AMG Review of Motor City Is Burning

Al Campbell
All Music Guide

Motor City is Burning is an English compilation of bootlegged material from the MC5 recorded at various locations including ~the Sturgis Armoury in Michigan during the band's peak. Even though these tracks have been remastered, the sound quality is poor, but considering how influential this band has become, it's still monumental material. Along with the Stooges, there are numerous MC5 discs (some of dubious legality) of live and studio outtakes readily available. Motor City Is Burning is sufficient after obtaining the official live release on Elektra Kick Out the Jams and deciding that's not enough. These 16 tracks include cover versions of "Born Under a Bad Sign," "Tutti Frutti," along with the rare "Black to Comm," not available on any of the commercially released original Five albums.