The Hives- Lex Hives

Lex Hives is The Hives' fifth album. It was released in 2012, five years after The Black And White Album.

Looking at the "Favourite Songs" list below, it's quite well populated. In fact, it's every song of the album. So I'll just put together some quick bullet points on the particular highlights of each song.

But just a quick aside about the recording quality. I believe the songwriting of this album is perfect, so it's the only thing I can possibly pick on! Part of me thinks that a more polished and clean sound would make some songs sound "bigger" and more enjoyable. But another part of me thinks the rough sound (not as bad as Veni Vidi Viscious) is part of the cheeky garage-rock appeal. Hmmm, I dunno. Anyway... onto the songs...

Come On: A brainless and fun intro. If I may have (another) rant, normally it feels like a disappointing sell-out when a favourite song is used in an advertisement. Especially if said ad is for commercial gambling, which I am quite opposed to. However, the hedonistic attitude suits The Hives well, so somehow I don't have a problem with it in this case... in fact, I actually look forward to the ad, because it's a chance to listen to the song!
Go Right Ahead: Infectious mid-pace groove, ala Main Offender. Double hand-claps are the cherry on the cake.
1000 Answers: Vintage Hives attitude: stubborn and cheeky antagonism. 
I Want More: Awesome swaggering groove. Leads perfectly into next song.
Wait A Minute Now: Great lyrics. Builds wonderfully through each verse into the pre-chorus and contrasting chorus. As per all Hives songs, knows how to quit before things get stale.
Patrolling Days: Of all my favourite songs on this album, this is my favourite-est! Obscure, slightly non-sensical lyrics. Chorus is wonderfully singalong. I have no idea what it means, but damn I love singing along to it. And it gets even bigger and better throughout the song!!!11!!
Take Back The Toys: As per I Want More. Vocal recording style similar to Veni Vidi Viscious (eg distorted and a bit harsh)
Without The Money: Admittedly it's a pretty clunky effort. But it works perfectly as an oddball interlude for the album.
These Spectacles Reveal The Nostalgics: Blistering pace, as per early Hives. Infectious energy. Rounded out nicely by the final bridge
My Time Is Coming: Opening is wonderfully moody and set the tone. Love the hints of gospel and spaghetti western.
If I Had A Cent: Vintage high-energy Hives, nothing more, nothing less. Great lyrics, eg "I could always spot your friends by the daggers in your back"
Midnight Shifter: another brilliant groove. I think there's some cheeky homages to Mustang Sally? Either way, I totally dig it.

To finish things up, I'll leave you with some thoughts on satisfaction and consumerism by one Mr Howlin' Pelle Almqvist:

A healthy appetite 

Is good for one and all.
And I should be at peace with the world baby, but still I want some more.
A larger slice of pie, 

A bigger set of wheels,
A million sets of human eyes staring right at me come on!

I want shit that's made in India:
Incense, gold and myrrh.
Expensive wine and peace of mind,
A sail-boat 'n' dancing girls.
Cause I can't wait forever, no I just gotta have
Beg, steal, borrow, take, heist, nip, get or make; can I hear you say

Is it enough? No! 

Is it enough? No! 

Is it? No! Is it? No! Is it? No!  

I want more, I want more, I want more, I want more

Yeah that's the way get it, 

Any way I can.
Not a balanced sensible individual, not that kind of man.
You careful types with sorted lives 

Won't know what I mean.
When I speed through life like biblical locusts on a laser beam
Ain't gonna deserve nothing, 

No I just gotta have.
I am a man of much importance to me, I'm a much important man

Is it enough? No! 

Is it enough? No! 

Is it? No! Is it? No! Is it? No!
I want more.

Favourite songs

Come On, Go Right Ahead, 1000 Answers, I Want More, Wait A Minute, Patrolling Days, Take Back The Toys, Without The Money, These Spectacles Reveal The Nostalgics, My Time Is Coming, If I Had A Cent, Midnight Shifter

I diggit?

Umm, yes. In fact, it's one of my all-time favourite albums.