Kick Out The Jams (Live)

Fun

noisy 2/5

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.

Much more energy than talent 2.4

Thoughts before listening: Kick out the jams motherfucker! Review: So I get that its important in the history of rock music and youth culture that in 1969 the MC5 were out there playing loud dirty rock n roll and dropping f-bombs on record, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. This isn't great. The recording is very muffled sounding and while the band has a ton of energy, their songs aren't necessarily all that great. Maybe its a you had to be there type of a situation? Anyway, I added the title track to my playlist and while the music/recording is probably a 2 to me, I'll give this 3-stars because of its importance.

Kick Out the Jams I had this on CD, I think I bought it at one of those CD fairs in Dunelm House. One of those hipster albums that people love because of its proto punk energy and late 60s righteous hippy politicism. There’s no doubt it captures that raw punkish energy and excitement and the earnestness of their sloganeering, and there is a palpable thrill to it, however when it comes down to it the songs aren’t particularly great and the playing is what you might generously call ‘loose’. The relatively poor sound quality also works both for it and against it: you get the sense of excitement and chaos but its muddiness and in the red distortion can make it a hard listen. There is some great riffing in parts and when it roughly all comes together it is good, like on Kick Out the Jams and Come Together. But the rest of it is a bit of a slog musically, only kept alive by the energy, but, really, that can only take you so far. It's cool as a document of the times and of the excitement rock music can generate and as a forerunner of punk, but aside from the title track, which is great, and Come Together it doesn’t ultimately have a great deal of re-listenability. 4 for rawness, energy and excitement 4 for musical historical context 3 for sound quality 2 for quality of playing 2 for song quality Average that out and you get 3, which seems about right 🦵🦵🦵 Playlist submission: Kick out the Jams

Maybe it would've been cool to have seen this live, but lowkey this is ass if you're not stoned,drunk, or dying.

The thing with all these garage bands is they all have one, maybe two, cracking tracks. I don't think a single one of them has an album's worth of material that stands up. They're all fun though. And MC5 are obviously wild and Kick out the jams motherfuckers is an all timer. The motherfuckers appears to have been airbrushed off Spotify. The rest is kind of a historical artifact, the lyrics, and well, the rage, is definitely a window on the times. But I don't necessarily want to listen to it. I'm listening to this on a day where the far right knuckle draggers have been causing chaos rioting and looting around the North (oh and throwing bricks at eachother's testicles) after the Southport child murders. So it feels apt. That similar energy is in the air, for entirely stupid reasons, but it's there.

Were they a proto punk pioneer? Yes. Does that mean their album belongs on this list? No. With the exception of "Kick Out the Jams" there is nothing else of value on this album, except for the forward thinking intro of the psychedelic "Starship" at the end of the album. It should be noted that pretty much every cover of "Kick Out the Jams" by anyone else is performed and recorded better than the original. My favorite was a collaboration between Henry Rollins and Bad Brains from the PUMP UP THE VOLUME film soundtrack. By the way, that entire record is amazing. This on the other hand is a terrible recording of live performances carried out over two days in 1968.

You know that Muppet band that just (poorly) wails on their instruments at any given moment? Yeah, this is what they were modeled after. I’ve mentioned I was impressed by live recordings sounding so so good. This one does not meet that bar. It’s like a Garage band that got a live gig.

Some nice guitar riffs.

fnord

I wanted to like this more.

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.

Pretty groovy, pretty rocking. Hard to really get into as I've never heard them before and a live album makes it tricky.

I like the vibe and the message of the album but most of the songs sounded the same to me.

Gesangs- und Gitarrenlärm

Did not enjoy.

Inicios del punk. Ni fu ni fa.

Rock, sin más. No me llama el disco.

I get this is influential to the punk movement, but this just ain't it...like none of the songs are actually good

Raw, chaotic aggression but I didn't get it. Props for being the forerunners of punk though, big TIL.

I get why, as one of the firsts, they were so essential during the establishment of the punk sound. Unfortunately still not really for me.

I can appreciate and respect the skill required to sing/scream like this, but I just do not enjoy this music.

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.

Yes, this was hugely influential. No, I didn't like it.

finally, true early punk that's not like doo-wop rock with extra screaming. now this is a good example of a band that does it right, loud, nasty, and earth-shaking performances that get both you and the recorded audience all hyped up. this was the era where music experienced quite the big shift in creativity and i'm pleased to report that this is one of the good examples of that. there's the wannabe "punks" with the pompadours and jackets and the REAL punks with the crazy hair and CRAZIER vibes. sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll.

Really?

Ok Album.

Oh, what a great set. Rough and raw as anything, but full of energy and feeling. It's like pre-punk post-punk. No way it sounds like it's from the 60s.

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.

Loud, aggressive punky music. I'm not sure why it's on this list, but I do love it.

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.

Gear: Fostex TH610 Artwork: 👨‍🚒 Mix: 🧏 Musik: 🤷‍♂️ Wertung: 👨‍🎤(👨‍🎤)/5

Listened to 5 of the 25 songs and decided I had heard enough. 3/10

Could only stomach listening to about the first third of each of these songs. I’m assuming I didn’t miss anything good.

The legendary band and album that is credited for influencing so many bands for decades following. It’s easy to hear how bands like At The Drive In/Mars Volta and Fugazi have MC5 in their musical DNA. There’s so much raw energy in this performance and it’s always been amazing to me that something this wild was captured in 1968. Starship is a favorite for me.

I liked Rocket Reducer No. 62 - Talk. Kind of had a Hendrix vibe. Overall, I didn't really like this album. It was OK. I did, however, let the Spotify radio keep playing after, and some Captain Beyond came on. That was a highlight. Also, another MC5 song, The American Ruse, played. Man, that songs was right up my ally. This live album gets a 2 from me.

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.

Energy, Energy, Energy......holy smokes. How did this guy sing like that for an entire show? How did he not lose his voice with all the bellowing. The singer and band itself seemed to be somewhere between an 8 and a 10 energy rating for most of the album. I've been hearing about MC5 for years and never sat down to listen to an album. I found it refreshing, raw and energetic. Kick Out the Jams was a standout for me. It just jams. Listening through it the band had an interesting feel of hippy yet go fuck yourself vibes. I really liked the guitar parts and the drumming was strangely frantic yet controlled at the same time.

Ammen dét her er tæske fedt! Den skal spilles næste gang der er bal, med alle dem som kan lidt spar 2!

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

Underneath all the screaming there were some good riffs but no. 1.5.

Good enough for a 3.5, not quite enough to get a 4, but pretty good.

Awesome rock album, a real find

Interessanter Einblick in frühen 60er Punk/Hard Rock. Verstehe, warum es gefallen kann, ist auf jeden Fall high energy, aber ich fands auch irgendwie scheise... aber irgendwie auch geil

So, I'm guessing these guys inspired KISS, but without the makeup? I've never heard of them before, but I like them! This sounds way ahead of its time. MC5 totally rocks. Liked songs added: - Kick Out The Jams - Rocket Reducer No. 62 - Talk - Motor City Is Burning - I Want You Right Now

4/5

How many people with the t-shirt, or the poster, ever listened to this. Not bad for what it is, but it's a mess and a long way from the Stooges or the Experience offered in terms of melting their instruments onstage fuck hipsters - the Zombies should be better known than the MC5

Respect the energy but the songs are quite shite

eher laut und langweilig

Sounds like a more aggresive Led Zepellin. But still, not really my taste

Still sounds so heavy and gnarly

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.

Another album and band that I have seen everywhere but never listened to. I liked this much more than most of the other early influential punk records. I'll definitely try and listen to more of their stuff.

If this was a studio album, I would take off some points for the kind of loose structure. But a live recording is actually probably a better way to show the pure Garage/Psy Rock energy.

The punk rock I've learned to respect was either political (The Clash) or tongue in cheek (Sex Pistols, Dead Kennedys). This band is neither, they do love to compose songs about sex or the lack of.

I'm surprised at how loud, noisy and obnoxious this music was, I didn't expect this from such an early recording. Not to my liking at all.

high 3/5, the energy is felt and enjoyed but it can lose me sometimes

High energy and fun, but overall smart and annoying.

Sensational energy

High energy live recording of proto-punk. Amazing that this was in the 1960s. Rating: 2.5/5 Playlist track: Kick Out the Jams Date listened: 05/06/24

No le tenía fe, pero me sorprendió. Motor City is Burning me gustó más que la que lleva el título del disco.

Glad to hear that punk had cemented its iconic repetitive and annoying nature early on in its lifespan by giving a live album full of the same song six times in a row, only to end with frankly disturbing mouth noises and a rock space odyssey somehow just as meandering and dull as the rest of the album. Sure, you could argue that the raw energy is what fuels this record's angst and influence, but by '69 I could've certainly found that within another album, live or otherwise. The instrumentation is sloppy, the vocals are poor, and the message is ham-fisted. Must be a punk record! A bad one, at that.

We've all already had some MC5 right? They are nice enough but I'm not sure they warrant a live album inclusion. They sounded like a pretty exciting live band from this but they weren't completely tight, the vocals were fairly ropey. The songs are fun but a bit samey, but you could definitely say the same about a lot of stuff. Probably very offensive to the fans but I prefer the rage against the machine version of kick out the jams. Overall I think MC5 are probably very influential in picking up the pace of classic rock which would eventually lead to punk and harder rock music, so cheers for that, but this album isn't a game changer. 3.5

Can't say I didn't like it, but I remember absolutely nothing from the album. Pretty much just fine.

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

Loved this one front to back!

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

This is not an album that I often listen too, as it is so exhaustive (and I prefer Back in the USA a bit more) but nevertheless it has great energy and Kick Out the Jams and the other songs are fine (apart from the opener).

Good live energy, not great song material.

Albums are literally never better for being recorded live. This is, quite frankly, terrible. They are not proficient instrumentalists. The vocals are terrible. The sound quality is dismal and I absolutely don't need to hear the band interaction with the audience, nor the audience. That said - it takes a lot to disguise the catchiness of the tracks, despite the best effort of the performers. They do appear to be having fun. I'm not.

Kick Out the Jams

Don’t like live albums

Brabo demais

not horrendous, but a bit too samey for my liking. that last track was awful

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.

Damn, these guys were ahead of their time, attitude-wise. 1969!? Fave tracks - "Kick Out the Jams" is the big one, obvs, also dug "Motor City is Burning" and the slightly proggy weirdness of "Starship".

Hail to the Motor City! Awesome energy.

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 almost messy perfection....except. The Spotify version of this album does *not* include the iconic "KICK OUT THE JAMS, MOTHERFUCKERS!" Listen on any other platform. Otherwise, it's one of the most awesome basement concerts I could ever imagine. Could I have done with two minutes less of "Starship"? Sure. But I wasn't drunk and high enough when I listened to it. There are rare moments I wish I could have been in the audience, just all fucked up and unworried. This is one of them. Motherfuckers.

Proto-punk, worth a listen for historical value, but not amazing music, in my opinion. Sounds like 60s rock, but much fuzzier. No one track stood out.

Kick out the Jams is a great riff, but they just don't seem as good as the Stooges

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?

- this is one of the few bands from this time period that I think really have an edge - this is really solid punk, love the noisy guitars and the vocals

Favorite Track: Kick Out The Jams

My uncle had me listen to this when I was 14-15 because I was getting into punk. This and the Stooges. I loved it and still do. Such energy!

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.

It's got plenty of energy, but this one’s not for me.

Proto Punk, nix für mich

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Rocket reducer no. 62

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.

wow das isch mal e ahsag und sie töned au so wied ahsag, dreckig, schnell und schreiend kick out the jams gaht ja mal absolut ab bin am poste gsinund han nüt ufgschribe aber han e gueti ziit gha, ich lieb sini schrei ahh droge

Уважаю, но оценить по достоинству наверное все-таки не могу. Наверное, если оценивать культурную значимость, это тот самый альбом на 10/10. Но сами песни оставляют желать лучшего, вот. Лучшая песня - Kick Out the Jams.

Not enough there for me at this exact point in my life.

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!

old, non-descript punk

Again, so heavy for the 60's?? Loving it. Absolutely brilliant

Very dirty 60s rock, I like the sound. Makes me want to protest Vietnam. I know Kick Out the Jams. Great song. Come Together starts like a Who song. Punk before Punk existed. And then the album finishes off with a psychedelic song.

What amazing energy! I would love to have been there.

I'll never forget when I stumbled over a YouTube recording of MC5 playing on a 1972 German television broadcast of Beat Club. Rob Tyner's larger-than-life stage presence and afro bobbing around as he glistened and fist-pumped his way through "Kick Out The Jams" instantly made me lose my cool. From the drop they don't miss; the band opens with four titanic blasts of guitar, bass and drums, and throughout the whole set are clearly in tight command of their groove. I wish this record were as well-mixed as that broadcast was! MC5 is clearly an essential document of its time and forerunner to punk - have to give it five stars, but it bums me out to know even Wayne Kramer described this recording as not their best night.

Garage band jams ...

criminally underrated pioneers of punk чё панк да? Ну и иди лесом другалёк. Рубка на гитаре, крик в микрофон. Конечно, впечатляет, что это лайв запись, это круто, спору нет. Но этого недостаточно чтобы я уважал эти треки без мелодики

Ef við undanskiljum boðskap og sögulegt mikilvægi, þá er þetta basic hávaðarokk með mikilli orku. Gæti alveg verið verra til áheyrnar, en ekki er þetta skemmtilegt. - Ég held ég taki ekki mið af boðskap eða sögulegu mikilvægi í þesssum dómi.

Not my jams

1969 Hard rock / punk. No thanks.

Didn’t realize how old this album was. Not a huge fan though.

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 that fun to listen to. And it’s live.

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

4/10 - Wham bam, thank you ma'am has returned. It was so screamy part of the time and that was quite unenjoyable. It was overall alright but not good. In starship the counting was kinda sick ngl

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

One great song surrounded by terrible ones, though Starship at the end was at least interesting

A bit too heavy for my taste. As I am not interested really in the music I dived deeper into the lyrics for a better understanding and higher appreciation. For the most part they ware spare and simple. With the exception of ‘Motor City Is Burning’ where they got more specific and stated their political agenda and ‘Starship’ which lyrics are really creative and imaginative. Overall I feel like the music is heavily carried by its attitude.

One of the first punk rock record. You can’t live it enough!

Melkoinen blues-punk-rock setti. En varsinaisesti pitänyt, mutta ei tätä vituttanutkaan kuunnella joka oikeuttaa kolmeen tähteen tämän päivän arvostelulla.

Soitto ok, laulu huutoa lähinnä. Kerran kuunteli, mut ei jatkoon

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

Made me want to dust off my docs. Really vibrant

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.

I've listened to this one before and yeah, I just don't care for it. It's not interesting now. Maybe it was in 1969, I dunno. 2/5

A little too jammy to be true punk, but has the energy and aggression to be a perfect proto-punk album. Sounds as fresh as ever. A-

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.

SO good. Can you imagine having been at that show?

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

This album sucked

I can imagine myself witnessing this concert and there's no way I could maintain my composure. What a great listen for a live album. It's live though and I can not be bothered.

No és per mi. Se m'ha fet repetitiu i bastant avorrit. Expected Lorenzo rating: 1 perquè lIvE

4.0

Most familiar with the Presidents of the United States cover of Kick Out the Jams. Always a fan of the short fast loud.

Pretty standard, to be honest. Definitely energetic, but nothing special. Got exhausted by song 3.

"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.

Too loud. Too much yelling. Too much punk and not enough proto.

LP

Pretty balsy to record your debut live. My score sheet says one of my lowest rated album genres is punk so I’m going to save myself the time on this one.

Uh oh, looks like the live album curse isn't lifted just yet. As far as live albums go, this one wasn't too bad. I don't know the band or songs at all, but they've got a great rock energy, I bet this was a killer show. That said, not much stood out to me, and live albums in general are kinda dumb. Decent "album," but loses half a star for being live, and ultimately it's occupying a space for an actual album that would deserve it more. Favorite tracks: Ramblin' Rose, I Want You Right Now. Album art: Lot going on here, it's a pretty cool collage and overlay of some band and live performance shots. At first glance this one reminds me of CCR. But it's pretty good, especially for a live one. 2.5/5

It was probably very influential at the time, but it isn’t very good to listen to.

For its time, this sound is pretty cutting edge. You can hear the bones of punk.

Totally the precursor to the punk rock movement! Turn it up!

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

Hendrix, wish edition

"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.

From wikipedia: “critic Lester Bangs, writing his inaugural review for Rolling Stone, called Kick Out the Jams a "ridiculous, overbearing, pretentious album". And I say, yeah, so what? I’ll add that it is sloppy, and the recording is a bit muddy. But it is also raw and primal, and frankly wonderful. Call it proto-punk, call it garage rock, call it whatever you want. But you can’t say it doesn’t rock. 4/5

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

I just hate live albums. They are heard to hear and plain not as good. I liked some of the songs but the rest were hard to listen to.

Very proto

not bad musically i just don’t like this type of music. obviously cool that they were playing this shit in 1968 though

Not a punk rock guy

I don’t like it too noisy and no rhyme or sense. 2 star

OK album, but too similar songs

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.

This was great fun. Must have been incredible to be there.

I expected to hate this based on the reviews but after listening, this is what rock n roll should be. Intense energy, in your face lyrics, and just absolutely melting faces while going nuts. 10/10. I can see the hype.

1. ramblin roze - 0 2. kick out the jamz - 1 3. come together - 1 4. rocket reducer - 1 5. borderline - 1 6. motor city - 0 7. uuant you - 1.5 8. ztar zhip - 1

Maybe you had to be there

Really not my thing but I dont really like punk that much.

So over-the-top, I assumed this was some sort of Spinal Tap or Jack Black-type satire on rock bands. The music is raucous and loud, which is usually a good thing, but in this case, not so much as the songs aren't very good. They just sound like an over enthusiastic garage band. "Alright!" "Get down!" "Let's rock!"

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.

Unremarkable

Muxo rock

Raw, loud, abrasive rock and roll. Loved it.

J'avais pas mis très fort donc j'ai pas vrmt ecouté

Too punky and harsh for my taste, there were moments that interested me but mostly it sounded like noises I didn't like.

You know what this started and I thought it was generic blues and thought I wouldn't be too bothered, but man this slapped. There were such strong riffs and it his the part of my brain is that also likes Led Zeppelin. Glad I discovered this

This was great. Had no idea what to expect from the name and the intro but it was really good. I'll definitely listen again.

2.2 - I could not hear a word they sang and feel like the sound was just shit. Vocals i didnt like and just felt like a wall of noise. Maybe there is a great band there but not sure

Another live album that did nothing for me. I was expecting more from this one. 2.2/5

While the album started and closed out really strong, the weird fading in and out of tracks kind of put me off. Solid performance, and it would be amazing to be in the crowd. 4/5. Favorite Track: Ramblin' Rose

I stopped listening. It was just noise. I couldn't get into it.

It wasn’t music I would normally listen so I didn’t finish the album after the 4th song.

Wenn da nicht 1969 stehen würde, hätte ich eher auf Punk Mitte 70er getippt. Musste mich erstmal schlau lesen. Ok, Detroit und Sex, Drugs, Rockn'Roll. Ist bestimmt für viele Leute ("68er") ein wegweisendes Album gewesen. Wer dieser Nostalgie nicht folgen kann (so wie ich) ist raus. Das zeigt aber ein grundsätzliches Problem auf. Wer mit einer Musik ausfgewachsen ist, wen eine Musik als Jugendlicher geprägt hat, der wird so ein Album vermutlich besser bewerten als jmd. dem diese Sozialisation fehlt. Ok, ist ein Thema für eine Masterarbeit oder nur eine Binse, keine Ahnung.

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.

Gróft og hrátt. Fjandi gott. Fjórar stjörnur á kjötmörðinn.

Okay, how didn't I know about this band? I've spent most of my life living <60min from Detroit and somehow completely missed knowing anything about MC5. However, I'm not into hard rock and live albums even less so. I was just waiting for this to finish.

Jesus Christmas this blew. Singers who can’t sing. Musicians who can’t play. Engineers & producers who can’t engineer & produce. And the worst example of a 60’s band that “thinks it has something to say “.

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.

Kick out the Jams is a classic but i like RATM's version better. Their sound is solid and can definitely hear their influence around the punk/garage scene.

Don't like the album, but do like the song Kick out the jams (Dad Band will play instead of Gardener of Eden)

I think I found the angry hippies.

Liked the energy and attitude. But the messy live version of (mostly) songs I've never heard was a challenge. I'm curious what studio recordings might sound like. The next 5 songs Spotify auto played afterwards were awesome.

Not great

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

This is sloppy as hell, but I can dig it. This has a lot of energy, the execution is kinda amateur sounding at times, but hey. This has its place imo, it's fun and raucous, sometimes that is what I need.

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.

Meh

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?

I did not enjoy this at all - didn’t make it past the third song.

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

Great album from a band that should have been bigger. One of the four great live rock albums of the time that helped shape the musical landscape for decades.

Was not particularly drawn in by this one, got quite bored listening to it halfway through.

Brilliant. My favourite so far. For the time this was punk af. Defo led the way for the mid 70's punk sound we all know. Good songs, good singing and good playing.

It had some rock sounding parts, but I don't think I enjoyed one song. Also, the sexual moaning, what the hell. One star. OK maybe 2

Sometimes OK but most of the time not. Only listenable when in a specific mood and so doubly hard to listen to in this context.

Undeniable energy wants to get up and turn the stereo louder itself

This is like a punk version of Jimi Hendrix. I’m sure it was quite revolutionary in 1969.

Nothing spectacular for me

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

Like it. Full on relentless punk energy. Enjoyed the album. Saved to my Spotify list.

It's a live album so it sucks by definition. Any of the shouting annoyed the hell out of me and attempts to sing weren't much better. Guitar riffs were doing at least something to push it towards two stars but that last abomination of a song killed such attempts.

What a fantastic album! I really loved the thrashy, heavy, punk sound from this band. I never heard of them until now and I will definitely keep this album in my records! So good! Favorite Song(s): "Kick Out the Jams", "Rocket Reducer", "Motor City Is Burning"

if this wasn’t a live album it would rated higher. could i write poetry to this? n

Double albums and live albums get docked a star almost automatically.

ok

Nice pretty rockin for the day

Interesting, lyrics are a little flat, but the style is interesting.

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

Prions le cycle

хороший лайв, но слушать тяжело исторически значимо, спасибо

дико, драйвово и приятно (за композицию в конце жесткий лайк)

пиздатый энергичный лайвик

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.

MC5 promised me revolution; MC5 failed to light my molotov.

I think I appreciate this more than I like it. Punk's grandpop. The energy is palpable, but that's about it in terms of likeability. I'm sure the kids loved it and it definitely inspired some of my favorite music, but it's just so primordial.

Belle énergie en live qu'on ressent bien, des tonnes de guitares saturées.

An okay album, I mostly listened to it as background music.

KICK OUT THE JAMS MOTHERFUCKER

Didn’t enjoy it.

This is just a powerhouse of an album, last song is a terrible waste of time.

A proto-punk classic from MC5, a raw, energetic performance that remains influential and important to punk and hard rock bands that followed. A good decision to release a live versions of the songs, because it may have been hard to translate the energy and spontaneity of the band in the studio. The album starts out with a bang, back to back to back great songs, but it loses some of it's energy and spark towards the end. Overall, you should hear this at least once.

Rama lama fa fa fa!

Erm, I wasn’t much impressed. Found it just kinda… noisy?

It's hard, heavy, and loud. It is good and something I would listen to again, but it's probably something where you would have to be in the specific mood to listen to it.

Not really my type of music

Ofcourse there were much better bands out there in this time. But none were as loud and energetic as MC5

Pretty fun, pretty out there for an album that came out shorty before the first black sabbath. Revolutionary politics :)

Good enough

I didn’t know them yet. Positive surprise 😌

2.5

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.

I don't get it. How can your debut album also be a live album. It's like the chicken and the egg. Did the music some first or the tour. In order to tour, you've gotta have music that people have listened to, which, you know, requires an album unless you were playing on the corner or in the subway. Anyway, live album.... but then again... this can't possibly be a compilation because they don't have any other albums in order to compile from. What a quandary I'm found myself in. Well, given that they compiled something out of nothing...

Though no question that the title track is raw, energetic and compelling. However, much of the rest of this is the overdone, overblown, fuzzy-sounding, hard hippie rock from this time period. Songs like starship are exhausting to listen to.

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

4.5

I admire the energy and attitude here more than I admire any of the songs. None of it sticks with me except for the fact that on a song from 1969 someone screams 'Kick out the jams, motherfuckers!' But I won't be reaching for this one again on purpose and I might turn it off if it came one depending on my mood.

This sounds great when played loud - and volume is a legitimate weapon in the arsenal of a musician. However, zoomed in, this suffers as a rather pedestrian, chugging, power-chord fest. There's a commendable energy and it sounds raw, but the MC5 are simply not a good bunch of musicians. Or rather, good enough to conjure up the kind of sonic maelstrom that is both loud and, crucially, interesting. They take themselves rather seriously too, right? I guess that was the spirit of the age. The White Panther Party, eh?

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

Love the passion on this thing. You can hear it in the tight-yet-uncontrolled playing on all the instruments. Firing on all cylinders. It's what I imagine every blues-rock dad would want their live concert to sound like. Call it a 3.5. Favorite tracks: "Kick Out the Jams", "Rocket Reducer No. 62"

too heavy

Hard to believe there is an album I didn’t listen to in 1969. Not my jam. If Black Sabbath, and jimi Hendricks Had a child.

I listened to 3-4 songs and just couldn’t do it longer

This is fine. Not a whole lot of interesting things going on. The first 2ish minutes of Starship was the best part, but I didn't like all the electronic stuff going on after that point.

Solid stuff. The precursor to punk. Lots of energy. Last song is meh but everything else smokes.

I liked Motor City is Burning, and a bit of the instrumentation, but that was about it. This really isn't my kind of music.

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.

Surprisingly good live album. I kind of lost interest about 2/3 of the way, but had a decent time listening to it.

Live albums are rarely good and this one is not an exception

I listen to lots of punk and punk-adjacent genres. Somehow had never heard of MC5. I thought this album was pretty cool, and ahead of its time for sure. Favourite track was starship, would listen to that one again.

I'd rather listen to King Crimson, or Three Dog Night, or Creedence Clearwater Revival especially. I guess I can hear the proto-punk here, but this one doesn't do it for me. The vocals on Ramblin' Rose were rough, and put me in a bad place for the next couple songs. Borderline was a pretty good listen.

Seems kind of genetic (except for that wild opening song's singing style). Feels like I might enjoy it more if I was actually there.