Reviews (page 4 of 7)
This was a raw and rockin' time. It was a little messy but fun.
Can understand why it's a must listen but this wasn't for me
5.5/10
Live albums may be great when you’re already a fan of the artist and want a tats of what they’re like in person. But they’re a lousy way to introduce yourself to a performer.
• 3/5 • can’t recall ever hear The MC5 before, but I like the album • title track is the highlight and the remainder is a step down but still good blues/rock
I knew of this album but never listened to it....meh it's not great, it has alot of energy but not a great deal or talent, there's a few good songs but it's a 3
Ya lo conocía. Es un disco muy salvaje, muy ebrio. Lamentablemente su escucha no es muy agradable porque está grabado regular. No obstante, merece la pena.
Good live proto punk/garage album.
Kick Out the Jams was a staple of old skate rock CDs, and I tried listening to their other music even back when I thought it was cool, but just couldn't get into it. I think you had to be there.
The music was alright, but I'm generally not a huge fan of live albums.
Cool
Hadn't actually heard the original title track, just the Presidents of the USA cover. And the original hits harder and better for sure.
I've heard of MC5 but never listened to an album. This is an album that should make anyone think "I can play music".
I should love MC5. They are loved by many of my favourite artists. They have just enough chaos in their sound to sit amongst similar artists that I love. Instead I just kinda think they are fine.
2.65
This was not a great sounding record, but that’s not really the point. And while I think others like the Stooges and Velvet Underground were more interesting, I can understand its placement in the proto-punk pantheon due to its unabashed attitude and power. No doubt it became a template for future punk bands.
I thought it was wild to hear this sound from 1969. In some ways felt ahead of their time and gotta think they influenced a lot after. Good listen on Saturday but not sure I remember many specifics on Monday morning.
Funny the big controversy surrounding this album was the use of "motherfucker" on the title track. As if all the other lyrics are totally chill and PC... I'm glad this album exists and can appreciate the raw power and energy. Not something I will listen to on the regular, but can appreciate the impact it had on the punk scene. 3.25/5
Live albums are cool, but I don't think I get the full effect since I haven't heard their other stuff beforehand. Either way this has some great riffs and high energy.
This was a strange one in the fact that I could see how it was influential but it didn’t strike a cord for me. It was fine and seemed intense but I just couldn’t find a way in.
MC5 is more fun to read about than actually listen to. Their little brother band the Stooges are just so much better Rating: 3.3
Very energetic, and quite fun to listen to.
Good but messy
point2.
One of those records that like and get why it's important to punk history but I'm not crazy for. It does belong on this list though.
Great!
Giving this a 3 because I respect how influential they were for the genre. That's definitely clear after giving this a listen. They get no higher score because I don't think the music was that good.
Nice album! 3/5
An album from a band that some say kicked off a musical movement. Ok.
Roots of punk....maybe? But all I hear is raw, blusey rock & roll. I'm not feeling the hype. It's not bad, but it's not great either.
Not a bad album, interesting to listen to and see how this is very much the progenitor of punk, quite ballsy to have your debut album be a live album which definitely helps with the raw aesthetic they were obviously going for
I don’t like live albums but I’m not sure if this is one. They seem too wild for being part of the same time period that the Beatles were putting out Abbey Road.
Two great songs saved on my sixties playlist. This is not an album that I would come back to, but it was a great one time experience.
I get that it's good, and important. But I would have rather just listened to Kick out the Jams 8 times.
Didn’t listen to the whole thing yet. I hadn’t realized Punk was started so early. These guys were the pioneers. Brought back memories.
Kick Out The Jams oli tuttu kappale, oiskohan se jossain GH tai RB? Psykedeelistä rokkia, missä hyvä rähinä fiilis. Tulee vähän sillein Jimi Hendrix mieleen. Wikipedia sanoo, että tää muka proto-punkkia, mutta ei voi olla kun täähän on ihan hyvää. Vähän vaan silti se tartuntapinta uupuu. Parhaat: Kick Out The Jams, Come Together, Motor City Is Burning
jo, älter aber zwischendurch ganz nett
It's an important album, laying the foundations for Heavy Metal AND Punk, and emerged as part of the late sixties counter-culture. There's no denying that. But, it just is not as good an album as its original reputation. As a live recording, it does make MC5 seem a bit amateur-ish and shouty. While their next album, Back In The USA, might have been a bit over-produced, it is much more listenable. Kick Out The Jams does some good parts (Jams, and Rambling Road), but it's a Cultural Five Star, but not a Musical Five Star.
Energía, energía pura y para los sesenta, es un gran logro. Estar en vivo y con esa tecnología de grabación, es excepcional. El ruido, bueno, si, una incomodidad terrible, pero brilla
I love the raw energy and revolutuonary themes, but the music is a bit noisy.
rambunctious
Stripped down garage rock/punk isn't my jam and I generally despise Live albums, but there's a lot of spirit in this concert recording from these grandfathers to punk music, that it's actually not half bad. It's raw, unfiltered, kinda messy sounding, but certainly not unlistenable. I doubt I'll ever come back to it, but I appreciate it for being in this collection.
Whilst my initial impression is that this is a poorly mixed and badly written album, I think it's important to consider context. being a live album and done on a very low budget, the core sounds are quite innovative for the time, with an albeit bad delivery. I can imagine seeing this live was a really fun experience and in a way the bad mixing and impurities work to transport you further into the performance
Mostly good. Loved Kick Out the Jams and Motor City is Burning. Good intensity and solid riffs. Didn't care for Starship though. Started checking the time every minute about halfway through.
There’s no denying the raw, visceral energy of Kick Out the Jams. It grabs you by the collar and yells directly into your face from the first second. The guitars are wild, the drums unhinged, and the vocals often sound like they’re being broadcast through a megaphone with a dying battery. This is proto-punk in its most feral form, and the MC5 clearly meant every sweat-drenched second of it. The infamous opening call to arms doesn’t just set the tone, it is the tone: aggressive, unfiltered, and ready to blow the roof off. But while the energy is undeniable, the listening experience today is… well, mixed. The recording is messy to the point of being chaotic, with instrument separation nearly non-existent. The vocals are often buried or distorted beyond recognition, and several tracks melt into each other like one extended jam session with no sense of restraint. You can hear the passion, but it sometimes feels like you’re stuck at the back of a venue with blown-out speakers and a ringing in your ears. Still, there’s something infectious in its madness. It’s a document of a moment, more than a polished performance. Songs like Ramblin’ Rose and the title track have real fire, and you can see the outline of punk and garage rock to come. But as a whole album, it’s a rough, uneven listen that relies more on its attitude than its execution. Historically vital, sonically shaky. A spirited mess worth experiencing once, even if you don’t revisit it often.
Schon eine sehr mitreißende Energie, auch ein toller Gitarrensound für die Zeit (1969?). Teilweise etwas lärmig und den Gesang finde ich aufs erste Ohr auch nicht meega gut, aber das kann man schon gut hören.
Enjoyable enough
Pretty solid album, just not refined enough yet to be as solid as the later stuff in the punk rock era
Pretty fun listen, but I don't think I will be re-visiting this one any time soon.
Really dug this one. It was 4 stars till the last song. 😬
i want you right now creeped me out, but otherwise it's a solid three stars
The last song was great
I think this is one of those albums that's more important than it is good. The title track, Rocket Reducer, and Starship all rip, but some of the in between songs don't stick around after you're done listening. The rawness and urgency of the record is what makes it memorable.
Mediocre.
I really thought I enjoyed this more. Hadn’t listened in a long time and while I appreciate the messiness and passion, something just wasn’t clicking and it could be the live album aspect, live albums are tough for me. It’s good I just don’t have the same love that others do for it. 3 stars
Listened to this album a long time ago and hated it. Gained new appreciation this time. Is it a muddled mess, absolutely, but I feel that I can hear a social movement starting in it. I can never knock someone for going onstage and having the time of their life.
This was a fun one. Love the sound they were going for. Still only a strong 3 because there's no standout track on it. I only love the sound, not any specific track.
Rambling Rose is a scorcher, but overall this is more of a "you had to be there/snapshot in history" type of release. Chaotic, with pure punk energy. Not an easy listen.
Hop on your Starship and give this one a listen.
Cream meets The Clash. Un álbum que marca la transición entre la psicodelia con temática de paz y amor de los 60, y el punk de los 70 con su agresividad cruda. Un álbum mal producido y disonante, pero llenísimo de energía y pasión, y que deja entrever lo que iba a venir más adelante. Un clásico que combina blues, rock'n'roll y proto-punk, al que no puedo menos que darle una buena nota a pesar de sus defectos.
Meh
Kick Out the Classic Rock right back into your heart where it always once was.
An interesting listen - what Jack Black would like to have been
History, fine I guess.
ok
Rating: 3.5/5 | Favorite Track: Kick Out the Jams (Live) --- Ramblin' Rose and Kick Out the Jams are both great songs, but the rest of the album is a little too noisy and unfocused for me to really love. There are better proto-punk albums and much better live albums than this.
Classic Kick Ass!
Some of this was really bad. The singer isn't great. But it is an interesting early punk album that had a few moments. Almost gave it a 2.
live albums are usually not great and live punk albuns manage to be worse. Really had a hard time deciphering lyrics and hearing through the wall of noise, although maybe its more about evoking a feeling. My feeling is that its too messy, and not good. Not the worst, definitely full of energy and they go hard and some of the songs are a little catchy Rocket Reducer No. 62 was pretty good.
Fun album. I've probably listened to it once or twice before. Really captures the live energy.
Surprising proto-punk / garage-rock. Good guitar playing and blues-feel on "Motor City Is Burning" 3/5
Their introduction reeled me in immediately. The energy, the solidarity, the message, wow! I was blown away. Reading into MC5 and learning that they were likely the pioneers of the early American punk rock scene in the late 60s and 70s made a lot of sense as I listened to the album. Also reading that they were heavily influenced by R&B and blues made a lot of sense with some of their bluesy, jazzy riffs especially in “Motor City Burning”. I also loved the lead singers voice over the instrumentals. Very cohesive and energizing live show performance. “I Want You Now” gives me elements of King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man” This album makes me want to jump high and low, head bang and rock out! I can only imagine the energy felt by the audience at the show. I preferred listening to the Japanese Remastered version rather than the version recommend by the generator. I found it to be a cleaner crisper sound and I could hear things more clearly but based off this edition alone it was very well done. Lyrically there doesn’t seem to be anything deep going on, but it just feels like a great time. Angsty and revolutionary from the sound alone! Favourites included “Rambling Rose”, “Kick Out the Jams”, “Rocket Reducer No. 62”, and “Motor City Burning”.
Wow, what fun! I’d heard of MC5 as a proto-punk band, I didn’t know they were *this* early. Some straight-up thrash punk from 1968. What a refreshing and exciting sound for that era. They also draw from soul, rock, even some prog. I enjoyed.
Pretty energetic rock, can imagine this was fun live. Feels a bit like a predecessor to Motörhead. It gets a bit monotonous after a while, but is still a decent listen. Not much more to say.
A live album that really benefited from being a live album. The energy and the audience are what this album is having going for it. The musicianship takes a backseat, and the lyrics are not the greatest to say the least.
Not much that stands out. Theres some interesting parts and I like the sound. Maybe I should give it another listen in the future.
2.5/5. This is fine, not something I'll want to listen to again. The overall sound can be enjoyable at times.
i thought this was pretty good. i love rock so much, i cannot stress how beautiful sounding it is. i do wish, though, that rob’s voice was more prominent because he has a very unique and distinct voice, but sometimes the music drowns it out. i kind of want to listen to more by this group. i think i would really like their other songs as well. also, not sure when i would listen to this album again besides my favorites—maybe when i am in a rebellious mood. my favorites were “kick out the jams,” “rocket reducer no. 62 - talk,” “motor city is burning,” “i want you right now,” and “starship,” with my #1 favorite being “borderline.” oh my goodness, that is such a good song. i will definitely replay that one for sure. i am a big fan of the 60s, so that kind of made me like it more naturally, but it was a killer album. 🖤🎸
Appealing at times but not really very good - tolerable rock.
Pink blues
Bangers from proto punk band MC5.
A great noise, showcasing a vital band at their best. The album is strongest when it follows the actual flow of a gig in the second half, as it builds to a feedback-fuelled freak-out of a finale! Favourite tracks: Ramblin Rose, Kick Out The Jams, Motor City Is Burning
[3.5]
I salute this but don't really like it very much. Also, seems like the censored version is the one that made it to the streaming era...is nothing sacred anymore?!?
Live albums do not do it for me, so as an album this feels a little jarring. But no one can deny the influence of MC5 on the next generation of punks and for that I will be forever grateful (and so sad to not be at this actual show).
Nothing more than fine
Definitely seems like an album before its time. Very erratic though , some songs had no impact and others were pretty okay. My highlight was Let me try!
yeah, i don't know. i've always thought this was overrated. i enjoyed it more today—it has some magical moments—but in general, it's a bit too sloppy and too flower-powery for my tastes. i dig that they were making a ton of punk-adjacent noise back when that was groundbreaking. but others did it better.
I did try to kick out the MC5 jams but just couldn't make it happen. I can appreciate them from a historical context...ahead-of-their-time psychedelic punk noise.
When I read "proto-punk" I already lost all interest, but I was pleasantly surprised.
good history of punk right here. highlights include: "Kick Out the Jams" "Motor City Is Burning" "I Want You Right Now"
Clearly a cult classic but I imagine they were better live.
Sound quality just didn’t cut it. Some good noise but got really weird at the end. Light 3.
Pretty harsh sounding partially due to the recording quality and partly due to band’s dense, early proto punk sound. Aggressive and opinionated. Guitars are great but the muddy mix makes it hard to tell.
pretty sweet statement for your debut album to be a live album it’s high energy and fun gets a bit repetitive to me though
Typical 60’s Brit rock
2.5 honestly
3.5
Cool energy, like the more. Psych parts better than the punk parts. 3.5 stars
I think it's a good album, but I think the songwriting does drop off quite a bit after the title track, which I love. High 3.5.
3.5
Pretty cool. Energy levels in this are something else. Would have been wild to hear this back in 1969. Not too many memorable songs though out of the iconic title track and vocalist kinda sucks. It really is just a massive spoolage of messy shouty metally trippy proto punky rock that gets incredibly ragged by the end. An uneven classic that’s streaked with greatness and also crapness. More like MC3.5.
Noisy, energetic and poorly recorded protopunk is not without its charm. I'll give it a 3 even though there were some rough moments.
A lot of energy and overall very enjoyable. It definitely has that live concert, rough-around-the-edges feel to it.
Vibey
Got me kinda hyped
Kind of a hard rock/punk mixture. Not bad and probably influential, but I didn’t love it
3.5 I rock with it
I definitely started to like it more as the album went on but still not my favorite style. 2.5/5
messy, dirty and raw, proto-punk band that does justice to being a proto-punk band. always amazing and interesting to see the emergence and birth of new genres! 3.5/5
Never listened to this album before outside of the title track. It was fun to read about the label/media frenzy over the notorious KICK OUT THE JAMS, MOTHERFUCKER. This was about what I was expecting, lots of high energy rockers. I was surprised by the weirdo last track, "Starship".
I thought he was singing “Chicken Street” instead of “Shakin”. It addd to the experience. Grungy aggressive rock n roll in the name of resistance.
-this was a pretty fun listen, if not necessarily my first choice in music. I can really hear the primitive punk rock roots -I’m surprised I haven’t heard of them before actually because Kick Out The Jams is a great song and apparently pretty widely covered by other musicians -Favorites are Kick Out The Jams and Motor City Is Burning
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it was fine.
Strange, strange album. A debut live album with punk energy far beyond its' time and psychedelic jamming placing it firmly in the late 60s.
This couldn’t possibly have been produced in a studio at the time - obviously needed to be a live album. MC5 was really ahead of their time and while I’m not really down with all of their choices I’m always ready to kick out the jams, motherfuckers!
This was a pretty cool live album, they were jamming and screaming like they enjoyed themselves. Stand-out: Ramblin' Rose
Side One: Kick Out Side Two: the jams
The sound quality isn't the best, so this isn't getting 5 stars from me. It sounds like a prototype of Kiss, a band I never really liked that much. Some of it was great, but a lot of it was just a mess. I'm going with 3 stars.
I thought it was okay. Was a solid live album but didn’t think it was all that good. Should really be 2 stars but they were sounded like a solid live band and had some good Hendrix vibes which bought them up a Star
Not my fave
Solid
Meh
This guys rock pretty hard! Uncompromising on volume as well as sound.
they sure did kick them out
MC5 is cool. Very Detroit. It was cool to hear a live show, but I still don't think live albums should be included on the list.
I admire their energy, and how much punk it sounds, especially considering it was recorded no later than 1968. But the music itself isn't great or any way interesting. So extra point for doing something that was ahead of its time but otherwise it is not something I would want to listen to again.
Vaikka kaikki biisit eivät ole huippuja (jokunen on), topografisesti tämä on pelkkää huippua. Erityismaininta: oudoin tuntemani falsettivokaali, Ramblin' Rose.
Noisy, raw and energetic but I'd have to be in the right mood to enjoy it.
Every time something by MC5 comes up, I get fooled into thinking it's going to be hip hop. It's not. Standard shouty post punk stuff. Neither bad nor good in my opinion.
Anecdotally, recorded live as "no studio would have been capable of capturing [MC5's] sheer energy, excitement, and danger". Unfortunately the audio quality dampens most of that energy. Like most of the "live" albums on the 1001 list, I guess you had to be there.
# Album Name: Kick Out The Jams (Live) # Artist: MC5 # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: Was just alright. Lots of energy and drive. Could be a different story seeing them lives. Kick out the Jams was the stand out for me. Nothing else came close. # Top Tunes: Kick out the Jams # Would I listen to it again? No
It was alright
3.5/5
Enjoyed this in the main. 3*
Fine, but not for me
This was really good, but I feel like somehow I missed the boat on it because even though I know who they are this album made me feel like I had literally never heard any of their music?
raw, exciting, forerunner of punk/garage, but not a great recording
Not all that
I've said it before, live albums rarely do it for me. Yet it makes so much sense for the debut album of the MC5 to be a live album. What is less obvious is how an album like this peaked at #30 on the Billboard 200. Even by today's standards, this sound is pretty abrasive, and the band's overtly political views were far from mainstream at the time. MC5 channelled anti-establishment, anti-capitalist, and pro-revolutionary ideals through their raw energy. The album’s defiance is both explicit, as in "Motor City Is Burning," which critiques police brutality during the Detroit riots, and implicit, with the incendiary chant “Kick out the jams, motherfuckers!” serving as a broader call to action against societal constraints. Rather than offering detailed political manifestos, the band conveys a visceral urgency to reject oppression and inspire communal resistance, making the album a sonic manifesto of revolution and liberation. While not overly sophisticated or intricate, the songs channel a primal, unfiltered power that perfectly complements their revolutionary ethos. Songs like the title track and "Rocket Reducer No. 62" are built around simple, repetitive riffs and relentless grooves, emphasizing immediacy and intensity over complexity. The lyrics often oscillate between rallying cries of rebellion and countercultural anthems, with tracks like "Motor City Is Burning" blending social commentary with blues influences. The songwriting prioritizes impact and atmosphere, capturing the chaotic spirit of their live performances and the urgency of their political message. While Kick Out the Jams is undeniably a landmark album, its chaotic sound and production can be seen as a double-edged sword. When it works, it’s raw, visceral, and deeply rooted in the band’s explosive live energy. However, as the album progresses, it begins to sound more unfocused and sloppy, with the lacklustre "Borderline" and "I Want You Right Now" contributing to a noticeable dip in quality. These tracks feel meandering and repetitive, with the energy flagging and the excitement dissipating after the initial intensity. The extended fuzz-drenched outro of "Starship" might have been thrilling in the moment for the live audience, but on record, it can come across as excessive and indulgent, undermining the album's initial relentless pace. While this rawness and excess may well be the embodiment of the punk rock spirit, the lack of refinement and the stretched-out jams make it an uneasy listen in places. I love this for what it represents but musically I found it tough. Did/Do I own this release? No Does this release belong on the list? No Would this release make my personal list? While there is no denying the historic significance of this album and the MC5, this shit is too abrasive for me. Will I be listening to it again? If I ever become a professional UFC fighter, this would be my pump-up music! Fortunately, that is highly unlikely.
No. 299/1001 Ramblin' Rose 2/5 Kick Out the Jams 4/5 Come Together 3/5 Rocket Reducer No. 62 3/5 Borderline 3/5 Motor City is Burning 3/5 I Want You Right Now 3/5 Starship 2/5 Average: 2,88 Not my favorite listen. But you have to admire that they were ahead of their time and the rawness of this record.
November 27, 2024 HL: "Starship", "Borderline", “Rocket Reducer No. 62” They said 'motherfucker', thusly this is an important album 1001 stars out of 5
This is tough because I'm reviewing this as an album. I think if I was at this show it would be an easy 5/5. The energy is clearly wild and you can feel the passion. Especially for when it was made it must have been unreal. Musically it's tight but the recording isn't carrying that through overly well. A good listen and should be on the list but held back by not being there.
crazy energy for a 60s rock album, i can see how influential this must've been. i dont know if i like this album or not if im being real
Knap så legendarisk som jeg syntes da jeg købte den for 30 kr i stereo studio i Esbjerg, men stadig et solidt protopunk album. Ville være 1/5 hvis det var et studiealbum, men jeg synes virkelig den fanger følelsen af at være til en rowdy undergrundskoncert og energien i første halvdel er off the charts
Great energy at least for the first half
This is a mess, but kinda fun? 2.8.
Damn this is from 1969??
I have no idea what is going on, but I do like it. Standout tracks: - Rocket reducer no. 62 - talk (the guitars in this are chef's kiss (4/5)
3.5/5
Why haven't I heard of this band before? I guess it's because this stuff isn't really hit material. It's a bit uneven, there's nothing too deep and the sound quality is pretty bad but I kind of enjoyed it and would give it another listen. 2.75/5
Enjoyed it
Better than many reviews credit, but low production quality make it a hard listen.
Its like the who mixed with the kinks and the monkees. It was cool hearing Kick out the Jams originally thinking it was a RATM song and not a cover.
I've heard Kick Out the Jams many times, but never listened to the whole album. The energy is great, the story is fun to read and the album has solid historical significance, but the music itself... meh.
Sure, I can dig this. Abrasive, raw and, yes, in some ways, not very good. But there's something there that helps it rattle along. Probably not going to come back to it so often, but can now nod sagely and make reference to how influential they would prove to be.
Awful ballsy to debut with a live album. Jam band energy, makes sense why after a listen. I'm sure it was a fun show to be at, and was a fine listen but nothing outstanding as an album. Singer felt a little cultural appropriation-ey too.
MC5 was a garage rock band with leftist leanings and often get credited with being an early originator of punk rock. this live album not only showcases their sheer power, but you can feel the energy of their live show through the speakers. highlights: “ramblin’ rose” “kick out the jams” “motor city is burning”
Started strong, whimpered out.
If this came out later it wouldn't really be that impressive but since it came out in 1969 it is a little ahead of the time. That being said, the album is pretty boring and I don't care for it.
Heard this one before a few times over the years. I'm generally not a live album fan, so it's cool to see a band who chose live albums as their main format, and it does capture a sense of raw urgency. I like the energetic rock sound. I can appreciate how this music would have felt like revolutionary counterculture if you were there in the audience at the time. But in hindsight, a large part of this just "oooh baby baby I want you right now, I'm the man for you, ramalamalama". You have to fairly invested in the mythology of rock music to still see this as revolutionary. Enjoyable record though. 3.5*
Not bad stuff. Nothing really standout though. Simpsons: Don’t think so
Nice and short and alright. Some good vibes for a Sunday morning, but nothing that memorable.
MC5 live not great. Just a noisy mess for me.
It’s ok
Kick out the jams was alright, but not really my jam. Still good enough for 3 stars though.
eh
Rough around the edges and filled with energy.
Eeeeeh I don't know about this one. Super influential. But not that exciting to me. Some good proto punk sure. But. Eeeeeh.
I imagine this would've been amazing live. A bit repetitive and abrasive in a way I don't love but I can definitely see the appeal. I Want You Right Now was amazing. Very sexy and explosive. The rest I found a bit harder to get into. Probably won't revisit but I can imagine the magic in person. 3.5
Good live album, got a little too heavy/punky for me toward the end
Okay album, just noisy and not properly recorded, is what I think. But, the songs and beats are outstanding!
Schräg, laut, intensiv,
One finds it pretty easy to admire (and even enjoy in doses) the fury and thrashing and passion without taking it seriously in any way. And not in the least is one surprised that it didn't last, despite the authenticity of the rawness (which seems awfully close to talentlessness at time, though "Human Being Lawnmower" suggests how they might have grown had they got past the commitment to chaos). Today, it seems almost quaint, the massive overrating of this lot; their contemporary appeal would have to be nostalgia-aided. The best bits would be the insistently spiky guitars on, among other tracks, "Looking at You." But any record with "Shakin' Street" would be compromised in terms of putting forth anything like political subversion or meaningfully directed rage. One's also confident it must have been quite cool to see in person all those years ago; in other words, they shoulda named their live album what Jimmy Buffett named his.
New headphones, new me. I have decided that I will like this album. Yeah, nah. It's honestly not bad, just a bit basic.
a bit intense
Not a bad rock album but nothing really stands out to me.
My god the falsetto in the opening track. Didn't know a punk band could do that. I don't like it. Other than that, thought it was a nice, dirty, punk offering. Could have done without the spacy interlude of Starship.
No amount of drugs will ever get me to listen to this again
Never heard of these but a good sound with lots of energy. (Same review I wrote for yesterday’s)
Oh man, the hype at the beginning got me pumped and then he started singing… The rest of the album recovered and was pretty decent
Wee bit meandering for me.. kinda cool. Cool cover.
Good energy and a fun live recording but not incredibly memorable to me
First of all, as I've already stressed in my previous reviews, I do not like live albums. I'll happily take the polished studio version, pretty please. Second, I don't get the message of this album. They were promising 'revolution' with the opening track, meanwhile most of what followed was various testimonies about their sex lives... which is fine, I guess, but it left me a bit confused. Third, I don't really understand why this album is supposedly groundbreaking. It's a decent, high energy rock album, but not much more for me.
Some nice guitar riffs.
fnord
two really good songs and uh whatever else
These proto-punk albums are fun enough. It's clear why this one has the reputation it does. It's impressively loud and aggressive for 1969.
I like the vibe and the message of the album but most of the songs sounded the same to me.
Inicios del punk. Ni fu ni fa.
Back to basics bluesy rock, truly electrifying in its best moments (try not to headbang to “Kick Out the Jams,” I dare you). A little sobering to listen to knowing the entire original lineup is gone.
Ok Album.
would probably be better if the vocalist's voice was different
punk
This was alright
I can feel the energy and I bet this would be a blast live but doesn’t it kind of defeat the purpose having it recorded? Idk, I’ve never quite ‘got’ live albums
High energy and some cool ideas but ultimately not enough for me to stay interested all throughout. I can see how it was influential for Punk tho. Fav songs: - Ramblin Rose - Kick Out the Jams
This was okay. Somewhat enjoyable but not particularly memorable. The title track was the best song. Not bad but nothing special.
Pretty damned good, actually. Kinda punk, kinda zeppelin-y blues rock, kinda pissed off counter culture hard rock.
Some people might call this THE proto-punk album. The very first band to lay the groundwork for the genre. MC5 were also mentors to the Stooges, the best known of the Detroit proto-punk bands. The significance of this album is clear. You can kind of hear the influence of psychedelic rock of the era here but it's completed muddled by the raw energy of the performances. Truthfully, what makes this album interesting is the rough, distorted guitar playing of Wayne Kramer, which sounds amazingly skillful but still quite off and noisy as hell. Also worth noting is the battle between the band and stores who refused to carry the original version of the album due to its use of profanity. That's a familiar enough story now but at the time, probably gave them the majority of their fame. Truthfully, there are better punk bands out there. But credit to MC5, the trailblazers who set the whole forest on fire with their sound.
MC5. Their reputation proceeds them. I never heard them, but I only ever heard them referenced positively in general discussions about music. Flavor Flav, take your seat; these guys don't need no hypeman. Dude churns up the crowd before a single note is played with the skill and machismo of every great coked-up WWE wrestler from the 80's, brother. Oh yeah! Woooooooo! All of sudden, I think I know at least one of the influences for Pixies, with a chaotic vocal delivery and occasional Tourettes of grunts and squeals. This is Led Zeppelin's punky American step-brother, overly confident, brazen, and rockin' as hard as they possibly can. The anarchy here is directed both at government as well as musical convention. This is a tour-de-force, with so much strength coming from within the band that it doesn't matter what you think about them at all. They are blowing their own minds and having the time of their lives and you're invited for the ride if you can dig it, but if not, you're the one whose wrong, man. A bit abrasive for me at first, but--like any good live show--they won me over in short order. These guys hold your shirt while punching you in the face; you're not getting away until they're done. A 3.5 that becomes a 3 since I don't imagine revisiting this album much if at all. Like my sons after trying some new food, "I tried it and I liked it, but I don't want anymore" . . . but MC5 don't care what I think.
Proto-punk, lotsa distortion and explosive attitude, ahead of its time, clearly influential.
Det her albums betydning for meget af den musik jeg hører kan ikke underdrives. Den smadrede æstetik lagde grunden for den punk der kom senere og dermed også for The Seattle Sound. Desværre glider albummet længere og længere væk fra den lyd og over i psyk rock. På Starship der afslutter albummet går det helt over gevind med alen lang trance musik. Første side 5/5. Anden side 2/5.
Traditional punk is built on anger, vitriol, and speed. At least that’s what I would define it as. And hilariously enough, what punk originated from sounds nothing like what it is associated with today. It was rooted much more in raw psychedelic music. The Stooges are an obvious, and fantastic example of this. But I guess I wasn’t aware that another influential band hailed from the beautiful state of Michigan. That band was MC5. I didn’t know they were equally as important as the aforementioned group. But I think opinions of the band are very different. I was expecting them to be one of those groups who never really hit it off with their studio albums, but have one really great live record. But it seems that people either think this is some monumental achievement, or they can’t stand it and/or how much people like it. I think I lie somewhere in the middle. When it is at its best, this album is a flaming ball of fire, careening through the sky and lighting everything ablaze. Like the most punk rock world-ending meteor. But when it is at its worst, or really its slowest on the last three songs, it just doesn’t hit the same. I think this sounds great when it’s rampant and explosive, and doesn’t try and contain itself in any way. I’m aware that something like Fun House had this combination as well, but that album was just simply better written than these songs are. Interesting as a piece of history? Yes. But the greatest thing that ever happened to punk? No. That would imply it’s all down hill from here, which is the farthest from the truth. Rating: 6/10
Good enough for a 3.5, not quite enough to get a 4, but pretty good.
Sounds like a more aggresive Led Zepellin. But still, not really my taste
A debut album recorded live the capture the band's full proto-punk ferocity. Pretty out-there as a band for 1969 - having "motherfucker" eventually rerecorded. It's loud, it's messy, it's got mountains of raw energy. The dead end of the hippy ideal is trying to be resurrected purely through raw passion - but it wasn't enough. Best Tracks: Ramblin' Rose; Kick Out the Jams; Rocket Reducer No. 62
3/5 idk
This album struck me as shades of Rage Against the Machine, especially with their intro track. This album was super easy to listen to, but would bring me back in with every guitar solo that would close out a track. Lyrically, I didn’t absorb too much of the album. However, their “fuck you” attitude is felt through each chord and solo that shreds across the crowd. I can see how this album could be a huge influence for future punk bands in the future and it’s crazy to think this was recorded in 1969, well before some household name punk bands were on the scene.
Parts of this album go so hard. But there are also parts where I hate the lead singers voice. I like when he’s kinda growling or screaming but when he tries to actually sing or use his falsetto it’s pretty brutal. It’s pretty wild listening to guitar solos like this in 69 when just five years before they were comparatively laughable (such as a hard days night). I know we get annoyed of all the 60s albums sometimes but it is cool to see the evolution of rock music in such a small period of time. The live album part of this was fun!
Nothing stuck out but I felt that the whole album was easy to listen to, which I feel is impressive for a live album. This is one of if not the first live albums that we’ve gotten and I wouldn’t mind seeing more. Fun solid riffs and rock music.
There were times when I thought this album rocked, and times when I thought this album flopped. And I can see the punk beginnings but I heard more psychedelic and blues influence on MC5 more than anything. And then I read about the band, John Sinclair, and the White Panther Party and holy hell, these dudes were punk as fuck. There’s better late sixties albums but this one wasn’t that bad. A three for the political influence.
high 3/5, the energy is felt and enjoyed but it can lose me sometimes
Sensational energy
No le tenía fe, pero me sorprendió. Motor City is Burning me gustó más que la que lleva el título del disco.
Never heard of these guys and find it hard to know if I'd like it from a live album like this. Some I thought sounded good but I don't know how it's meant to sound..... Is it really as punk as it sounds or they just not that good live?? Maybe we'll have a non live album at some point. 2.5, but mainly because of the live album
Pretty fun, it feels ahead of it's time. This is what all live albums should aim for, I love the energy.
It's alright, but didn't age very well, especially the lyrics
Good live energy, not great song material.
First listen just felt like 40 minutes of noise. Second listen I started to understand what was going on. > considered an important forerunner to punk rock music ok, good on ya then.
Excellent sound for a live album from this time. I liked the music, but I likely won't be going back to listen to this album anytime soon.
Solid live album with great energy. I like it, although I probably won’t revisit that often.
This is something I might enjoy at a bar live but not as an album
- love the energy - Rage covered Kick Out the Jams and I can see why - interesting how their first album was a live album?
Kick Out The Jams (the song) is an easy 5, and not just because I got a soft intro to it from PotUSA. Overall this is a good album with some great energy. It feels extremely authentic which can be a hard thing to find in the edgier genres. I could have done without Starship.
This record is as radical and furious as its title and its sweaty album cover promise. While it’s only rivaled by The Stooges for its influence on what would be called Punk Rock, it’s a pretty singular document of the late ‘60s and the anger at social conformity and an unpopular war in Vietnam. Still, the record’s influence is perhaps greater than its actual charms. What it does succeed in capturing is the MC5’s live sound and energy—and that’s something considerable.
70's American punk rock. You either love it or you don't.
First time listening - not bad, not great
ok de stuff schiint historisch wichtig z sii und wurzle vo punk und so. ah und er seit motherfucker am afang vo kick out the jams, da hetmer domols noni dörfe. ok. s ganze isch sehr luut und nöd mega gnau gspielt oder so aber das wönds glaub so. come together isch nöd de bestles song, andere come together. hässiger. rocket reducer no. 62 findi etz au no geil, sie rüefed de refrain meh als singe aber s passt irgendwie. d gitarre sind au super bitz verstimmt. mit de ziit wirds scho biitz afoch lärm. aber ich checks. borderline au easy cool desorganisiert. motor city is burning isch afoch en blues aber au chli en hässige. ich ha nöd gwüsst dases au so hässigi hippies geh het i like. de zweitletst track hani chli draggy gfunde. und uf starship isches sehr "experimentell"? afoch vorallem lärm.
I get that this is an important album but it’s a wreck of a show. They sound sloppy as hell. Starship is great though.
Huge and brilliant guitar sound -- crunchy distortion with clarity and warmth. Decent enough lyrics for punk (perhaps not a high bar...) with a fun dollop of revolutionary/leftist views. Earlier than expected (6 years before Sex Pistols formed) and clearly a massive influence on the rise of punk in the 70s. Raw and uneven, with flashes of brilliance.
This a pretty hard rocking live album, harder than expected for ‘69. Very enjoyable!
Garage band jams ...
A fantastic combination of two live performances, showcasing MC5’s proto-punk capabilities. There’s honestly not much else to say about this other than that it’s bloody well great. Some seriously cool classic rock.
not the genre I was in the mood for n there wasn’t anything super exciting ab it 6/10
They had great live energy but it was kinda counteracted by the less good live sound quality. 6/10
Pretty solid for a live album. Got a bit repetitive sometimes but the guitar playing was sick
Not super into this, nothing about it really stood out to me. It does kinda rock at times though 6/10
Ahead of it's time for 1969
Melkoinen blues-punk-rock setti. En varsinaisesti pitänyt, mutta ei tätä vituttanutkaan kuunnella joka oikeuttaa kolmeen tähteen tämän päivän arvostelulla.
Bien de son époque par ses revendications; m’a semblé en avance pour son son rock intransigeant. J’aurais cru plus au milieu des années 1970
A rough and rowdy album that really established what punk was going to be going forward. It’s incredibly high energy and I admire the heck out of it, even though I don’t really enjoy listening to it that much at all
Not bad, pretty straight forward 70's hard rock. I really only know the song Kick Out the Jams, but the other songs here were similar and just as good. I don't know how often I would come back to this, but I enjoyed the playthrough.
A great jolt of energy. Not brilliant music, but definitely doing its own thing without a damn care. The sound quality is pretty rough but I still find it enjoyable.
I enjoyed elements of this, but live albums really aren't the ticket for me. I'll probably go and check out some of their studio albums, though.
pretty average punk, can see how it would be influential. thematically pretty boring pretty quickly
"Oh yeah. Love the Five" is something I heard Bob Seger say during an interview. He might have even meant it. I'm sure he did, they're both from Detroit and Seger is all in on all things Detroit. I'm not from Detroit, but I've always loved Bob Seger. Love is a strong word when it comes to the Five. I'm not sure I like them, although I appreciate their output and understand how they were a precursor to punk. That doesn't make this essential. At times, it can be a rough listen, a garage band that somehow got a record deal. That's probably the point. Let's stop pretending it's a crime that this band isn't in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. If they were that good, they would have been elected years ago.
High octane, high energy classic. Not something I'd feel compelled to listen to often, besides the mega title track, but I totally respect and admire the energy those bastards poured into their live show.
Very cool, p much invented punk rock
"Kick Out The Jams (Live)" by MC5 is a high-energy, raw, and unapologetic live album that captures the band's legendary live performances. Released in 1969, the album is a document of the band's ferocious energy and rebellious spirit. The album opens with the iconic title track, a call to arms that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Tracks like "Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa)" and "Come Together" showcase the band's frenetic energy and proto-punk sound. While the album captures the raw power of MC5's live performances, its production quality is somewhat lacking compared to studio recordings. Some listeners may find the album's aggressive sound and political themes off-putting. Overall, "Kick Out The Jams (Live)" is a landmark album in the history of punk rock, but its rough edges and confrontational style may not be for everyone. It earns a solid 3/5 rating for its historical significance and raw energy.
Brothers and sisters, let me tell you something... They had a lot of fun in that Detroit ballroom and it shows
MC 5 I like the all the noisey, raucous, protopunk energy. The playing and singing was surprising better than a lot of the other 60’s psychedelic rock bands we heard ( I didn’t hate the bluesy 60’s lead guitar like I’ve been developing a really pet peeve for. I think his conviction makes it sound less noodley)I This album was all energy and the songs seem secondary and kind of forgetable. Never heard them before- cool to check out, but probably won’t go back to this often. 3
A perfect three. I feel totally neutral about this
I want you right now was the only one that I thought was weird enough to be interesting. Love the punk attitude.
I can see why this was foundational for punk rock. I can also see why it didn’t get great reviews right away. Didn’t love listening to it, but definitely hear the Clash in their sound
Very proto
I like Green Day…I love punk angst. This would have been an interesting concert to be a part of. While I don’t love it…I love that there is a record of this. There’s nothing like live music and this was a great recording. I probably wouldn’t go back and listen to this in Spotify, but I sure wish I had been at that concert. That’s why you go to concerts, you just never know.
Interesting album with some great guitar.
I’m sure this is fun to thrash around to while drunk at a dive bar. Not really my thing right now.
Interesting to go with a live album for debut - cost? Sounds remarkably polished production wise for a live album from that time. So not as raw as one might think and lyrically offering a limited vision. Certainly powerful aggressive rock.
Muxo rock
It wasn’t music I would normally listen so I didn’t finish the album after the 4th song.
kinda conflicted with this. it rocks and is undeniably cool and up my street but its not really grabbed me. somewhere between a 3 and a 4 if im being honest. nice to have a live album that really feels like a live album, especially so soon after listening to the thin lizzys live and dangerous which felt super flat.
Like the title of the album says they really kick out the jams… and they go down the road …and into the gutter. It’s got some redeeming value and some good guitar work but it’s probably the reason I’m not a fan of live albums. Kinda messy and not in a good way.
Not usually a fan of live albums but this was a fun one. Funny dudes.
It was ok!
Lot of fun to listen to this, should have heard it sooner. I think this is one of those albums that is pretty foundational but doesn't hot the way it did when it was released. Parts of it hold up, but I think you have to put yourself in the mindset of someone from the early 70s to really get why it's great. It's not easy to do, and as a result it doesn't hold up in the same way other classic albums from this era do. That being said, it is a great time and has so much energy. It sounds like everyone involved was having the time of their life. The sound is a little rough at times but bursting with personality.
I think I found the angry hippies.
After giving my full attention to listen while driving super slow in a traffic jam I realized this is a pretty decent album.
Raw uncut punk energy, the jams were, indeed, kicked the fuck out
Pretty cool. I bet the audience was having a religious experience - there really wasn't much that sounded like this back in 1969. Not something I would ever listen to in the year of our lord 2024 though. First half was much better than the second. Especially the title track, that shit "bumps in the whip" as the kids say.
It started out not to bad. There were times where it was a little too much, but it's early Punk. What you gonna do?
In a nutshell: the origins of punk. Starts strong then runs out of steam midway. Overall: 5/10
Very energetic! But stylistically a little boring.
Not keen on live version I might have preferred studio recording of it
This is like a punk version of Jimi Hendrix. I’m sure it was quite revolutionary in 1969.
So influential. Just not very good. Laughable “revolutionary” shtick and borrowed riffs from The Who. You can’t deny its importance. Just sounds a bit shit these days
if this wasn’t a live album it would rated higher. could i write poetry to this? n
Nice pretty rockin for the day
Lyrics: MC5's lyrics in "Kick Out The Jams" reflect the socio-political climate of the 1960s. The title track, in particular, is a defiant call to arms against societal norms and restrictions. The use of explicit language in the opening lines, "Kick out the jams, motherfuckers!" establishes a rebellious tone, signaling the band's rejection of conformity. The lyrics touch on issues such as censorship, war, and the desire for individual freedom. While the language may be abrasive for some listeners, it serves as a powerful expression of the frustration felt by the youth during that era. The political and anti-establishment themes are further emphasized in tracks like "Motor City Is Burning," which addresses the Detroit race riots of 1967. The urgency and intensity in the lyrics mirror the unrest and turmoil of the times. Music: The musical aspect of "Kick Out The Jams" is characterized by its high-energy, garage rock sound. MC5's use of distortion, feedback, and relentless guitar riffs gives the album a raw and unpolished feel, contributing to its authentic and rebellious nature. The live recording adds to the album's dynamic energy, capturing the intensity of MC5's live performances. The interplay between Wayne Kramer and Fred "Sonic" Smith's guitars is a standout feature, creating a wall of sound that defines the MC5's signature style. The rhythm section, consisting of bassist Michael Davis and drummer Dennis Thompson, provides a solid foundation, driving the music forward with a relentless groove. The inclusion of covers like "Ramblin' Rose" and "I Want You Right Now" showcases the band's eclectic influences, ranging from blues to early rock 'n' roll. These covers add variety to the album and demonstrate MC5's ability to reinterpret and infuse their own energy into classic songs. Production: The live recording of "Kick Out The Jams" captures the essence of MC5's electrifying stage presence. The decision to record the album in a live setting contributes to its authenticity, providing a genuine representation of the band's sound and energy. However, the production quality may be considered lo-fi by contemporary standards, with occasional imperfections and uneven balances between instruments. Yet, these imperfections contribute to the album's charm, maintaining a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. The decision to include the controversial "kick out the jams, motherfuckers!" declaration at the beginning of the title track showcases the band's commitment to authenticity and rebellion against industry norms. This bold move sets the tone for the entire album, making it clear that MC5 is not interested in toning down their message for mass consumption. Themes: "Kick Out The Jams" is infused with themes of rebellion, anti-establishment sentiments, and a yearning for personal freedom. The album captures the spirit of the 1960s counterculture, with lyrics that address social and political issues of the time. The title track, in particular, encourages listeners to break free from societal constraints and embrace a more liberated and authentic existence. The inclusion of covers like "I Want You Right Now" and "Starship" adds a psychedelic dimension to the album, reflecting the influence of the burgeoning psychedelic rock movement. These tracks, while not overtly political, contribute to the album's overall atmosphere of experimentation and nonconformity. Influence: "Kick Out The Jams" has left an indelible mark on the punk rock and alternative music scenes. Its raw, high-energy sound, combined with politically charged lyrics, laid the groundwork for the punk movement that emerged in the mid-1970s. The album's influence can be heard in the music of subsequent generations of punk and alternative bands, as well as in the DIY (do-it-yourself) ethos that became synonymous with punk rock. The rebellious attitude and confrontational stage presence of MC5 had a lasting impact on the evolution of rock performance. The band's influence extends beyond music, reaching into the realms of politics and social activism, as they embodied the spirit of protest and resistance. Pros: Raw Energy: The album's live recording captures the raw, unfiltered energy of MC5's live performances, providing an authentic listening experience. Political Relevance: The lyrics address socio-political issues of the time, making the album a snapshot of the 1960s counterculture. Guitar Work: The interplay between Wayne Kramer and Fred "Sonic" Smith's guitars is a standout feature, creating a powerful and distinctive sound. Influence: "Kick Out The Jams" has had a significant and enduring influence on punk rock and alternative music, shaping the trajectory of these genres. Cons: Production Quality: The lo-fi production may be a drawback for listeners accustomed to more polished recordings. Explicit Language: The use of explicit language, particularly in the opening of the title track, may be off-putting for some listeners. Uneven Mix: The live recording occasionally results in an uneven mix, with certain instruments overpowering others at times. In conclusion, "Kick Out The Jams (Live)" by MC5 stands as a landmark album that encapsulates the rebellious spirit of the 1960s. Its raw energy, politically charged lyrics, and influential sound have solidified its place in the annals of rock history. While the album may not be without its imperfections, these very aspects contribute to its authenticity and enduring appeal. "Kick Out The Jams" remains a powerful testament to the transformative power of music and its ability to reflect and shape the cultural landscape.
The music is prob just average for it's time. There are definitely better sounding live albums though
I kicked out some strawberry jam on toast while listening to this. That's about the level of flavor I received form the album. It's good, even a bit fun if you haven't had it in a while, but it gets bland pretty quickly. I'll give credit where credit is due though, these guys helped pioneer garage rock. Can't take that away from them. The title track rips.
Belle énergie en live qu'on ressent bien, des tonnes de guitares saturées.
An okay album, I mostly listened to it as background music.
Ofcourse there were much better bands out there in this time. But none were as loud and energetic as MC5
Good enough
Rock at it's loudest, rawest, and nastiest... well, at least by 1969 standards. That rawness is the album's main feature but it isn't completely a strength to me; there's not many coherent songs here. Super hard and passionate performances, though. Best song: I Want You Right Now
3.5 + Lester Bangs seemed to think these guys were the second coming of Christ so maybe they were a needed counterweight to all the hippie music of the time. Outside of that context, while I like the rawness of this performance and can appreciate the rock energy, I don’t find much to distinguish it. The guitars sound derivative of Jimi, and, skill-wise, he was in a completely different league. There are also elements of the Who, though the Who were far and away better songwriters. Probably a good timepiece but nothing I’d seek to understand on a deeper level.
Eh. I know I should like it. I just wish it sounded better.
The talked intro was the best thing on this.
Hey this sucks, but quite innovative for 1969.
Generic blues rock played loud with a lot of energy. Nothing bad, nothing so much appealing.
Kick Out the Jams
It’s ok
I think I liked this one more than you guys. Full disclosure: I got to meet Wayne Kramer a couple times, as he did a good bit of the music on Eastbound and Down. Cool guy who was nice enough to tolerate me asking him about the one time he played with Soundgarden and Tad instead of anything MC5 related. But that did not influence this review. (It totally influenced this review.) I’ve listened to this record before, but probably not more than once. Had it on today in the car and found more to appreciate. It’s sloppy as hell, kinda annoying, and falls into the old standard blues rock bag of tricks on “Motor City Burning.” But the five songs prior to that one all kinda worked for me in the context of being a live show with good energy and a terrible mix. It’s the kind of concert that would be great fun at a hole in the wall club that isn’t even really a club. “Borderline” was cool and unexpected. “Starship” is ridiculous. And before you know it the whole thing is over. I don’t know, there’s definitely something here even all these years later.
Pretty good
My first connection to this band was the Rage Against The Machine cover of Kick Out The Jams, and that was rad! But I never bothered to look up the original. This concert album is a very good recording of what the band is about. Loud rock music with lots of protest messages throughout. Good stuff! 7,5 out of 10
I only learned of these guys a few years ago and felt like kind of a tool that I'd never heard of such an influential band till then.
I still don't like live albums, but this was a decent listen. I don't really know anything about the MC5 but it seems like they put on a killer show. In terms of this being an essential listen - I don't have any objection to hearing it once, but that was probably enough for me.
There wasn’t anything that sounded anything like that before them, I reckon. I think it’s funny that this album was Lester Bangs’ first critic column and he was savage (and later retracted it all). There’s some stuff on this live disc that feels like filler, but I’d listen to it again for sure.