MC5
Kick Out The Jams / Motor City Is Burning
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1969 7", 45rpm stereo original. Hole punch on label. In "Kick Out the Jams / Motor City Is Burning," MC5 delivers a raw, electrifying performance that encapsulates the chaotic energy of late 1960s Detroit. Renowned for their radical political views and explosive sound, the band captures the spirit of rebellion in "Kick Out the Jams," a frenetic anthem urging listeners to break free from societal constraints. The track is a relentless assault on the senses, embodying a fusion of garage rock and proto-punk elements that would influence countless bands in the decades to come. Wayne Kramer's and Fred "Sonic" Smith's twin guitar attack, Rob Tyner's fiery vocals, and the unyielding rhythm section push the boundaries of rock, offering a visceral experience that transcends the confines of conventional music.

On the flip side, "Motor City Is Burning" serves as a gritty, blues-infused reflection of Detroit's turbulent landscape during the civil unrest of 1967. The track is a cover of a John Lee Hooker blues number, which MC5 transforms into a searing commentary on their hometown's strife and the broader social upheavals of the era. The band's rendition retains the essence of the blues while injecting it with a punk ethos, characterized by Tyner's impassioned delivery and the band's incendiary instrumentation. Together, these tracks form a potent statement that not only captures the zeitgeist of their time but also cements MC5's legacy as pioneers who dared to challenge both musical and societal norms.