Reviews (page 3 of 7)
KICK OUT THE JAMS MOTHERFUCKER
This is just a powerhouse of an album, last song is a terrible waste of time.
A proto-punk classic from MC5, a raw, energetic performance that remains influential and important to punk and hard rock bands that followed. A good decision to release a live versions of the songs, because it may have been hard to translate the energy and spontaneity of the band in the studio. The album starts out with a bang, back to back to back great songs, but it loses some of it's energy and spark towards the end. Overall, you should hear this at least once.
It's hard, heavy, and loud. It is good and something I would listen to again, but it's probably something where you would have to be in the specific mood to listen to it.
Pretty fun, pretty out there for an album that came out shorty before the first black sabbath. Revolutionary politics :)
I didn’t know them yet. Positive surprise 😌
4.5
Love the passion on this thing. You can hear it in the tight-yet-uncontrolled playing on all the instruments. Firing on all cylinders. It's what I imagine every blues-rock dad would want their live concert to sound like. Call it a 3.5. Favorite tracks: "Kick Out the Jams", "Rocket Reducer No. 62"
Solid stuff. The precursor to punk. Lots of energy. Last song is meh but everything else smokes.
I listen to lots of punk and punk-adjacent genres. Somehow had never heard of MC5. I thought this album was pretty cool, and ahead of its time for sure. Favourite track was starship, would listen to that one again.
I found a lot to like about this. The title track especially felt like the thing I imagine when I'm listening to The Beatles and think "I like this, but I'd really like it if it were more uptempo and like 20% More" Would prefer Starship lose the last three minutes but maybe that was because it was a live show recording? 3.5 rounded up
I didn't realize there were punk bands in the states in 69. they rocked hard! and apparently had quite the tiff with "the man" about incorporating an emphatic "motherfucker" in this album. pioneers man.. pioneers.
Bands back then could rarely match the energy of MC5. They were a roaring, unstoppable ball of fire when they took the stage. Even when they slow it down, their force is undeniable. Not only is it a proto-punk masterpiece, it closes with an experimental noise rock statement. Mileage may vary, but mine goes far.
Album #37 I had never actually listened to MC5 before, so I was intrigued. I have heard covers of the title track before, though. This was a fun, short, lively, rock show. I'm always a sucker for counterculture so this fit the bill for me. 3.5 rounded to 4. 4*
That was an actually great album! I know this band just because Rage Against The Machine covered the title song, but I never looked into the rest of discography. And apparently they were kicking the jams already in sixties! A lot of energy, a lot of great riffs and melodies, just overall entertaining and slightly antiquated album. From now on I know that the original song is at least as good as its covers.
3.75
Genres: Proto-punk, garage rock, hard rock, punk rock Formed: Lincoln Park, Michigan, in 1963 Run time: songs, min, sec The debut album by the American proto-punk band. They were high energy and pushed the boundaries of accepted lyrical content. “Come Together” being a good example. I can’t imagine the meaning of the song registering with most people in that sexually repressed, conservative era. Spotify: Least popular song: >208k Most popular song: >18.2M plays. The songs are well written and played. These songs are a push back against the “Man” and the Establishment. They generally sang about issues that were important to them without any regard for acceptance from the record buying public. This explains their retrospective label of proto-punk (i.e. they preceded Punk and paved the way). They will have been quite something in the day, although I imagine their reach was pretty limited, because they weren’t mainstream. Listen Again?: No My Rating: ****
Side 1 of this record is one of the best sides of rock and roll ever committed to vinyl. It's sloppy and raw and loud and rebellious and offensive and fast and out of control, The decision to record the band live was unorthodox but inspired. They managed a great job of capturing the excitement of the MC5. That wild excitement has been massively influential on whole branches of rock since then. If I ever wanted go explain what rock and roll should be like, side 1 of this album is really the ur-text. I find the whole thing flags a bit on side 2, especially 'Starship', which loses focus a touch. The intro to Kick Out The Jams, however. is an iconic moment of rock. My recent-ish Rhino pressing has the "motherfuckers" intact, although Spotify has cut the whole spoken introduction . This proves that Spotify are gutless corporate milquetoasts.
"Kick out the jams, motherfucker!!!" When I was a teenager during the nineties, a lot of music journalists praised that album as an iconic one, a musically and topically relevant milestone in the history of rock'n'roll. I still agree this LP is topically relevant, and therefore understand its iconic nature in that regard. The thing is, it's a bit of a mess muisically speaking, is it not? The title track sure slaps hard, but I've always had trouble remembering anything else after listening to the album. It's not *dull* music at all, it's even filled to the brim with ideas. But is it *essential* music ? Well, the jury's still out on this one. Funny how MC5's second LP has all the opposite flaws, being far too tame to age well--especially after punk broke out. Those music journalists always referred to MC5 as the equals of the Stooges. But c'mon... Any of the three Stooges LPs is at least ten times more thrilling than those MC5 records. Funny how fads can even be "retrospective"--as in not about present albums, but about ones from the distant past. Number of albums left to review: 460 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 254. Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 127 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 161
Classic punk
7.5/10 Fave track: Kick out the jams
Feels like cornerstone stuff. Great energy to the live record. Chewy thrashy goodness that peels itself off the fetid shambling corpse of classic rock and grows a body of its own. Fave track: Kick Out the Jams
👌
A lot of early proto-punk stuff is a bit rough for my liking, but MC5 were able to mix it with enough other elements and really make some awesome stuff. They sound unhinged here, and it's definitely loose but somehow it feels like controlled chaos.
surprisingly i like this. very quick and listenable.
Definitely not a fan of live albums - even less if they're 50 year old live albums. And absolutely not a fan of punk music. Luckily, this proto-punk mostly didn't sound like punk yet. The guitars and vocals were way too good for that. Motor City Is Burning even stood out as a pretty good guitar track. Taken together, I was definitely positively surprised - rounding up from 3.5
Seminal late 60’s proto-punk album.
I'm still not sure if live albums should be in the list, but if they are, this is a good one! Messy and poorly recorded, but fast loud and fun. A clear influence on pretty much all of punk and most other rock that followed
This was really energetic and had some great tunes
finally they found their shape
One of the first protopunk albums. This one is more blues and garagerock. I consider (also because of the lyrics) The Stooges to be the true origin of punk. That opinion does not change my love for the album. It f***ing rocks as hell!
Good energy rock. 4
Third live album in a short time. And another great one! Cool to debut with a live album. Seminal band just for the mix of politics, pure energy and loudness. Previously listened a bit to MC5 (love the track “looking at you”) but never listened to any albums. Electric energy but I probably won’t return to this a lot.
Heard one song (sorry) but the style was a drive at night in the 90's so it was a good start for the album.
Wow. Hard to believe this was recorded in '68. If it came out today, I'd only give it 3 stars. But this was clearly ahead of its time, so I'll give it 4.
Never heard of this band. But I can get down with some 60s rock! \m/ Man this album has been fire!! I get some real strong Jimmy Hendrix vibes, mainly from the guitar sounds. But yeah these guys rock! They straddle the line between rock and metal imo. They're all white boys but they sound black. lol hmm they're from Michigan I guess. The last track Starship is very cool! Sinister and psychedelic. The last part kind of sounded like Willie Wonka in the boat scene.
Never heard of MC5 before this. Great opening song, great closing song. This is some good old fashioned rock and roll!
Proto punk in the 60s
Rawk! Also some more psychedelic moments than expected
I really enjoy this album, the guitar solos and riffs were fucking sick. At times the music made the singers lyrics incomprehensible which is a pet peeve of mine. This was awesome I look forward to checking out their discography.
Legendary!
Reminded me of a grungier Rolling Stones in some ways? Or maybe I'm thinking more Led Zepplin? Idk, can't put a finger on it right now but it had a familiar enough vibe.
Kickass
Proto-Slop Klassic
Tää on näitä eläimellisiä ja tykkejä kaahailulevyjä punkin vaippakaudelta jolloin kaikki pierutkin kuulosti jonkin vastustamiselta. 4/5
Proto-punkin rouheet bassolinjat jyrää!
Raucous. Not something I'd listen to regularly, but undeniably exciting.
Classic i never knew about
So much energy. This sounds, tastes, and smells like the counter culture 60s. Makes me want to be at the concert. Rama lama fa fa fa and kick out the jams mother fuckers.
I thought this was pretty good, but it didn't resonate with me in any major way or anything.
No masa del meu gust
A blisteringly raw album - it’s first few songs are some of the most ínstense punk and rock and roll minutes in all of guitar music history - however the bar gets set so high that the rest of the album feels feeble in comparison. It’s still an awesome album but the energy that the MC5 brought to the world, the Stooges distilled it and bottled into the refined petroleum we know and love. Still this source of the river - and it’s well worth remembering that when listening to it.
At first, this was just loud and muddy but it finds itself about half-way through. Some great energy.
Rousing, angry, loud, and energetic from start to finish. Made me think of a neighborhood garage band. And a pretty damn good one at that. Never heard of them until listening to this but I liked it.
This rocks so hard. Hard driving, shambolic, visceral. Uncompromisingly badass. Love it. Fave Songs: Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa), Kick Out the Jams, Borderline, Motor City Is Burning, Come Together
I do enjoy this. It's just so raw
Notes - Live album from hard rock band MC5 - Often credited as a precursor of punk - You can really get an idea of what it would’ve been like to watch them play live - Definitely crank the volume Fav song - Borderline - I love how messy this song is, sounds like they’re just going off of each other so the whole thing feels like it can fall apart at any second - Really cool chord change about halfway through Least fav - Motor city is burning - Blues jam that felt like it went on a bit too long Closing song starship - lots of super cool sounds and ideas! 4/5
Can absolutely easily hear their influence on future heavy metal and punk.
Du proto-punk, excellent album, un peu gâché par le live de l'époque (selon moi bien sur)
Proto punk slaps, even from detroit. Weird vibes and mattress anxiety
When I was 15 or so,a friend tried to get me into this album and but I didn't enjoy it. But now, I'm not sure why... This was pretty good, except the last song
Damn! This is Rage before Rage. Fuckin' love it!
Unstoppable energy, scrappy jumpy live album. Good fun.
It's MC5. I can't say anything bad
1969 was a great year for Elektra Records and the rumblings of punk rock in a state largely known at that point for Motown. With one record, MC5 grabbed the collars of every and any prude that stood in front of them and shook their foundations with only five words: words that everyone knows by heart but is unfortunately edited out here. It's not all woeful here, though, as the rest of the music contained here is flat out incendiary in its approach to rock and roll and bits of jazz; one could see and hear where they would end up in a year's time. MC5 were a rock and roll band at heart, they just so happened to provide the blueprint for one of the more consequential genres of music to come. Kick out the jams, motherfuckers! Favorites: Ramblin' Rose, Kick Out the Jams, Come Together, Rocket Reducer No. 62, Motor City is Burning.
It's time to kick out the jams motherfuckers!!
Fun listen. Didn't know of MC5 before. I'm seeing that this is considered a precursor to punk and I can totally see that. Loved the anger and passion (and, of course, the jams) that are so apparent here.
Rugged rock!
Makes me want to quite my job and start a garage band
This record is very very good. But A 5? Ehhh. I absolutely love The Stooges and the MC5 is right up their alley, but for this album it just seems too loose to be the “masterpiece” that it’s been considered by music snobs and slobs everywhere. It’s good I’d say, but not great. Heavily influential as all hell, but I’m gonna have to side with the 1968 Democratic National Convention on this one and label the MC5 as not exactly my thing
MC5, very important yadda yadda
Raw and powerful. Really getting the excitement pumping from minute one. Roots of punk, roots of metal. Just excellent stuff. And Detroit natives to boot!
Had tried years ago to get into this one when this was cited as one of the main influences on punk into grunge era bands. Liked the vibes and energy more than I liked most of the songs. Do appreciate what it did for popular rock over the next 50 years tho.
Helen Mirren in a thong gyrating up against Usain Bolt. The waiter cries "that's not how you tie a bow tie". Paul McCartney eats a large cream cake with his hands and laughs.
Bit more my speed. Decent album, nothing really stands out though, kinda jammy. My favorites were Dreamer and Asylum, and tge sax man going HAM on Crime of the Century. Probably won’t be in my regular rotation though.
This live album is indeed a grotesque riot of musical cruelty and primitivism, but also an impressive example of destructive power and music of the heart. After that you will understand why modern punk rock is nothing more than a fashion statement. (8/10) FT: Kick Out The Jams , Come Together
Cool album. Wasn't familiar with this band but will probably listen to them again.
Honestly, this is just a fun album. It's innovative in certain ways, of its time in others, but it seems like this would have been a fucking awesome concert to go to. Just constant wailing guitars and rock 'n roll yelling 4/5
Would never have guessed this was from the 60's. I liked it
хороший альбом
Kick out the jams mother fu———
Kick out the jams is all you need to know about this record. Incendiary sloppiness that was a building block for punk rock that came a few years later. Messy greatness
Wow is this ahead of it's time. No wonder it's such a big influence
Great live rock album
Powerful and raw live performance. I enjoyed it.
Live albums are fun. I like rock like this. I'm not good at reviews but I'm thankful for the project.
The sound of Detroit setting fire to the 60's and kicking the door open for punk to eventually rip up what became of the 70s. Takes balls for your debut album to be a live recording but it captures the incendiary nature of MC5 more than any studio would. And right now...Right now.....Right now its time to...
Mir vollends neu, aber schönes Album!
Füllt echt eine musikhistorische Lücke!
Raucous.
My sort of music. Good and rocky.
Dit is duidelijk een punk-album. 1 clipje op YT start zelf met de woorden 'the most dangerous band in America' . Muzikaal niet echt een hoogvlieger, maar wel van genoten
Omdat het MC5 is, maar live-albums vind ik nooit leuk om naar te luisteren
Rockero, enérgico, muy vital
It's easy to understand, listening to this, how they became influential in a short amount of time. Their sound is exciting, electric, captivating. My only previous exposure to this was RATM's cover of Kick Out the Jams, but I think I might be a new fan.
Wicked strong vibes. Really raw and powerful. .
Punk clearly originated in Detroit with the MC5 & The Stooges. Not usually a huge fan of live albums but I think it works well here to capture their raw energy. Quite soulful to boot which most of the punk that came later lacked (except The Clash). Disappointed Spotify has the edited version of the song "Kick out the Jams" here on this album - go listen to the real deal with the proper intro on one of the many compilations in their discography. It's only a matter of seconds but it makes a huge difference.
That first track is very RCE. I love it. Honestly this whole thing makes me miss live shows, I can't wait for their return. First 3 songs are very nice. The following songs aren't as good except for Motor City is Burning and Starship is.. I'm not sure, pretty indulgent but of 1969 probably way more novel. I think I like proto-punk. This could come out this year and I'd believe it.
Without having a background info, I really didn't enjoy this or the band. But after reading about the importance of the band and some of their songs, I can see why it was included in the 1001. MC5 was one of the first punk bands ever, being around in the 60s. They were also extremely influential in counter culture and provided an outlet for some of the things that were happening in the US at the time, especially Detroit. I need to go listen to their later album to see how their sound changed over their short run
MC5 kicks ass.
Noisy world changing rock n roll
Ok, but I feel like I ought to like MC5 more than I do.
Fee smadr
Super tough to review. Musically, this is a hot mess. No one has ever described the MC5 as talented musicians, and everyone has said that Rob Tyner - while a great front man - is a terrible singer. But. Their live performances were the stuff of legends. Their influence is generation-spanning, and dozens of bands would not exist without them. They're technically a one-hit wonder, but what a hit. I've heard this recording of that hit a million times, but never the whole album. Must be heard before you die, though.
Some time (at least a year) ago I reviewed an album by an American punk band (I forget who) released in 1982 (I think) and I slated it for being typically American - late for the party. Well this is a slap in the face isn't it. MC5. 10 years EARLY. Well done you. For me this is a little bit shouty and a little bit messy. Being live doesn't help it either even if it does get across more of the rawness. So... No I wouldn't add this to any playlists. But it definitely fills the brief.
Sounded pretty good!
Another album that I respect much more than I enjoy. That's sort of the case with a lot of proto punk. It has its moments though. Favorite track: Kick Out The Jams
Proto punk. cool energy. Historical band. Kick out the jam is a killer phrase
Really not a fan of this album, never heard of them before
é hard rock com os cara querendo ser punk mas sem saber ser, é isso ai, cheio de ódio
eh bem cru, né. bem enérgico, altas guitarrada, poucas ideia. direto ao ponto. dá pra fragar uma pitadinha de protopunk ali, mas o hard rock esconde tudo. não eh ruim, definitivamente pra frentex do próprio tempo. mas também é meia boca, fazer o que.
"I GOTTA KICK 'EM OUT!!!" Never noticed before now that Rob Tyner's vocals kind of sound like Gene Simmons. This is more important than pleasant to listen to for me at this point. Proto punk played shambolically. Fun at times. Interesting that their debut album would be a live album. Also interesting reading on the Wikipedia page that Lester Bangs didn't like this (at first.) Seems like it would have been right up his alley.
Feels way closer to Cream than punk rock. Fun enough to sneak a middling 3
Sounds like another band out of 1000 that exists in that time.
Kick Out The Jams (Live) is definitely a really solid protopunk album. I have heard a cover of a song by these guys on that one The Damned album but this is my first time actually listening to these guys. This was honestly a pretty good live punk album especially for being a really early one in the genre's life complete with some good instrumentals, fitting vocals and a very fun stage presence. I initially did find the recording quality poor but as i continued listening it really wasn't that much of an issue. But the issue is its just good, not great and not exactly unique from a lot of other punk albums. I still enjoyed my time with it, i just think the genre would be improved later down the line. Best Song: I Want You Right Now Worst Song: Kick Out The Jams
Overall, a good album, pretty enjoyable. Three out of five.
Making your debut album a live recording is a bold move, but I do think it works here.
Two things can be true at once, this is awful but also amazing. Musically these dudes can't play very well, they are sloppy off beat and not very talented by traditional standards. But you can't fake passion and energy. Dudes are absolutely on fire screaming and clanging from the depths of hell. They encapsulate what punk is all about. This live show would have been something you talk about the rest of your life.
I’m behind so I’m going to drunkenly review a bunch of albums #5. The loudness is undeniably great. Probably scores as high as a live album can for me (a genre I just decided I hate)
The Good: We finally get to kick out those annoying jams! The Bad: Turns out that I am not the solution… The Ugly: Finding out that kicking something IS the problem… I know I know about them, I just can’t say how, or why, or when… But I know, thus I can see… I also know that I am NOT a big fan of live albums, and I am dumbfounded why these cats, to speak timely vernacular, decided that this was the way to share their music with the world… I have been fortunate to have attended 3 concerts this past month, which is three more than I had attended the previous 2 years… and one thing that stands out about live performances is that you need to be there in order for the true magic to manifest. When the signature song kicked in, my instant thought was “sounds like Hendrix”. I was a little excited, definitely curious… The rest of album, it was what it was; me listening to a band that I have no connection with, thus totally not drawing me into the live performance. It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t great either… 2 1/2 upgraded to 3*
Sure
Decent move album but honestly nothing memorable
I didn't mind it at first but eventually it started to become noise.
Listened previously. Expectations: High - Verdict: Very Good - The introduction is a great call to arms and Ramblin' Rose is a high energy track that is good. Then the title track kicks down the door and punches you in the face. Ridiculously heavy and punky, incredibly influential and just downright nasty. Come Together continues the heavy, noisy theme. I love the wild nature of this record but I think a little more focus would benefit it greatly. Borderline is good and I Want You Right Now rocks like hell. The little vocal breakdown is awesome.
I was a bit underwhelmed the first time I heard this one. I was looking forward to it since proto-punk feels like the sort of thing that I would enjoy (and have enjoyed). I enjoyed the album the second time through and it is definitely a bit of a mess. I think that's a feature and not a bug. In fact, it sounds like a bootleg in many ways and it's clear the band was able to make good music based on great vibes and energy more than craftsmanship of their instruments. My favorite songs: Ramblin' Rose Kick Out the Jams Borderline Motor City is Burning
fun
This is #day643 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… this must've sounded pretty wild for its time. It's fun that these folks kicked things off with a live album. I mean, you don't really see that these days. The record is overflowing with raw proto-punk energy built on a hard/blues/psychedelic rock backbone. I don't mind it, but it doesn't leave me particularly impressed either. That last song is a jam, though. Let it be a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day644.
I can see the roots of a lot of things I love but I don’t love this,
Great instrumentals, just thought the vocals could be more fit into the music, but when you look at the context of the album, its genius in the way that the vocals express the revolution itself
I think it's cool their debut album was live. I liked it, but not enough to make me want to check out their other stuff.
Ok
The first half of this album still gladdens my heart as it starts out with terrific energy, but it fizzles out quite badly
I read that this was a pre courser punk album and I could see it. Kind of bluesy too, especially at the end.
That was fun. MC5 aren't a band that I'd really heard of before today outside of the album list itself, so I didn't really know what to expect going into this album. Turns out we have a pretty energetic live album on our hands. Kick Out the Jams is full of energy and I like that. It's raucous and rowdy and other words that start with R. The band's performance skills aren't amazing or anything, but they have the spirit and I respect that. The songs themselves are fairly basic, though they are louder than most of what was available in 1969, so I'll give them that. I will say that this album did start to lose its luster by the end for me. Like, the first two songs were a great deal of fun. "Kick Out the Jams" especially was great. After that though? Nothing's bad, but the latter songs don't do as much to stand out for me. I've got respect for this project though. It's got some good stuff and it could've aged a lot worse. It's alright in my book. Strong 3/5.
Que buen concierto No parece del '69 definitivamente se adelantaron bastantes años a lo que es el punk, pero les quedó fino, y se mostraron muy diferentes a lo que la mayoría podía ofrecer en ese entonces Quien escucha el álbum se da cuenta de la calidad que procuraban tener a pesar de ser una banda de rock que podría uno pensar que es caos y desorden 3.7
Very raw but entertaining live album
Good live album. Band has real energy. 3/5 Might listen again
great discover for some song but not the whole album even tough it’s interesting listening to proto punk
6/10 - not just noise, was surprisingly good
Not really my style but I really respect the story and the energy
Influential in Punk Scene with fellow Detroit area band Stooges …Motor City 5
Feels a bit mad to me to release a live recording as a debut but it seems like these guys didn't do much the orthodox way. I do see the logic as the energy and ferociousness is a notch above what the songs might have been like on record. Not sure I can go too high with my rating but I see why this is a landmark album in the development of punk.
I thought the first couple of songs were pretty decent rock songs; the next few were just noise and yelling. Motor City is Burning was ok. The last couple of songs alternated between decent rock and noise/yelling. (3)
if you're rating this for it's musical aptitude and singing ability, then yeah not so good. but in terms of punk rock jamming, especially live, it can be fun. Borderline is a head banger. will I re listen to this? nope, probably not
Mom, can we have Led Zeppelin tonight? No honey, we have Led Zeppelin at home. Led Zeppelin at home: (In all seriousness, if all this album ever brought us was the title track then I’ll allow it as long as we get to speedrun to the Rage Against The Machine version.)
Good political punk, way before it’s time. Kick out the jams is the best song on here
Love the energy but they have like 2 good songs.
A loud, raw, and ultimately important record in the development of punk but one that in the end falls flat for me. Not bad, but not good either. I would have been interested to hear what would have happened if they gave these songs a studio recording. I know it would take away some of the rawness but maybe it would have improved the cohesion of the songs? We will never know. Still love the title track though! 3/5
I thought it was funny that they started off yelling about being part of the solution and not the problem, and then launched into some rock music that felt very generic and tame. But I just now realized that this came out in 1969. So I guess this was probably very influential. I might relisten. But I still think it's a 3.
Ferocious energy and counter-cultural vibes on this one but, for me, the songs aren't that memorable and I wouldn't listen again. Sure, it's raw and, in many ways, it's the inspiration for punk. And, holy crap, that twin guitar attack lit the stage on fire. But it's a one and done for me. Give me Iggy and the Stooges or Jimi Hendrix Experience any day over these guys.
Between this and the Stooges debut, 1969 really may have been the genesis of punk. Rocks hard, also pretty experimental though and shifts genres. I liked the bluesy Motor City is Burning a lot. I will say tho, have to compare it to the Stooges since both get labeled 'protopunk' - the Stooges were much more tight and concise. This can be overly indulgent and brings it down for me, I don't really care about a shitty eight minute scifi jam called Starship
Raw energy and a pretty great live album. Felt more like punk with heavy distorted, guitars, fast, tempos, and raw energy in the vocals. Overall, I enjoyed the album. Pretty short for a live album but solid enough
Слушала в плоховатом качестве, но, в целом, прикольно
I have never heard this, but I'm enjoying the energy. Wikipedia tells me it's proto-punk and I guess I can see that. This seems like a classic 3, enjoyable enough but nothing stands out.
I have heard of this band but never listened to a full album. Interesting that their debut album is a live one. Some good hard rock and bluesy numbers. Particularly liked Starship and there is some good guitar playing throughout the set.
It’s great for the time, but mid now.
Pensé realmente que me iba a volar la peluca y no me generó tanto. Me parece que la versión de Spotify tampoco ayuda porque todo suena hiper arriba y estruendoso por demás. Los banco una banda igual y reconozco todo el aporte histórico que el álbum significa. Kick out the jams es un himno. 6/10
Cult band. Good listen.
You’ve got to love the ambition of the MC5 they wanted to use music to create a revolution. I’m not sure blues rock played at high pace will be the rock that cracks the veneer of civilisation but the chaos and slightly skronky production is pleasing. Kick out the jams stands head and shoulders above everything else, but there’s nothing to hate here
Raw energy
Guardians of the galaxy vibes, ni helemaal mn ding
I get that this is the origin of punk, but I feel like it just doesn't hold up as well as other albums from the time
Blue eyed rock and soul
Pretty good, but not super remarkable
94. liked it
Day795 - we could all kick out a the jams a little more
An enjoyable listen with some highlights, but overall average.
It was fine I guess?
"Kick Out The Jams" is an interesting record for me, despite owning it for years, it rarely finds its way onto my playlist. I’ve never quite understood the massive acclaim; musically, it’s solid but hardly ground breaking. While I’ve never been one to over-analyse lyrics, I don’t find much to grab onto there either. I love a great live album, but this wouldn't break into my top twenty. It’s high-energy, certainly, but the vocals are messy and none of the tracks stir a real emotional response. Sonically, it’s a raw recording - which is fine - but it fails to truly excite me. "Motor City Is Burning" is the standout track. It is somewhat ironic that on an album hailed as the 'birth of punk,' the most cohesive and satisfying moment is a sprawling, traditional six-minute blues. The track works because it forces the band to rein in the messiness and actually lean into a groove. In fact, the near absence of groove elsewhere is likely why I rate this album lower than its reputation suggests. Then there is "Starship" a complete mess of a track and the album's low point. I admire the chutzpah of releasing a live album as a debut, but beyond that, it remains a good but far from essential listen. Three stars. Side one 1 "Ramblin' Rose" (3/5) 2 "Kick Out the Jams" (3/5) 3 "Come Together" (3/5) 4 "Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa)" (3/5) Side two 5 "Borderline" (3/5) 6 "Motor City Is Burning" (4/5) 7 "I Want You Right Now" (3/5) 8 "Starship" (1/5) Total - 23 Average - 2.88 267/1001 143/267 albums reviewed were new to me
Rock and rollll
syrerock.
Is it sloppy? Yes. Is the singing and musicianship good? No. But that’s the point. The messages would not be the same played by Julliard students. Much respect for inspiring a lot of musicians and albums I love.
Is rock n roll! Decent album, relatively heavy by the standards of the day when it released. Not going to be entering my regular listening, but any enjoyable experience nonetheless
A few initial listens today and I found this effort a little on the mediocre side. Average hard rock, an early project so definitely a pioneer, I only feel the punk in the philosophical energy. It felt raw and annoying, so I went and educated myself. This effort is a pleasure to read about. The negative aspects of the record suddenly make sense and turn a bit endearing. This is a legitimate amateur performance, and it's their debut album, and it's a live recording executed over 2 nights. What? Without the context it's not as impressive and that sets the general rating, but there's some added decimals in there purely because this IS a must listen. This is an early moment in a big sound, and it's an honest look at it. No sugar coating, no smoke or mirrors. It has a lot of imperfections but that didn't matter and they knew it. 3.2/5
3.5
Full of energy
Album 1062 of 1089 Kick Out The Jams (Live) - MC5 (1969) Rating : 3 / 5 I’m generally not big on live albums. There are a few exceptions, but most of the time I prefer a well-crafted studio effort. This one lands somewhere in the middle for me. It doesn’t come across as a slick, polished live production. At times it almost feels like someone in the crowd happened to hit “record” and just captured the chaos as it unfolded. That’s not necessarily a knock as it actually adds to the rawness. You can feel the energy in the room. It sounds immediate, loud, and unapologetic. The band is clearly firing on all cylinders. It’s more of a full-on jam session than a carefully structured performance, and that works to its advantage. The spirit is there. The attitude is there. You can easily imagine how electric it must have felt to be in that audience. As an album, it’s decent. As a moment in time, it’s probably much stronger. I enjoyed the listen, but I’m not sure it will stick with me long term. Still, for the energy alone, it’s worth the spin.
3.5⭐️/5 02.25.2026
Not bad for a live punk album
Before The Stooges even released their debut album, these guys put out their first album where they play garage rock so intensely and raw that they practically invent punk rock. Recorded live, this album sounds like a great time. The recording quality isn't the best and the band aren't exactly virtuosos on their instruments (the high pitch vocals on the first track make this abundantly clear early on). What they lack in ability, they make up for in sheer energy and drive. The second side is definitely the weaker side of the album, with a lot of extended jams that don't justify their length. This album is at its best when they are pushing out no-filler rockers like the title track. I'll always admire this album for its influence, even if it may not be something I'll come back to in full a lot.
Very fun live performance
Rating: 5.5/10
I didn't mind it, but I kinda prefer the weird Kick Out The Jams from Kenny Everett's World's Worst Record Show.
Listens: 2 Standout Tracks: I want You Right Now, Starship I can definitely hear and understand how MC5 could be considered a forerunner of punk rock, given this live album. The music is all fuzzed out and unwieldy. It's not clean or buttoned up. The vocals are shout-y and aggressive and politically motivated. I have come to realize that most punk music doesn't rank too highly as a genre I enjoy, but this is early enough that you still have some jammy, psychedelic rock influences in the music, which I do like. I am surprised I've never heard of MC5 before, but I guess I can't be that surprised about that kind of thing anymore - there's simply so much on the List that I haven't heard. That's the whole point though, right!?
This was interesting as a time capsule of a certain type of sensibility in the late 60’s. But the band and tunes are just OK. I added the title track to my Generator playlist.
I guess I don’t really get this when I was younger. Now I feel like I do get it but I still don’t like it. Actually, I kinda got into it as it went on.
Raw as hell and louder than bombs! I wish I’d seen this show but I was five months old. Oh well. MC5 sound like the first American punks and surely inspired hundreds of bands. I’d say we rarely get that energy anymore, but it just sounds different now.
I'm not familiar with MC5 at all, I only know of the name. I quite enjoyed this album, it's a cool fusion of bluesy rock with some punk vibes.
I am a big fan of Kick Out The Jams but the rest of the album is only adequate.
Maybe the first live album where the e thought I wish I’d been there
🫢
tis punk, tis old punk probably would have been good to see them live instead of the live album but im like 64 years late
The music watch catchy and chaotic. I can see how this band was key in the punk movement. It won't have this on repeat, but it was good
Just your run-of-the-mill (live) 60s/70s rock album. Nothing special.
Not a band I've every listened to before, although I know the name and a little of the background of what was going on in Detroit at this sort of time. It was OK without ever really grabbing me, Of its time I guess, but not so badly of its time as to be horrible to listen to.
Maybe it's my jaded metalhead ass talking, but this doesn't feel anywhere near as energetic as everyone says it is. The album is just OK, for the most part. They can't really write songs anywhere near as well as the Stooges to which they are often compared, and the singer isn't very good at all. The guitar tones and drumming are good, but they can't really save this album. Many hold it up as a formative punk record, and I can kind of see it, but it's kind of lacking in terms of good songs compared to many other formative punk records. I especially hated the falsetto on "Ramblin' Rose". It is ultimately an example of an album that was highly influential but failed to age well in the face of more extreme and raucous music in decades to come.
Classic live punk/rock album. Pretty good, interesting hype man at the beginning.
first listen noisy and not very good quality
Ramblin' rose - 3 Kick out the jams - 4 Come together - 3 Rocket reducer no. 62 - 3 Borderline - 3 Motor city is burning - 4 I want you right now - 3 Starship - 1
Album 13/1001. Listened 1/30/2026. It's ok, probably a little too stoner rock for me, but could listen to it in the background.
Ok. Sounded like a good gig if you were there. Hard to place any significance on it now. But glad I listened.
Proto-Punk indeed. ★★★
Ugh I guess I just don't love american rock idk. it was cool but it didn't really speak to me i guess
они раздают энергию и вывозят ее. Похоже на ввайб Metal Family 1. Ramblin' Rose 7/10 крутые, качает 2. Kick Out The Jams 8/10 звучит как классика, максимально альтернативный рок в лучшем его образе 3. Come Together 6/10 много рифов, просто в транс уходят, под настроение 4. Rocket Reducer No.62 - Talk 5.5/10 5. Borderline 5/10 сестра поет и попадает в мелодику и ритм, я в наушниках и а*уе 6. Motor City is Burning 6/10 больше нравится по динамике и развитию, но к 6й практически идентичной другим песне, уже приелось 7. I Want You Right Now 4/10 я уже на 3ей перестала хотеть это слушать, проблемы с агрессией у них на лицо, из меня уже желчь выходит( 8. Starship 8.1/10 ОО что-то прикольное, круче всего, что есть в альбоме не люблю, когда песни - набор звуков, которые предназначены только для того, чтобы подрыгаться, как слушатель жалуюсь, что нет продыху от жесточайшей электрогитары. Итог: если бы не 1001альбом, я бы ни за что не послушала MC5
6/10
3,5/5 + High Energy, high intensity and overall electrifying performances + Rocket Reducer No. 62 is crazy good + It truly is something special - sometimes it sounds very amateurish, sometimes it doesn't work at all - for a live album, it lacks that atmosphere
A raucous, energetic live album. Heavy for its time! This is the only MC5 album I’ve heard, so it was familiar territory. I wouldn’t say it has become a favourite over the years though, just doesn’t seem to stick with me. Ultimately, I think that’s down to the songs. Not shit though.
punk rock. classic shit. over-done today, so a bit meh.
Prob 3.5? I don't especially love live albums and they're not what I generally listen to, but better than expected
2.6 I really liked the title track, others were ok, the album was like the epitome of just rock (no modifier). I hated the final song which was just shitty guitar? Overall ok
3.5 rounded down to 3. A clearly very good live act which would have been diminished slightly in a studio album. The whole revolution thing with the emcee was a bit annoying though, but what are you going to do with it being the 60s!
3 stars just because "Kick Out The Jams Motherfuckers"
Not my fav
I get that it’s influential but if I wanted to listen to this type of music I would just listen to the stooges
Little Bit Boring...
This might be one of the worthy live albums. Kick out the jams is one of the all time great riffs
Pretty good!
A fine album with good energy but never really goes anywhere than where it starts. A little one-note for my taste, but still a punchy leftist romp that isn't bad at all. Top tracks: Ramblin' Rose, Kick Out the Jams, I Want You Right Now
Clearly influential, no substance to it at all... yeah its definitely a punk record
Listened before: No Giving it as many stars as chords these dudes can play. 3/5 Fav: Motor City is Burning
Cool post-punky live album but it's really nothing impressive, some good stuff here though
I am one thousand percent sure that this influenced some of my favorite artists. But that's not enough to make it a repeat listen.
Rocket Reducer No. 62 - Talk is pretty awesome if not stupid and hilarious. I’M IN A BAND AND I LOVE IT… OOOOO YEA. Classic Yea band
Embarrassed to say I don’t know these guys beyond the Jeff Buckley cover so was happy to get a primer. They still sound current in a lot of ways and the influence they had is clearly apparent.
Fun listen but don’t feel the need to return
Feels like one of the seminal records of punk, right alongside the work of Iggy and The Stooges, but there's still a lot of bluesy grit and some slightly unhinged, experimental moments in there too. It's raw, loud, with a real political fire behind it. Also, I was halfway through when I realised that Fred “Sonic” Smith is in MC5, someone I know of through another punk legend, his partner and namesake, Patti Smith. 3.5 stars
6.8. Clean. Fun. Nothing. Crazy. Would put it on.
Not bad and doesn’t deserve as much hate in the popular comments. Definitely would have been a fun ass show for the audience.
Liked a couple of tracks
Not a bad album, just not sure that it has a lot of personality in and of itself compared to some of the other punk progenitors. I mean I like punk, but this just didn't move me hugely. 3/5
Poor man’s stooges
Rock, fine enough
Not a big fan of live albums, but I've added MC5 to my list of bands needing some additional listening.
Enjoyed this one. Very old school punk, and liked it was a live album. Favorite Song(s): Ramblin Rose, Kick Out The Jams
This was fine but nothing standout.
This is wild. Super raw and explosive rock which sounds like it kicks the doors in and lets the flood of future punk bands flow in. Huge energy that feels way ahead of its time.
Influential album that I think is a bit overrated. The few good tracks can get lost in the noise and mediocre ones.
Hey, an american punk band from the 60s. They sound good. Nice
I generally dislike live albums, and an aggressive punk band recorded live in 1969 sounds like a crime against hearing, but this actually works out. MC5 are raw enough in general to sound like shit all the time so it doesn't detract from their style to record them live. Really that's what this album is, loud, raw, and in your face. The only slow point is in the last song, Starship, and the rest of it is fast and loud. "Kick Out The Jams" (the song) I knew from Rage Against The Machine covering it, but the rest was new. It's nothing really exemplary, but I guess they were part of the real beginnings of punk and they could've put this out 5 years later and still sounded revolutionary. I do wish they played a little better but that's not what this is about. It's good fun.
Ugh, after a long hiatus I'm met with a live album. At least it was good. The recording sounds great and the music is palatable.
Good
Good energy and a historical curiosity but the songs are a bit weak.
Pretty interesting proto punk album. It’s definitely a lot heavier and louder than most stuff coming out in the late 60s, and you can hear how it helped shape the punk sound that followed.
I like a live album. Cool and crazy that this one is also a debut! This band is a mess for sure, but I’m gathering that’s the point, and it’s part of their charm?
i liked the album, but can't say it was "special". I can give a solid 3 but I think I'll comeback to this someday.
This was kind of banga on a friday morning
I never really cared for this album. It all kind of sounds the same. It's fine to come back to when listening to lists like this but I never really seek it out. I actually liked their album Back in the USA quite a bit more.
Live at Leeds from allegro.
Good rock'n'roll live!
I would henceforth consider the jams to have been successfully kicked out.
Good album
There’s something there. I just can’t find it
Better than I thought for 60's, good precursor to punk, but eh, moving on
Yeah, good
why is this revered as the forerunner to punk? late 60's garage band at best
rockslop
60s rock - harder than most for their time, not grabbing me though
This was pretty fun. Seems somewhat ahead of its time. I liked the raucous energy.
Pretty Raw but its brick wall breaking
was OK
The album really rips, no doubt about it. If it just had more substance than that then I’d rate it higher, but it’s still a rocking album.
Interesting sound coming from 1969. I get that this was the start of a movement. However, the album itself wasn't great. I bet it was awesome to be at the show, but not that great to listen to with only audio.
Guess it's fine. Not that into it
I respect MC5 for their place in influencing what would come to be Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. This album isn't very good, as far as live albums go. The songs, that are actually good, are hidden behind some not so good playing and at many times the recording is very bad and it sounds like a wild cacophony of screams and squeals. 2.5/5 (They were probably incredible to hear live, as what this album relates well is the fact that the atmosphere was incredible)
Very loud for the era
Live albums should be outlawed. That is my freezing cold take of the day. Will I have more? Probably. After MC’s 1-4 exited the stage it was time for MC5. The crowd was dopesick and a little sleepy, but this MC aims to wake everybody up and administer some NARCAN. At least that’s what I’m hoping for. I’m expecting some sloppy rock and raucous yelling from rich kids who just don’t wanna listen to mom and dad no more and now own large swaths of property. Prove me wrong. Ramblin’ Rose - TAKE 5 SECONDS BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO REALIZE THAT I AM white. I’m very white. Nah that intro went pretty hard. Good tone and holy shit I did not expect Tiny Tim to be belting out insane falsetto rock over this wicked garage rock. Kick Out the Jams - Damn this has almost metallic elements. Some of the screeching I mean. The music itself doesn’t have the required darkness but the energy is there. Kind of leveled off though. Come on MC5. Start kickin’. Come Together - This isn’t the Beatles. How can I sit here and make such astute observations whilst my contribution to global musical discourse goes largely uncelebrated? That’s the true injustice in our society. Forget rampant greed. It’s the fact that I haven’t received a large contract from Pitchfork. Rocket Reducer No. 62 - Talk - I do love this energy. Yell cooler stuff though. Not sure what’s with all the “let’s love everybody” shit. Get angry. It’s the systems that divide us anyway. Whatever. Now I’m starting to sound like them. Borderline - Uh oh. This is starting to feel like a random jam session. Motor City is Burning - Alright! Now we’re gettin’ fired up. That guitar tone is pretty lethal. I Want You Right Now - Damn, we’re bringing the riffs now. I mean, it’s basically “Wild Thing” but I don’t know which came first and it rips hard enough that I don’t care. Starship - Well. We needed the extended ambient freakout song. It was just a matter of time and how quickly the acid was able to hit. About half an hour sound right to me, and now we’re in a starship piloted by a rhinoceros exploring planets that are made entirely of cotton candy. Finally. I thought I’d hate this and I don’t. I think I’ll hate most things and I’m usually right so it’s a true gut punch that this was good. This was an enjoyable listen albeit a little same-y in places. The overall tone of the band was great, the energy was thrilling and this felt urgent and fresh. The stage patter was meh but I suppose that’s part of the whole charm of live albums. I prefer studio records but this wasn’t a bad day at the office for your humble re-reviewer. Joyous tidings you crazy diamonds. I’m still waiting for MC6 though. and for the guy with the big tooth back to pay me back for that oregano I sold him. 3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Ramblin’ Rose, I Want You Right Now
They may not be "good" but at least they have passion!
Meh
Not the worst but its a bit noisy at times.
Much like wha was established with British Punk, Punk music needs to come from hostility. The angry masses watching their futures stolen from them by endless war, famine, and an uncaring political party. Sound familiar? We need a punk revolution akin to the late 60s and 70s if not to give the modern times some good music. 3.5/5
99/1001 MC5 - Kick Out the Jams Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ❓ A really fun bit of proto-punk, which obviously influenced a ton of bands later on. It's got a super raw energy that no doubt at the time was exhilarating. One of those where I can appreciate, but not love.
I really liked the intro to the first song. First half of the album was nice. Got weird around I want you right now
This is a solid live album but for a live album to be worth it to me I need the tracks to be significantly better than their studio counterparts and this - while good isn’t. Some live albums are good because the rawness improves the songs, this one doesn’t quite improve it for me. Enjoyable record
I dont think a live album can ever be the best introduction to a band. Their approval by RATM, their energy and their sound were all appealing. But i couldnt decipher much and found it a bit generic. Will try their studio albums.
Thirty minutes of good. 10 minutes of bad
A debut live album? Punk precursor in the late 60s. I like hearing some historical beginnings but the super long guitar solos don't do much for me
Some good energy, but does fall into some of the trappings of late-60s rock with an extended blues jam somewhere in the middle.
Pre-punk? Chaotic and political but in a pretty fun way and definitely feed ahead of its time. Side note - the Presidents of the United States of America do a pretty great cover of kick out the jaws that I don’t know was a cover until I heard this
3.5 If you're listening on spotify, do yourself a favour and listen to the remastered Japan release, its not censored and the sound quality is a lot better. As for the album, its more important for the influence it casts rather than the quality of songwriting or musicianship. I liked the B-sides a bit more than the A-sides, other than the obvious KOTJMF
Energetic.
Raunchy, pretty good guitar work, but ehh overall. I guess a low 3 is where I’d put it.
They call it proto-punk. Seemed more like psych rock and heavy metal to me, but all good. It was a fun listen either way. Didn't hit higher than 3, but glad I heard it. Once.
“Protopunk” seems apt. Kinda sounds like a bunch of coked up rockers accidentally stumbling into something that sort of sounded like music. Still sounds like it would’ve been a fun show, but I don’t think I’d ever come back.
Rock / Psychedelic Rock. Proto Punk, chaotic, craziness. Are the vocals good ? Not really. Can they play guitar great or drum well, keep rhythm etc ? No, not particularly well. However, it just works man ! That Energy. The album sounds like it is ten years too early.
Punky rock
Keiharde rock, maar soms wel wat ergernis. Dit ging echt van 2 naar 4 naar 2 naar 4. Dus ik kom uit op een 3.
Wow. An assault, but how often could you listen to it. 3
3.5
Un band (MC5) que je ne connaissais pas du tout, du tout. Un album (Kick Out the Jams) en concert comme tout premier album, c’est assez inusité. (Et aucun gros hit sur cet album, des fois on ne connais pas vraiment le band, mais on connait au moins un de leur succès.) Sinon, même si la dernière toune est plutôt expérimentale, que le reste de l’album est très compétant et bien ficelé, ce n’est juste pas pour moi.
The sound is jagged and half-drunk. Messy but fun in a chaotic way. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions: - Ramblin' Rose - Kick Out The Jams - Come Together
Live then was so much different than live today. They really didn’t have a plan. It sounds like they showed up to play and what happened happened. I miss that. Good energy. I don’t love live albums, especially on this list, but whatever. I’d rather be there. I doubt I’ll ever revisit this one, but it was fine.
Can't think of any other debut albums that were recorded live but that was actually a smart move as it really captured the power of the band. An album to be played at 11.
Kick Out the Jams is a monster song and Motor City is Burning sounds like a very rough version of something you'd hear on a Hendrix album. And I love many of the bands this influenced. And it is great that the live album captures the insanity and energy of the band. BUT as an album, the quality of the recording just doesn't lend itself to regular repeat listens.
3/4
this was okay, idk what much else to say i didn’t love it
The title track and cover photo collage alone should get this 5 stars. The removal of the "kick out the jams mf..." intro on "Kick out the Jams" on Spotify is a war crime and thereby loses a point. The rest of the album is so-so, losing another.
Is this the first non-jazz debut that's a live album? Interesting choice. Good record, influence probably bigger than contemporary enjoyment i get from hearing it now.
It is possible that the music was groundbreaking at the time and accelerated or anticipated developments. Perhaps this is why the album is rightly on the list, if this is supposed to be a kind of anthology. A performance by such a band at a concert could still be a lot of fun. Beyond that, I found the album difficult to listen to and probably won't do so again. 3/5
So this was Live and I think they were pretty drunk or something. It sounds like it would have been a good time and a fun concert, leading me to a vibe for the band. But I don't think I was able to really listen and connect with their music like you can when it is a little more perfected for an album. I think I could get into them a little more if I had heard it in an album format first.
This has great live energy but I wasn't super into it musically. This album gets credit for starting punk rock but it sounds mostly like 70's heavy blues rock that diverges into noise.