact, they may just be the most "rock-and-roll" rock-and-roll band in the world right now. They are certainly more rock-and-roll than you... ;)

At any rate, I had a very difficult time choosing just one song from the new Hives record, Tyrannosaurus Hives. The whole album is fabulous. Every track is worth a post. I finally chose "Love in Plaster" because it strokes my love of new-wave. Go out and buy Tyrannosaurus Hives. You'll be glad you did.