1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die #158. MC5 - Kick Out The Jams (1969)

158. MC5 - Kick Out The Jams (1969)

Label – Elektra
Producer – Bruce Botnick and Jac Holzman
Art Direction – William S. Harvey
Nationality – USA
Running Time – 36:17

Track Listing (standout tracks listed in bold)

1. Ramblin' Rose
2. Kick Out The Jams
3. Come Together
4. Rocket Reducer No 62
5. Borderline
6. Motor City Is Burning
7. I Want You Right Now
8. Starship

“Kick Out the Jams” is the debut album by Detroit’s MC5. The decision was made that a studio record could not adequately capture there sound and energy, so it was recorded live at Detroit's Grande Ballroom over two nights of Halloween 1968.
This is in all actually a tedious record to listen to. First of all Brother J.C. Crawford's rambling introductions while entertaining to a point, get old quickly and Rob Tyner's ‘singing’ voice has a lot to be desired. Their material also isn’t that great and the playing is ragged, many times out of tune and really rough. That said, this record is more about attitude and power – easily ranks up there as likely the most energetic live album ever made, refuses to be played quietly and simply MUST be heard.
There is of course the classic "Kick Out the Jams" with the controversial opening “kick out the jams mother f%$kers” that garnered most of the attention upon release, and actually cause the record to be banned from many retail stores, and eventually led to the band being dropped by Elektra records. This track is their lasting statement, and has inspired a ton of cover versions over the years. (Blue Öyster Cult’s version on their 1978 live album ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ comes immediately to mind).
The LP peaked at #30 on the Billboard album charts with and edited version of the title track peaking at #82 in the Hot 100. In 2003, the album was ranked number 294 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. (Funnily enough, original Rolling Stone legendary reviewer Lester Bangs didn’t like the record at all calling it "ridiculous, overbearing, and pretentious") In March 2005, Q magazine placed the song "Kick Out the Jams" at number 39 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. The same track was named the 65th-best hard rock song of all time by VH1.
It is recommended – with caution.


You can purchase the CD here or the vinyl here