Pure Punk Picks
High School – The Mc5
I was never a big fan of The Mc5 (Motor City Five). But why we have to bring up my sexual prowess or lack there of at this time, is beyond my comprehension.
I was disappointed when I bought their first album, “Kick Out The Jams” in the early seventies. Much like, nearly all of the women I’ve known intimately have been in my life.
I think it’s totally uncalled of you to keep bringing this up!
Almost every other proto-punk band knocked my block off then, such as The Stooges, The Dolls, The Dictators and The Modern Lovers.
Though, I feel the politically aware stance that this band had, that then worked so well for the early English punk bands, seemed to subtract rather than add to the overall effect for them and actually, all sixties bands.
And it’s odd that I didn’t connect with this band because Detroit was the rock’n’roll hot spot in the sixties. Alice Cooper, The Stooges, Destroy All Monsters, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels were playing gritty, energetic rock’n’roll while the hippie bands on the West Coast we’re playing folk/rock that put you to sleep.
I recently discovered that famous publicist, Danny Fields, discovered and signed The Mc5, and they told him, “You might like our little brother band.” And that was Iggy & The Stooges that he ended up signing too.
(There’s a movie about Danny that’s pretty interesting. He also suggested that “Light My Fire” by The Doors be released as a single and was the first manager of The Ramones!)
I must mention though, that I recently came across some live shows of The Mc5 on You Tube and while the stoned hippies sit there passively unamazed, this band kicks ass incredibly so!
I did buy The Mc5’s second album that I absolutely loved called “Back In The USA.”
Maybe one or two political songs on the whole album but mostly- just short, face paced, aggressive rock’n’roll with catchy melodies and gutsy, precise playing and not only a Chuck Berry cover, the title song, but
one of Little Richard, as well.
Save for a sappy ballad you have ten great songs!
So it was hard for me not to pick “Tonite”, “Teenage Lust” or “Looking At You”. But I’m not sorry for picking the song that I did choose- “High School”.
This album probably should have been called “High School” as lyrically, it has a lot of teenage concerns, namely- sex, getting high or drunk and having fun!
With a deep groove and a “one hit to the beat” rhythm, backed by some cool, guitar chords- this song is met with the exhortation of “C’mon” and that’s when the excitement and energy really kicks in.
“The kids want a little action. The kids want a little fun. The kids all have to get their kicks, before the evening’s done…They only want to shake it up, baby. Dance to the rockin’ bands. They only want a little excitement. They only want to get a little out of hand. ‘Cause they’re going to High School.”
The guitar riffs move in and out so greatly, complementing the beat and vocals so perfectly that it reminds me of AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” not in similar sound but in such excellent execution.
There’s a short bass and drums break that is perfect, also and sounds like it would equally fit in a Jackson Five song!
“The kids know what the deal is, they’re getting farther out everyday. They’re gonna be taking over soon. You better get out of the way.”
Okay, I guess it gets a little political there. But then again, these lyrics are more relevant today. As I feel the difference between the over forty and under forty age-groups is much more significant now. And they will be taking over someday.
Only a couple of The Five are still alive and the band has now disbanded. (I just became aware that “Handsome” Dick Manitoba of The Dictators was their singer 2005-2012!)
But looking back now, I think they are definitely worthy of their status and noted influence.
I’ve never seen this mentioned or acknowledged, but I’ve always heard a lot of their sound in early Kiss and possibly in The Replacements.
Plus Detroit is, unfortunately, overlooked as a great music city where it seems the media would rather focus on New York or L.A.
But besides Detroit producing, in my opinion, the best pop music of the sixties (that would be Motown). I would pick Detroit as having the best rock bands during that time. And certainly, the best proto-punk bands, too.
So is The Mc5 worthy of being included in Pure Punk Picks?
Well, when asked about jam bands do you know what they replied?
“Kick out the jams, motherfuckers. I have to kick them out!”
Then I have to put you in.
(Slimedog)
