The legendary MC5 have released a video for the track “Can’t Be Found” featuring Vernon Reid and original MC5 drummer Dennis Thompson. This is the second single from their upcoming album Heavy Lifting, out October 18 via earMUSIC. The release is bittersweet following the death of founding guitarist Wayne Kramer February 2 but pays homage to him the way rock ‘n’ roll should—through heavy, electrifying riffing.
In an interview with Uncut in November 2023, Kramer says:
“’Live long and stay creative’ is my attitude. This album continues from where ‘High Time’ left off in that I think it’s an artist’s responsibility to reflect the times they’re going through. We made an album that is in sync with the challenges we’re facing today, and that carries a positive message.”
Heavy Lifting is the first release by the MC5 in 53 years featuring original MC5 drummer Dennis “Machine Gun” Thompson on two tracks with special guests Slash, Tom Morello, William DuVall (Alice in Chains), Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Don Was, and Tim McIlrath (Rise Against).
The counterculture, anti-establishment band were recently inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame as an Award For Musical Excellence honoree.The ceremony will take place on October 19 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. The Hall Of Fame nominating committee gives out The Musical Excellence Award which is considered the same as full induction.
In addition to the standard 13-track album, a 2CD / 2LP version will be released with a bonus disc including previously unreleased live recordings from the MC50 tour in 2018 celebrating the 50th anniversary of MC5’s revered 1969 debut album, Kick Out the Jams.
MC5 – Heavy Lifting CD/Vinyl/Digital Tracklist:
1. Heavy Lifting (feat. Tom Morello)
2. Barbarians At The Gate
3. Change, No Change
4. The Edge Of The Switchblade (feat. William Duvall & Slash)
5. Black Boots (feat. Tim McIIrath)
6. I Am The Fun (The Phoney)
7. Twenty-Five Miles
8. Because Of Your Car
9. Boys Who Play With Matches
10. Blind Eye (feat. Dennis Thompson)
11. Can’t Be Found (feat. Vernon Reid & Dennis Thompson)
12. Blessed Release
13. Hit It Hard (feat. Joe Berry)
MC5 – Heavy Lifting bonus CD/Vinyl track list: Bonus CD/Vinyl Version Track List:
Disc One
1. Heavy Lifting (feat. Tom Morello)
2. Barbarians At The Gate
3. Change, No Change
4. The Edge Of The Switchblade (feat. William Duvall & Slash)
5. Black Boots (feat. Tim McIIrath)
6. I Am The Fun (The Phoney)
7. Twenty-Five Miles
8. Because Of Your Car
9. Boys Who Play With Matches
10. Blind Eye (feat. Dennis Thompson)
11. Can’t Be Found (feat. Vernon Reid & Dennis Thompson)
12. Blessed Release
13. Hit It Hard (feat. Joe Berry)
Disc Two
1. Ramblin’ Rose (live)
2. Kick Out The Jams (live)
3. Come Together (live)
4. Motor City Is Burning (live)
5. Borderline (live)
6. Gotta Keep Movin’ (live)
7. Future/Now (live) (feat. Mark Arm)
8. Poison (live)
9. Shakin’ Street (live)
10. Sister Anne (live)
