THE MC5
The Big Bang - Best Of The MC5 (Rhino)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Listen closely: the MC5 may not have invented punk, but they were the blueprint for doing it right. They could have played it safe and gone the 60s pop route, as each member of the band could really play, but the Detroit quintet chose to assault their instruments and the establishment, creating some of the most memorable rock n roll of the decade along the way. How perfect an irony that their best remembered song is "Kick Out The Jams," a song that was banned for the unforgettable opening shout, "kick out the jams, motherfuckers!" Without airplay or label support, the Motor City 5 became cultural heroes, performing amid verbal battles and riots, only about half of which were started by the players themselves. 31 years after their debut their influence is obvious, and the debt owed them by garage and punk bands is incalculable. Why, then, did it take this long for a compilation CD to arrive? Who cares? It's here, and it's a rawkanroll powderkeg of 21 live and studio recordings that truly capture their unrelenting power. If your radar blipped upon reading "live," you can rest assured that the live tracks do not lack power and sonic fullness, unlike so many best of/live releases you've undoubtedly wasted money on. The sound is in your face with crystal highs and thumping bass, baby. If you've only heard "Kick Out The Jams," get this NOW and find out what sent Iggy & The Stooges runnin' for the garage.

Track List:

I Can Only Give You Everything * Looking At You (Original "A-Square" Single Version) * I Just Don't Know * Ramblin' Rose * Kick Out The Jams (Uncensored Version) * Come Together * Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa) * Tonight * Teenage Lust * High School * Call Me Animal * The American Ruse * Shakin' Street * The Human Being Lawnmower * Back In The Usa * Sister Anne * Baby Won't Ya * Miss X * Over And Over * Skunk (Sonicly Speaking) * Thunder Express

© 2000 - DJ Johnson