Here are some random thoughts I had while reviewing The Black and White Album by The Hives.  They kind of sum up what I think better than a straight review would.

Oh no, not another 80's fusion rock band.  But wait, they are a little better than that.  No, a lot better. Hmm, kind of sounds like a garage band rehearsing for a battle of the bands, but better quality.  Probably great live.  I wonder what the video looks like (is there a video?)  Johnny Rotten Rocks. Hey, the songs really rock.  Good beat, good lyrics.  Not bad.  Where's the lyrics on this -- what is this?  Still no lyrics, but I like it [look at CD back cover] - it's called "Stroll Through Hive Manor Corridors" - makes sense.  Oh, it's the name of the band spelled out.  Interesting.  Too new wave.  Turn 180 degrees -- punk.  Johnny Rotten rocks.  This brings me back to the 80's.  I am glad that they change it up. Giddy Up?  Not my favorite, but a very catchy beat.  Gotta listen to the words . . . Square One . . . how true. English rock, 70's punch influence.  Boom, boom, boom, 1 2 3, boom boom boom.  A cappella? Snap.  TV theme song.  Must have had fun.  Drum beat, Guitars, back to the 80's. Feet still moving to beat. Kept me happy.

This was a fun album to listen to.  Not the greatest album lyrically nor instrumentally.  However, it was a pleasure listening to the album.  Every song made me want to listen to it.  My foot tapped through most of the album and it was just fun to listen to.   It is an album I will listen to again, it has that unnamed quality that just makes it a good album.  I cannot even say that there is one single track that will be in my favorite songs of all time, but the album as a whole is really good and needs to be listened to as a whole.  Although this may not be good for the sale of their singles, those that purchase the full album will have purchased a gem.  All you need to do is listen to it and you will know exactly what I mean.