MC5:
Human Being Lawnmower: CD
Whether you love ‘em, hate ‘em, or remain inexplicably indifferent to their raucous recorded output, ya gotta appreciate the fact that the motherfuckin’ MC5 profoundly altered the sporadically changing face of rock’n’roll during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. These irreverent, long-haired Motor City madmen took the bare, basic core of Chuck Berry-style rock’n’roll riffage, dunked it into a huge, boiling cauldron of nuclear energy, politicized it, and then furiously flung it in every conceivable direction with euphoric anticipation of ruffling authoritarian America’s straight-laced, star-spangled feathers. This frenetically charged disc is a must-have collection of oddities, outtakes, rarities, and other assorted sonic craziness that spans the entire thread of MC5’s brief, but inspirationally riveting, career. It’s bluesy, belligerent, loud, intimidating, and downright insurgent; an aural revolution fought with articulate lyrics, electric guitars, and the ugly thundering spirit of rock’n’roll. I say the politically-correct do-gooder punk bands and sniveling, limp-wristed social activist sheep of today ain’t got nothin’ on the MC5. Yep, it’s high time to open your ears and receptively embrace some spirit-rousing sounds from the past, kiddies; you just might learn a thing or two about authentic, true-hearted political protest. I double-dog dare ya, punk! –Roger Moser Jr. (Total Energy)