File under : The Hives

Fagersta Rock City. Regularly Sweden brings us bands that don’t meet the norm, equally adored and despised. The Hives fit in that category (note, because it’s probably the only thing they fit in – yeah, they act bigger than life). The Hives’ purpose is caricatural : a clownish singer, grinning and gesticulating in the foreground of a rather pale and effaced backing-band. The name of the singer is Pelle Almqvist. Elaborate in his gesture, stilted in his demeanour, provocative in his marketing pose, Howlin’ Pelle is the performer who titillates your low instincts. He’s the rock star you love to hate. That said, the fact that the Hives gained a worldwide success is meaningful. When going to see the Hives, leave your ego in the cloak-room, it won’t be handy. Not having to bear my pride or my know-it-all attitude is restful. The time of a record or the time of a show, I confide my life and my feelings to Pelle, and he’s the sort of guy who seems competent to handle them carefully (not so). There’s no danger, just plain intensity. And I like that.

Band status : active
Date : 1996-2007
Content : 1-You think you're so darn special / 2-Cellblock / 3-Some people... / 4-How will I cope with that / 5-Bearded lady / 6-Let me go / 7-03:30 Punkrock city morning / 8-Gninrom ytic kcorknup 03:30 / 9-Numbers / 10-Back in black / 11-Untutored youth / 12-Fever / 13-Mad man / 14-Ramanda / 15-The hives are law, you are crime / 16-Lost and found / 17-Howlin' Pelle talks to the kids / 18-Walk idiot walk / 19-Genepool convulsions / 20-Keel-hauling class of 89 / 21-Uptight / 22-Hives meet the norm / 23-Born to cry / 24-Little lil / 25-Jag skriver inte på nåt (Moneybrother) / 26-Throw it on me (Timbaland) / 27-Christmas duel (with Cyndi Lauper) / 28-TV Live Medley
Check : your tie
Missing : live tracks

Download it here. (updated 22 april 2009)