Reviews (page 4 of 8)
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.
Loud noise
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!
The sound of the end of the 60s. Nothing hits like the title track but I appreciate the surprising mix of hippy jam band and furious punk rock.
Meh
Reading the reviews for this one is hilarious. It’s pretty much a “love it or hate it, no in between” record. As I’m listening, I can say I don’t really understand why it’s so polarizing. It’s pretty solid and enjoyable. Granted, the first track is rough if you need a singer who is conventionally good at singing, but if you can get over that (and really just for that first track), it’s a fun record. I bet MC5 was a killer live show. This is a tough one to rate. I usually don’t care all that much about the protopunk bands (looking at you, Stooges), but I like the energy and I’m digging the songs. I might actually throw this into the regular rotation. 4/5
American trash. American mess. American shit.
Not the worst but its a bit noisy at times.
no lo aguanté, perdón si son eminencias en algun nicho
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
Classic early punk sound from one of the legends, this is what a live album should be all about, loud, chaotic and full of energy
Context is key here. This came out in Feb 1969 and nothing else had this level of furious energy. It blew minds and inspired tons of bands. Is the singing good? No. Is the guitar playing good? Sometimes. Is it extremely important to the punk and hard rock movements? Hell yes. And none of our stupid, fucking opinions change that. That said, it is a cd I have owned for 30 years and rarely listen to so I can’t give it more than a 4. Basically 2 points for the music and 2 for importance.
Solid live rock and roll from back in the day. Not sure it belongs on a must hear list, but still good.
Messy, but intentionally so. This was solid. 3.5
Not really my thing
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
I can't believe this was 1969! Practically the only thing that makes this understandable is VU, elements of Led Zep / Rolling Stones and the White Album and the Stooges, but this is INCENDIARY! Not what I would normally choose but undoubtedly important and impressive.
Aside from the Last Waltz, I’ve never been moved by a live album.
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.
This is live album number 3 in the last 4 days. Still annoying. I get that this live album was their debut, but still has all the trapping of live albums: bad sound quality, unfun banter, and just being annoying.
Ik dacht dit niet te kennen, maar 'Kick Out The Jams' ken ik van Guitar Hero: World Tour. Ik moet zeggen dat daarmee het grootste feest ook wel weer voorbij is wat dit album betreft. Ik vind dit niet zo heel super. Wellicht omdat het wat live, schel en extra druk is. Ook verzandt het halverwege al in een soort solo die heel goed zou zijn als einde van de show, maar zoals gezegd zit je dan pas op de helft. Al met al is het daardoor wat vermoeiend en teveel. Deze gaat in het laatje bij de 2 sterren.
Thirty minutes of good. 10 minutes of bad
I think I'm not meant to enjoy live albums.
MC 5stars, motherfuckers!
The title track is the only song I knew before listening to the album. And The Big F’s cover of “Kick Out the Jams” (on Rubáiyát, the compilation marking Elektra’s 40th anniversary) is far, far better.
Kicked out. Unjamed.
but what time is love
Entgegen aller Erwartung ziemlich unterhaltsam!
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
After the first two songs, I thought I'd just do a "Oh, like Blue Cheer, #223, but for punk" and then rather dismissively say something along the lines of "contemporary rock noise on 11" and "cool artifact" before ending with a "but ..." and ultimately give it three stars. BUT. Then I happened to poke around Youtube for a bit and *seeing* them opened up a fresh appreciation and I listened to the thing with a different set of ears. This is wild. This is cool. A keeper. Strong 4.
pace changes too much but overall the album is good, the fact that it is a live album with the actual live bits included is nice
sick
Another fuggennnn live album. For whatever reason I've been rolling in these things for the past week or so. Guess I'll just have to smash out another wunnadeez. I've never heard of MC5 and chances are there won't be any songs I recognise in here. I've no clue what to expect going off this album cover. Maybe something psychedelic? I can't think of another genre where it's common to overlay a bunch of images for the album cover. Ayyyy, psychedelic rock. I'm a genius. As far as live albums go this is, conceptually, a decent pick. Rock and jazz are much more in-tune with the live album medium than any other genre. Jazz for the reason that it likely appeals to the hoity-toity wine samplers of this list and rock for the reason that there's a real dynamic energy to these recordings. I kinda got that impression here, though truth be told the music sucks pretty heavily. The guitars all have a rough, unpolished sound and the vocals aren't moving, either. For the second (I think?) time since the founding of my review formula, there isn't a single thing about this album which sticks out to me. Each song is a jagged mush of lacklustre songwriting and overblown, subpar guitar smashing. Can't say I really felt anything while listening to this. Book time. Polarising among critics at the time, though that's as far as this album's merit goes. Wikipedia reveals that this album charted decently and was an early influence on punk rock. Yeah, I'm gonna snub this one - it just sucks. In place of this album, I humbly submit Quebec by Ween for inclusion on the list.
This was exhausting to listen to.
Some good energy, but does fall into some of the trappings of late-60s rock with an extended blues jam somewhere in the middle.
Too messy
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
This totally doesn't sound like an album made in the Sixties. It so punky, so energetic. Having a live recording as your debut album is a bold move, but totally encompasses the personality of the band. The total setlist might not be the strongest, but the attitude and innovation make up for it.
Energetic.
Rock. I think this might be a band I’d like, but I hated this particular album. Didn’t like that it was live, didn’t like the singer, didn’t like the weird falsetto song. Sucks because the guitars sounded pretty good.
Wild and undisciplined proto punks…kick out the jam m’fers indeed!
Hard to overstate the importance, though.
Raunchy, pretty good guitar work, but ehh overall. I guess a low 3 is where I’d put it.
I could respect how it was a precursor to what became punk rock, but it just sounded like a mess.
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.
I really tried to want to like this because it is an “important” album, but as a musical project it’s absolute garbage and noise. 1 star for being a record, 1 star for “importance” and -1 star for quality. 1⭐️
Like others have said, the quality of the vocals and music isn't great, but I still have to appreciate this for the sheer energy and being a forerunner of punk. Pretty amazing for 1968 and being a debut album. It was also interesting reading about the controversy around the "MF" in Kick Out the Jams (see Wikipedia).
Punky rock
Nothing special
Wild rock and roll played on, and often way past, the edge of control, descending into a noisy furvour of wah wah and feedback and pounding drums. An inspiration to millions of garage rockers, amped up punks and stoned shredders. It's basic blues rock in the 60s mould, so there's something over familiar and a bit boring about it at root, but it's played with exhileritating abandon you just have to kick along.
the lead singers voice on Ramblin’ rose was lowkey unbearable 😭 fav song: kick out the jams. This album honestly sounds way more modern than I expected - i would’ve probably guessed it was a decade more recent. It’s definitely not bad just also not as good as most albums on here. The fact that it’s live is kind of fun. Also the Jeff Buckley cover of kick out the jams is cool.
Honestly this album is kinda boring. It may have been a big inspiration for punk but listening to it now it doesn’t really distinguish itself very much from other 60s/70s hard rock except its politics. At that point there’s a million bands that do the same sound better. It’s not atrocious or anything but honestly isn't unique enough to fully justify its abrasiveness or poor sound quality. Standout Tracks: Borderline 3/5 deserves to be on this list
based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based based
i don’t mess with live albums!!!! 3.5 but i’m rounding up today because i feel generous
It’s angry and loud and madness and wonderful. -1 since the best song on here is a cover
I I I I I'M GONNA I'M GONNA KICK EM OUT KICK OUT THE JAMS!!! Edit Mar 27 2026: 5 --> 4. I haven't played this album *as* much. Maybe if I play it more in the future I will bump it up more
Går ändå mot bättre hållet. Skränigt med på ett typ The Sonics-sätt. Hade absolut kunnat lyssna på medan man typ dammsuger eller nåt
a lousy punk rock album, but good energy
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.
I imagine this is a great album while partying but listening to it while driving home from work sober doesn’t sound impressive.
I'm sure if I was at this live concert, this would rock. But outside of that, its chaotic and while may be an early predecessor of punk, it doesn't mean it belongs on this list.
I know it's a touchstone that kicked off a lot of American punk that I love but I can't get down with it.
Wow. An assault, but how often could you listen to it. 3
Har aldrig lyssnat på MC5 förut, men väldigt häftigt band och livealbum. Sjukt att det är inspelat 1969, låter väldigt punkigt för den tiden.
ужасно качество :(
этот лайв протопанк не для меня) одну песню начала узнавать)
Pretty important stuff here. A great listen from a fundamentally impactful band.
I heard it before once or twice at a friend's place. I remember I liked it, but it's better than I remember. Favorite song: Kick out the jams.
3.5
Such a bold move to make your first album a live album! Honestly, this just rocks in a way that it's surprising was possible in 1969 (or 1968 when it was recorded). The label proto-punk works well for these guys. It's funny to think of the controversy about the language at the beginning of Kick Out the Jams...it was a different time, for sure. I am impressed with the album, though I thought some of the songs dragged on a bit, especially toward the end. Still, cool album!
Hmmm is it really as progressive as people think? Seems fairly derivative of much better musicians out there.
Never really listened to these guys before and I wasn't able to give this as much of my attention as I wanted to. But I really liked what I heard. Unbelievable energy. I'll revisit this. I don't think I'll ever really get into them because they're just a little too far before my time, but I'm glad this came up. Hard to believe this was recorded in the 60s. 3.75 stars, rounding up to 4.
Hell yes. If all '60s music sounded like this, the Baby Boomers would have actually accomplished something.
7.4
A lot of loud guitars, a lot of passion and energy, a lot of driving beats. Not a lot of music.
Found it a bit bland, although can imagine the sound was amazing and cutting edge at the time
Amazing performance. Minus one star for the blues noodling.
Super cool live album, very political, very punk. I liked it a lot! Very raw and real (helped by the fact it's live) Very cool overall.
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
Very noisy…not the worst thing I’ve heard but not particularly enjoyable either.
I like these albums that were clearly part of something - the start of a movement or certainly an influence on it. This is a bit of a shambles though, and surely there are better proto punk examples?
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.
This was probably an incredible gig.
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.
Pas pour moi pas du tout aimé
⭐︎4.3 イギーポップと並ぶパンクの源流に位置するバンド。 69年とは思えないほど激しい。けど、一曲だけサイケっぽい曲があるあたり時代を感じた。
3/4
Snarly, gnarly, not a garden party. So way ahead of its time. Just rip roaring fabulous.
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.
You’d be hard pressed to find many bands willing to issue a live recording as their debut album, but such was the lore and magic of the Motor City 5 and their de facto residency at Detroit’s Grande Ballroom. They were a band with a lights-out rhythm section, a potent guitar attack in Wayne Kramer and Fred “Sonic” Smith, and a rock and roll emcee frontman in Rob Tyner who had clearly studied the greats like James Brown and Cab Calloway. What’s amazing about them is how they were creating a powerful noise racket that was way ahead of its time and building the template for punk, yet they were also dutiful and reverent historians of rock, blues and even jazz. In a perfect world, they would have gone on to rule the ‘70s. Alas, the world wasn’t ready for their revolutionary political rhetoric, their sonic bombast or probably even the callous use of the word “motherfucker."
Psyched I'm finally really listening to this band — it's moments like this where this site/project really shine. Feels like Spacemen 3 borrowed heavily from these guys – the riff in MC5’s Come Together is remarkably similar to SP3’s Take Me To The Other Side, which is fine, I'm all for this shit. Give me that raucous give me that noise.
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.
FIVE STARS, MOTHERFUCKERS! (also, how fucking prescient is that opening monologue!?)
Didn't know. Great.
Fucking shit yeah, now that is a great record! Wayne is such a killer guitarist
"Brothers, it's time to testify and I want to know, are you ready to testify? Are you ready? I give you a testimonial, the MC5"!!!! F.... yeah!!!!!
You know how they say there are more water molecules in one glass of water than there are glasses of water in all of the oceans and bodies of water on Earth? In the same way, there are more garage/psych compilations than there are bands that have ever actually existed in the history of bands. Or something like that... To some, Kick Out The Jams may seem fairly obscure 60s fare compared to the celebrated mainstream acts from the era - as such, it is often touted as a essential album that set the template for the punk explosion in the subsequent decade. While I would agree that it is a raw, energetic recording that does everything you would want a live album to do, personally I don't really get why MC5 in particular are held in such high esteem. Because, if you have been down the Nuggets / Pebbles / Boulders / Rubble / Back From The Grave rabbit hole, it becomes pretty clear there were plenty of other bands making the same noise as MC5 back in the day, some predating the Michigan quintet, and many with much better results. While I appreciate the impact they might have had, listening almost 60 years later, the music just isn't anything that special given the many alternatives on the same trajectory. All just a bit overrated if you ask me.
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
Going in I thought: It would be great to experience another great album from the 60’s that I somehow missed! Afterward: On second thought, I think my 60s collection is fine just as it is.
I love a good rebel song by a rebel band, but when you rebel against listenability, I just can't do it. Not an inspiring noise.
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.
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
The songs are not very memorable and I didn't like them.
5.5/10
Nope. Not my thing. I don't know how anyone can listen to "Ramblin' Rose" and actually take it seriously. As a huge punk fan, I can absolutely appreciate that these guys were a big part of the movement, but the recording quality is toilet water and the band is so sloppy. Props for recording something like this in '69, but yeah I'm gonna hard pass on this one. I did, out of morbid curiosity, check out some of their studio recorded offerings, and I found those quite a bit more enjoyable.
Turns out proto punk is not for me. 2.
Had to do research to understand why this was included, which doesn’t feel like a great sign to me. Maybe just having a hard time appreciating the historical significance.
pass
Nice to listen to rock and roll in such a funny and energic way. 9/10
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.
live album shite again
I really wanted to get into this. I love the song “Kick Out The Jams.” But, the rest of the album paled in comparison to that one song. Maybe if I listen to it again REALLY LOUD, I’ll get it, but as it stands, I likely won’t return to this one. 4/10
Live albums suck
Not for me.
• 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
It's a bit too hard and chaotic for my tastes.
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
Negative
Listened Before? N Kick ass album. Raw energy and attitude. Drugs and alcohol, sex and revolution! Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Kick Out the Jams
Interesting proto-punk with a blues heart. Small amounts of psychedelia poke through as well, especially on Starship.
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.
I love how divisive this album is. It’s either brilliant or awful. I definitely am in the former camp: I love the raw energy of this proto punk live show. I celebrate the jagged vocals and the clangy crashing sloppy fast instrumentals. That said, the spoken word bits of Starship are completely unnecessary. Nearly perfect apart from that.
Not my vibe.
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 energy on this album is insane and thinking about it coming out in 1969 kinda blows my mind. Way ahead of its time. It's not for everyone but I love it. The title track is fire. Favorite: Kick Out the Jams Would I listen to it again: Yes
I didn’t really enjoy this album. Just a bit too messy and noisy for me. lol
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.
Garage Rock is the best genre of music that involves an electric guitar and it’s not even close.
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.
Rough
Good rock album, certainly an important band for the history of rock/punk. Doesn't sound like 1969.
2.65
A lot of this just seems like noise for the sake of noise. Unnecessarily drawn out noise at that. I appreciate this is a bridge to somewhere in terms of influence, but I was not into this.
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
I would have loved to have been in this band. That last track was definitely not what I was expecting, but I was totally on board the starship!
High energy but sloppy. Not quite a groundbreaking as you might think. Reminds me of Blue Cheer on speed. Definitely heading into the hard rock post-psychedelic era, though.
rocccccccccccccccccccccccc
On fire.
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.
++: Ramblin' Rose, Kick Out the Jams, Come Together, Borderline, Motor City Is Burning, Starship +: Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa) +-: I Want You Right Now 8,5/10
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
Yeah yeah yeah, you don’t like how sloppy this album is. Whatever, I loved it.
Álbum fantástico! QoA Vesper
I can't stand this.
Very energetic, and quite fun to listen to.
It’s okay but I still am a firm believer that it’s really hard to get into live music if you don’t enjoy the bands regular music
Good but messy
Kudos to having your first album be a live one, that’s ballsy. This one was extremely noisy and full of spunk and I can understand why people love it and it set a foundation for others after. Ultimately not my style.
These talentless knuckleheads owe my ears an apology.
point2.
Sikkert kult når det kom, men holder ikke helt for meg idag
No es para mí.
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.
Man, what a fucking album. The decision to have the first MC5 release be a live album was a stroke of genius. They birthed an entire genre of punk music from these tracks, with an energy to rival a lot of modern day songs that the band influenced. Just one of the all time great American bands.
It’s hard to believe this album was made in 1969! It’s at least a decade, if not two, ahead if its time. You can hear punk and grunge in here, along with some classic rock guitar shredding. Pretty impressive. although not typically my taste in music, I have to respect these guys. My enjoyment level is three stars but it gets a bonus star for being creative, energetic and prescient.
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.
Energy is off the charts here. Love this.
I’m sure it’s great in the perfect setting but.. I’m tired man, I don’t want this.
Nice album! 3/5
you have to like the style
I bet all you “they can’t sing oh this is just noise” cats really like Radiohead. Five stars, volcanic soul, though Sonic’s Rendezvous Band took this lightning and sculpted it.
"Kick Out The Jams" and "Motor City Is Burning" are essentials; I'm glad this happened but I'm not gonna listen to it again. Generous 4
Meh
High octane rock from a bunch of fellas that can barely play their instruments or sing worth a shit....loved it.
An album from a band that some say kicked off a musical movement. Ok.
Liked this a lot, properly raucous and didn’t at all sound like it came out in 1969
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.
Meh
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
Feels like an album I could’ve died without listening to
Dated and no very exciting
Listening to this felt like I was missing out on part of the experience. Seems like the kind of thing you had to be there 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.
Nah. Didn't love this. Sure, it IS edgy, sure it is punk, rock-n-roll, angry, loud, spirited, all that good stuff... but it is all that all at once all the time, and that is a problem! There wasn't anything in particular to latch on to, to give it a style of its own. It isn't really punk per se, or even 70's style thrasher rock, more of ... both (ish)? It could be a trend or a thing with me personally, but I don't like when my alarms go off thinking a band is "being too loud" on purpose. Be loud! Be rude, even obnoxious, but make it natural, own it. Own something! This, for me, was just too much of a mishmash and I almost... but not quite found my way into it.
Why so many live albums on this list? I'm just not a fan, regardless of the artist. Anyways, MC5. They're fine, I guess. High energy proto punk garage rock. There's nothing terribly special about this record. They were "extremely influential" and outspoken for their time, presenting some radical leftist views. I believe they were even spied on by the FBI for "corrupting the youth of America"...whatever that means. Despite all that, they can't really play worth a damn. Like many other albums I've encountered on this list: I'm sure this was a great show to be at in 1969. But listening in 2025...it's just not doing much for me. 2/5
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.
KICK OUT THE JAMS MOTHAFUCKAAAAAAA!!!!
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
awesome album. Never listened to this album, but the greatest hits had a lot of them on there. So damn good. Powerful. Noisy. Sloppy. Angry. Damn the man!
I love the raw energy and revolutuonary themes, but the music is a bit noisy.
2/5
Pretty cool early punk. 3.5/5 would listen again
Live albums are already on thin ice with me unless they are well done. This is surely iconic but I don't care for the punk yelling and stuff. The bluesy stuff was a little better. Salute to these boys for paving the way
Meh.
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
Not for me. I find it strange that this album is on the list. It's ok, but I wouldn't really listen again. Maybe you had to be there.
Proper high energy opening The singers falsetto is just terrible. Simple effective riffs coupled with a harsh toned lead bring the excitement With it being a live album the mix is pretty terrible, especially in the low end, like where is it? Like the singers gravel voice, couples well with the energy, very clash like although less rhythmic and not quiet as relentless with some nicer guitar parts Muddy AF and quiet difficult to enjoy. I think if this was recorded in a studio it could have been really enjoyable because there is some really nice guitar and the drumming was high energy, I just really struggled to hear the bass and the drums at times because they were either lost or became too overpowering the album art is wicked The emotion is palpable in the performance and you can feel the singers intensity throughout. Lead guitar carry's the band All in all I'd give it a high 2
Helt ok
Some hint of a melody, but pretty vaguely shouting. Not as bad as it could be.
Livealbum
Live albums are cheating. Unless there is something special, amazing or unique about them, live albums have no place on a list like this. That being said, this one is no exception. You can tell the band rocked live, but the mixing and production could be way better. Also, I don't like the songs at all. More than one star, but barely.
2.5/5
4.0/5.0: Great
this one is interesting. its very poorly produced, even by live album standards, and the audio balancing is all over the place. that said i did really enjoy the songs and the fact that its live helps bring the energy needed for songs like this.
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.
Pretty heavy for 1969, alot of bands covered it
What did I just listen to?
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
4 star. Some songs were hit or miss. Liked the general vibe though!
Pretty solid album, just not refined enough yet to be as solid as the later stuff in the punk rock era
I think the intro set my expectations too high the actual music was a slight letdown. Love the chaos of the performance though
Fantastic
2+. Stars (6/15)
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. 😬
Disappointing. I love the concept of the MC5, and Kick Out The Jams is a classic, but ither than the freak-out of Starship, nothing else really works. It's rough and loose and full of aggression, but compared to something like The Stooges, it just doesn't grab my interest. One of those which was almost certainly revolutionary at the time but just doesn't hold up. 2* because KOTJ is still a banger.
Heavy and messy. Vocals are not the best.
The audio has such high clarity for a live album. It feels like it was very ahead of its time too with lots of elements you didn't typically hear in 1969. It's like they heard Helter Skelter and made an entire album out of it and I'm all for it. Much better than I expected having never heard of MC5 before.
i want you right now creeped me out, but otherwise it's a solid three stars
Why does this need to be a live album?
Only knew Kick out the jams and that was through covers, so had high hopes for this album. Turns out that those hopes were misplaced. Far more straight down the middle rock than i expected and just fails to provide anything interesting
I think this made it onto the list by accident.
I think I expected to like this more than I actually did. It was certainly different to what I was expecting, far more bluesy in places. I just didn't like the vocals much and that's a big sticking point. I ended up listening to it more than once, because I didn't know how I felt about it. As I was willing to do that, I guess this gets: 2/5
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.
live albums should not be on this list!!!!
Not really a fan of live albums and this one is no exception.
Not bad. Couple good tracks.
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
Not a terrible listen, but one of those where nothing really stands out to me.
Definitely a fascinating album, and ahead of its time, but much like a lot of things that are ahead of its time, it's a very unrefined mess. Every so often, there would be a glimmer of something awesome shining through, but it never really transcended past the sound of a live rock album performed by a group of pretty okay musicians.
Regardless of influence, I enjoyed this one! Raucous, sloppy, and brimming with energy - exactly what a hard rock live record should be.
Obviously influential for reasons, and I get the appeal if you’re seeing it live; seems like it’d be one hell of a party. Outside of that, it was kind of incredibly annoying to listen to. The singer was dreadful.
Ehhhhh *muffled guitar noises (Live)*
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.
Genuinely a spiritual experience of an album. Holy hell what an absolute destroyer. Motherfuckin’ righteous rust belt rage.
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.
Nicht wirklich meins, konnte nichts damit anfangen.
Meh
very much needed to hear an album like this one. sounded insane for a live album recorded in the late 60's. i know the people there were popping the fuck off. i must find footage. guitar outro on rocket reducer was crazy. will be relistening.
Live albums are the sound of my patience dying. MC5, I couldn’t hear anything over the chaos.
One of the greatest live albums of all time; pure energy. 10/10 Best Tracks: "Ramblin' Rose" "Kick Out the Jams" "Come Together" "Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa)" "Borderline" "Motor City Is Burning" "I Want You Right Now"
This goes harder than I've been renting recently, but I just know that I'd enjoy rocking out to this at a festival or concert!
Kick Out the Classic Rock right back into your heart where it always once was.
Standard 60's rock.
It starts with someone testifying like he’s Cyrus in The Warriors telling the gangs to join forces and overthrow the police, getting you all pumped up for... some sloppy garage rock. I couldn't dig it.
Erg matig. Live optreden in 68. Ze hebben wel come together geschreven voor the Beatles.
Who Let Mickey Mouse into their band in the first song... Past that there were multiple moments where the band felt like a punk version of 'acdc at home' It really wasn't for me, even though musically it's probably not terrible
Really didn’t need to hear this, forgettable
faltam palavras pra descrever um disco tão perfeito. MC5 e Stooges são o melhor do garageiro proto-punk alto e barulhento
Love their energy and the way they impacted punk in America. But you have to be in the right space to listen to this album. High energy for sure.
I think you had to be there
An interesting listen - what Jack Black would like to have been
History, fine I guess.
Aptly named album Has barroom brawl energy As guitars battle
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.
IMO. The first song was awful. Rest was ok. Won’t listen again
Classic Kick Ass!
Not really my cup of tea I guess. Not bad just not something I would return to.
4.5
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.
I think I understand that this is a seminal album for the hippie punk revolution, but it's... well, it's kind of embarrassing to listen to. Like I was listening to it, but I was afraid someone would walk in on me, and I would have to quickly switch to a porn tab so nobody would know what I had been doing.
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.
What a hilarious vibe change from the opening hype man to the vocals on the first track. Ridiculous. It’s a live album so it’s automatically a 2 until proven otherwise. Overall this album didn’t do much for me but it was blessedly short and some of the guitar playing was pretty rocking. Also the guy saying “Thank you” the exact same way at the end of every song was pretty funny
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
If I could give decimals this would be a 3.9
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.
This is one of those classic foundational albums that just never resonated with me. It's hard music which I have no problem with, but to me it lacks soul and the energy does not come from the rhythm but more from the noise. Not much in the way of rhythmic drive or melody. So I never really got it. 2.5 stars
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.