Back In The USA - MC5**

Tutti-Frutti/Tonight/Teenage Lust/Let Me Try/Looking At You/High School/Call Me Animal/The American Ruse/ Shakin' Street/The Human Being Lawnmower/Back In The USA

After moving to the Atlantic label, with a new producer, MC5 toned down their raw sound a little for their second album Back In The USA. Their proto-punk sound was very much a minority taste in the progressive era. (US:137)

“Another classic rock 'n' roll album from the MC5. The tinny production makes it closer to power pop than proto-punk, but it still rocks with a vengeance.”

“After the ferocious cacophony of Kick Out The Jams, it seemed as though MC5 decided to take it a little slower, introducing more of a blues and rockabilly influence. It's still pretty grimy garage rock in places, but there's a definite tone down. In some ways this is a good thing, as it's a little less of a mess than the debut.”

“This one is a mix of punk and commercially oriented R & B pop. It can be argued that placing this band in a studio environment totally sucked the energy, if not the life, out of their performance. Of course, that's a matter of personal opinion, but I feel they still manage to present something for their fans to enjoy.”

“An attractive set of hard edged rock ‘n' roll songs, mixing covers with originals. Not as innovative or exciting as their debut, but a fine tribute to garage punk, and evidence that they were more than just semi-political incendiaries.”

“In an attempt to get back to their roots, the band are too light on the guitar growl and the attempt at playing it straight translates into the MC5 playing it flat.”

“Quickly signed to Atlantic Records and teamed with producer Jon Landau, the raw power is scaled back for a more conventional rock sound, which especially works on a pair of covers, Tutti Frutti and Back In The USA.”

“It's the most powerful pop I've ever heard. Great lyrics too, especially on American Ruse, a tirade against middle America that no one had the guts to put on record at the time. Punk owes heavily to this record obviously. Every song is catchy, this is feel good music all the way.”

“While not as slick as, say, Alice Cooper, their songs of teenage angst are much better, and should have connected with a young audience had this album been promoted properly.”