MC5 - High Time (Yellow & Clear Splatter Vinyl LP)

High Time is the third and final studio-era album from legendary Detroit rock band MC5, originally released in July 1971. A ferocious combination of hard rock, garage rock, blues and early punk energy, the album captures the band's explosive musicianship and uncompromising attitude. Building on the raw intensity of Kick Out the Jams and Back in the USA, High Time showcases MC5 at their most adventurous, combining extended guitar workouts, powerful rhythms and ambitious songwriting.

Emerging from Detroit's vibrant late-1960s music scene, MC5 became one of the most influential American rock bands of their era. Featuring vocalist Rob Tyner, guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred 'Sonic' Smith, bassist Michael Davis and drummer Dennis Thompson, the group developed a revolutionary sound that helped lay the foundations for punk rock, heavy rock and the garage rock revival.

The album opens with Sister Anne, a sprawling seven-minute performance that combines driving guitars, powerful vocals and an unexpected brass-band conclusion. Baby Won't Ya follows with an irresistible hard-rock groove, while the atmospheric Miss X reveals a more melodic and experimental side to the band's songwriting.

Other highlights include the blues-driven Gotta Keep Movin', the hypnotic Future/Now and the aggressive, fast-paced Poison. The emotionally charged Over and Over builds through intense guitar work and passionate vocals, while the closing track Skunk (Sonicly Speaking) delivers a powerful combination of psychedelic rock, extended instrumental passages and relentless rhythmic energy.

Unlike the tightly structured songs of Back in the USA, High Time allowed MC5 to explore longer arrangements and a more expansive musical approach. The interplay between Wayne Kramer and Fred 'Sonic' Smith's guitars is particularly impressive, combining blues-inspired riffs, distorted leads and experimental textures. Dennis Thompson's thunderous drumming and Michael Davis's driving basslines provide the foundation for the band's unmistakable sound.

Produced by Geoffrey Haslam, the album was recorded during a turbulent period in the band's history. Although it did not achieve major commercial success upon its original release, High Time has since become recognised as one of MC5's finest recordings and an essential document of early-1970s American rock music.

Its influence can be heard in generations of punk, alternative and hard-rock musicians, with the album's raw intensity and adventurous arrangements helping establish MC5 as pioneers of the high-energy rock sound that followed.

This official 2023 Rhino Rocktober limited-edition reissue presents the complete original eight-track album on a single 140g clear vinyl LP with yellow splatter. Released through Rhino and Atlantic Records, the striking coloured pressing offers a collectible edition of this influential Detroit rock classic.

From the explosive opening of Sister Anne to the psychedelic finale Skunk (Sonicly Speaking), High Time is an essential addition to any MC5, garage rock, proto-punk or classic hard-rock vinyl collection.

Supplied brand new and sealed.

Available from Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

Details

• Artist: MC5
• Album: High Time
• Format: Coloured Vinyl LP
• Genre: Hard Rock / Garage Rock / Proto-Punk / Psychedelic Rock
• Original Release: July 1971
• Vinyl Reissue: 6 October 2023
• Edition: Limited Edition Rhino Rocktober 2023
• Vinyl Colour: Clear with Yellow Splatter
• Vinyl Weight: 140g
• Number of Records: 1
• Number of Tracks: 8
• Producer: Geoffrey Haslam
• Label: Rhino / Atlantic Records
• Catalogue Number: RCV108285
• Barcode: 603497837359
• Condition: Brand new & sealed

Track List:

Side A
A1 Sister Anne
A2 Baby Won't Ya
A3 Miss X
A4 Gotta Keep Movin'

Side B
B1 Future/Now
B2 Poison
B3 Over and Over
B4 Skunk (Sonicly Speaking)