The Ramones? The Pistols? Nah, it's the MC5 that started punk rock. The Motor City was incredibly influential to the musical landscape in the last century, arguably birthing both punk rock and techno music. The MC5 were back-to-basics in terms of instrumentation but aggressively anti-establishment in lyrics and attitude, their loud and energetic style kickstarting the nascent punk rock scene. This album was recorded live at the Grande Ballroom and includes essential cuts "Ramblin' Rose," "Rocket Reducer No. 62" and the original uncensored version of "Kick Out The Jams". This LP is pressed on limited edition red, white and blue splatter colored vinyl as part of the Start Your Ear Off Right reissue series.  

• Detroit proto-punk band's debut album recorded live at the Grande Ballroom
  
• 180g black vinyl pressing
• cut from the original master tapes
  
• housed in gatefold sleeve
• original release year: 1969
  
• music label: Elektra 2013

reviewed by LOSING MY EDGE 09/2019