The Fat Angel Sings

A predictably fiery epitaph for the incendiary Detroit proto-punk quintet, this significantly belated Bob Ezrin-produced third studio set perfectly captures the revolutionary spirit of the original 5.

Tragically, both guitarist/prime mover Wayne Kramer and drummer Dennis Thompson ultimately predeceased “Heavy Lifting’s” release, but the album (largely co-written by Kramer and vocalist Brad Brooks) is positively livid with vitality, as big-hitter guests (Slash, Tom Morello, Vernon Reid) bring contemporary metal heft. And the jams? Kicked out.

MC5 posthumously released “Heavy Lifting” a whopping 53 years after their sophomore album, 1971’s “High Time”. That massive gap explains why Wayne Kramer’s latest star-studded endeavor often bears little resemblance to the band’s glory days. Nevertheless, the late bandleader sounds invigorated across the project, especially the Tom Morello-assisted title track, a raucous slab of metallic funk that evokes the sound and fury of both collaborators’ heydays. A fitting farewell to one of rock’s undisputed heavyweights.

‘Heavy Lifting’ is the new studio album by Detroit’s punk rock pioneers, MC5. Led by MC5 founding member Wayne Kramer and produced by the iconic Bob Ezrin, ‘Heavy Lifting’ signifies a momentous occasion – the release of new MC5 music, a staggering 53 years since their last album in 1971. ‘Heavy Lifting’ features an all-star lineup of guest musicians including Slash, Tom Morello, William DuVall (Alice in Chains), Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Tim McIlrath (Rise Against), and many more. Bonus CD & LP: Disc 2 / LP 2 contains previously unreleased live recordings from the MC50 tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of ‘Kick Out The Jams’.