Review MC50 “10 More”

Sometimes, a band doesn’t need countless releases or decades in the rock scene to leave a footprint. MC5, a band consisting of five guys from Motor City, belongs to this group.

Founded in 1964, MC5 was at the forefront of Detroit rock music and influenced many bands to this day. Their raw and powerful debut album, “Kick Out the Jams,” was recorded live in Detroit in 1968 and released in 1969. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this milestone release, founding member Wayne Kramer gathered rock and metal greats to embark on a tour in 2018. Kim Thayil (Soundgarden), Brendan Canty (Fugazi), Billy Gould (Faith No More), Matt Cameron (ex-Pearl Jam), and Marcus Durant (Zen Guerrilla) joined Kramer for the “MC50 – Kick Out the Jams: The 50th Anniversary Tour,” which included a show at Fabrik in Hamburg.

The core of the setlist was the “Kick Out the Jams” album, and the “10 More” live album by MC50 will bring back memories of the show, as well as of MC5’s rebellious musical adventure.

A furious version of “Call Me Animal” opens the live release. The song, from the second album “Back in the USA,” is wild and untamed. It showcases the rebels’ heart and Detroit rock roots, resonating with each note.

MC5’s musical range is reflected in an intense version of “I Believe to My Soul,” a Ray Charles cover. This impressive moment on the album exemplifies the band’s musical influences.

The first song from “Kick Out of Jams,” “Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa-Fa-Fa),” roars out of the speakers in this blistering live interpretation. MC5 was also a political band, as evidenced by the speech before “Looking at You” — a statement for democracy and a call to vote.

The finale is a 12-minute version of “Starship,” the closing song from the band’s debut album. This jam-like version of an iconic song demonstrates the band’s unlimited creativity and the MC50 line-up’s ability to build on it with this stunning interpretation.

MC50 and “10 More” — an album that revives the roots of Detroit rock — highlights the importance of a band that shaped rock music and continues to influence bands to this day.