The debut album recorded live at Detroit’s Grande Ballroom in late 1968, capturing MC5’s raw, aggressive energy and pioneering garage rock sound.
Artist page · 27/06/2026
MC5
About
MC5, Detroit's raw power trio reshaped proto-punk and hard rock.
Nine vinyl releases tracked, including classic 1969 debuts and prized 1971 French 'High Time' LP.
MC5, short for Motor City Five, emerged from Detroit's underground rock scene in the mid-1960s. Known for their high-energy live performances and radical political stance, they recorded influential albums on Atlantic Records. Their 1969 debut "Kick Out The Jams" is a seminal studio album capturing their live intensity, while follow-ups "Back In The USA" (1970) and "High Time" (1971) showcase tighter studio work as the band developed. Despite struggles with drug abuse and internal conflicts, MC5's blend of garage punk, hard rock, and proto-punk left a lasting mark on rock music.
The vinyl market hosts numerous MC5 pressings including original US and European pressings of "High Time" and "Kick Out The Jams".
Discography
MC5 — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Ear Music · 2024
Easy Action · 2011
Total Energy · 2002
Total Energy · 1995
Alive Records · 1994
Receiver Records Limited · 1994
Receiver Records Limited · 1994
NKVD · 1991
Revenge Records · 1988
Atlantic · 1971
Atlantic · 1970
Elektra · 1969Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up MC5's career.







The essentials
The 3 MC5 albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Second studio album offering a tighter rock & roll approach with garage influences, featuring the track “Looking At You.”
Third studio album exploring psychedelic and punk elements, with 8 tracks spanning over 41 minutes from MC5's later prolific period.
Go further
Artists similar to MC5
Artists who share part of MC5's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Notable pressings & editions
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of MC5
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
Kick Out The Jams, motherfucker! captures the band’s incendiary spirit and confrontational style.MC5 signature chant
Kick Out The Jams live sessions
The album "Kick Out The Jams" was recorded live at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit on October 30-31, 1968, showcasing the band's unfiltered live energy.
1971 French pressing of 'High Time'
A true collector's item, the 1971 Atlantic French pressing of "High Time" with catalog number 40223, available at 35€ as the lowest price on vinyl markets.
Formation and early years in Detroit
MC5 was formed in 1964 by merging two local Detroit groups, initially playing covers before developing their own revolutionary style.
2024 'Heavy Lifting' release
The 2024 'Heavy Lifting' LP issued by Ear Music in Germany is a limited edition vinyl blending hard rock, punk and funk elements, expanding MC5's legacy.
Records by MC5
See allCDs by MC5
Search all MC5 CDs
FAQ
FAQ: MC5 on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
What are MC5's most essential vinyl albums?
Key MC5 albums on vinyl include 'Kick Out The Jams' (1969), 'Back In The USA' (1970), and 'High Time' (1971), all showcasing stages of their raw rock evolution.
Where was MC5 formed and during what years were they active?
MC5 was formed in Detroit in 1964 and remained active until 1972, releasing influential garage and proto-punk rock records.
Which MC5 vinyl release is a live recording?
'Kick Out The Jams' is a live album recorded at Detroit's Grande Ballroom in 1968, widely recognized for its energetic and raw sound.
Are there any valuable original MC5 pressings from France?
The 1971 French pressing of 'High Time' on Atlantic Records is an original and sought-after vinyl for collectors.
What genres best describe MC5's music?
MC5's music blends garage rock, punk, hard rock, and proto-punk, capturing the rebellious spirit of late 60s and early 70s rock.
How does vinyl pricing for MC5 albums vary?
Original pressings like the 1969 'Kick Out The Jams' US Elektra promo can sell above 170€, while more recent limited editions are priced between 10€ and 25€.
Which MC5 song is their most famous and frequently covered?
'Kick Out The Jams' remains MC5's best-known track, noted for its provocative chant and numerous artist covers.
Can I find MC5 vinyl records in French record stores?
Yes, original and reissue MC5 LPs are available in French stores, including the 1971 'High Time' French pressing and recent reissues via Rhino Records.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
