MC5, how did I miss this?

[442w30]

I just picked up the MC5 album "Kick out the jams" and can't stop listening to these 8 tracks!

I knew they were influential and I am no spring chicken, but never actually listened to them before.

My impression of this band from this album is that they could not have kicked more ass!

Immediately I thought about:
SRV/Hendrix Guitar ripping
Zappa style freestyle oddities, but more melodic and coherent (zappa fans will hate me)
Freestyle vocals, jazz like freedom and feel
Punk-like high energy
Rap/R&B/HipHop flow, lyrics, and natural simple songs

One song had Gene Simmons like vocals
The vocal interaction and band play-offs reminded me of James Brown

It sounded like Hanoi Rocks (mystery cityish)
It sounded like early punk
It sounded jazzy
It sounded bluesy
I can't really believe this album is 38 years old!

It was everything people that refer to them said it would be.
How come this isn't in everyone's rotation, or have I just not known what I was hearing all these years?

If you had a punk band with hairband attitude, Hendrix or SRV on guitar, James Brown fronting and zappa directing/producing, you'd have this band IMO.

Now I am not saying the guitarist is an SRV/Hendrix, but it's in that "feel"/pentatonic veign.

Just thought I'd share for other people that have been living under a rock.

[GuerillaPete]

Yeah! Baby! Those guys are unsung lengends! They kicked more ass in such a short time then a lot of bands who been at it twice as long. They ruled. You should also check out Sonic's Rendevous Band, The Stooges and even The Hellacopters.

Glad someone out there is discovering stuff like this!

Pete

[skorb]

I've heard OF them but cannot recall any songs of theirs I've ever heard that I knew it was them.

[mab8485]

Right now, it's time to............... KICK OUT THE JAMS MOTHERFUCKERS!!!!!

Perhaps the best song introduction ever?

This thread inspired me to listen to this album on the way to work tonight.

[Newc]

Never heard them either. Heard OF them, but don't recall hearing anything they did.

I did like the version of Kick Out The Jams that the Presidents Of The United States Of America did. Then I heard the Blue Oyster Cult version which wasn't as good imo.

[straycat]

Check out a band called NRBQ they kick serious ass.They are from the same period as MC5.NRBQ was from Louisville KY IIRC