Search - Sonic Revolution - Celebration of the MC5 on DVD

What a shame

Daniel I. Worland | chicago, il United States | 07/11/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"It's a real shame that the incredible MC5 documentary "MC5: A True Testimonial" is held up in litigation so that this far inferior DVD can come out first. The main feature is the reunion/tribute performance, which is limp and boring. A number of punk & post-punk bands have reunited lately to show that they can still kick ass, MC5 is not one of them. I really hope that "A True Testimonial" gets an official DVD release eventually. As anyone who's managed to see it in festivals etc. will attest, it's much more interesting & exciting and touces on some darker aspects of the bands compelling history. Come on guys, sort out the money crap and let the story be told! If you want to attract new fans to the music, Sonic Revolution wont do it."

Brother Wayne Kramer, Dennis Thompson, & Michael Davis

Jonothan Blanton | America | 12/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Packed to the seams with special guests, archived footage, and content, Sonic Revolution is a spectacular dvd; it's only fault coming from the slightly weak audio mix that is presented for the concert aspect. Through repeated watching, it'll grow on you, just as the original MC5 should have, (if you're unitiated get up, run to the store, and pick up their revolutionary debut, Kick Out The Jams immediatly.)



On loan from his band the Hellacopters, Nicke Royale rips it up on the second guitar, (filling in for the unfortunatly deceased Fred Smith,) and gives more than fair vocal offerings to "Gotta Keep Movin'" and "American Ruse." Lemmy from the legendary Motorhead puts his vocal styling into a ripping version of "Sister Anne," while Dave Vanian of The Damned, a long time fan of The MC5, boogies and tries his passionate and energetic best hand, (often with sucess,) at "Tonight," "Looking At You," and "High School," as Ian Astbury fronts what is perhaps the climax of the show when he puts his soaring energy and gold-plated lungs into the helm of a stirring "Kick Out The Jams."



Right now it's time to...kick out the jams.



--- Jon Blanton 2004 (C) cddude24@yahoo.com"

A botched attempt

M. Burich | Struthers, OH United States | 07/22/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This concert performance is plagued by uneven sound, an uneven performance and more than a few missing songs. By reading the liner notes there were more songs recorded for this DVD, but somehow they didn't manage to make the final cut. The notes say technical problems, but judging by the performances it could very well be that the MC5 was so bad that they couldn't use the footage.

It's shame this legendary band didn't record one of its current American shows for a DVD. That group was more well-rehearsed, but either touring group doesn't live up to the MC5's legendary status.

The extras on this DVD are good to watch once. Other than that they provide no extended commentary on the history of the band."

MC 5 - 'MC 5: Sonic Revolution - A Celebration Of The MC 5'

Mike Reed | USA | 11/15/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Believe this one-off {?} gig took place at the 100 Club in London. As good as it was to be able to see the MC 5's three surviving members - guitarist Wayne Kramer, bassist Michael Davis and drummer Dennis Thomas reunite after all these years was fun to experience, 'Sonic Revolution' isn't anything to get all THAT hyped up about. It's decent...good, not great but good. After three times of watching this concert DVD, I put it on the shelf. I'll watch it again sometime, just not all the time. Guest vocalists they had show up to sing on at least one song included Lemmy, Ian Astbury (The Cult), Nick Royale (Hellacopters) and Dave Vanian (The Damned) did a fine job and all but there seems to be something STILL missing from this DVD. Track listing is the best thing about this DVD, like "Shaking Street", my personal MC 5 favorite - the foot-stomping "Looking At You", "American Ruse", "Ramblin' Rose" and the all too familiar "KIck Out The Jams". See how you like it."