Mix Tape Tuesday, Volume 2: Motown With a Mohawk

Welcome to the second installment of Mix Tape Tuesday!

As we move forward with this feature, I would be horribly remiss to ignore the town that I call home. Detroit is, after all, known for a lot more than just cars.

Detroit's musical history is a long one. Beginning with the large population of African-Americans who migrated to the city from the south to work in the automotive plants, Detroit spawned a rich musical heritage that include jazz, blues, gospel and the R&B sound that would become known as Motown.

The 1960's saw the advent of punk rock in the Motor City, with such punk pioneers as the MC5 and the Stooges. From then on, the way was paved for Detroit's punk scene.

Today, the city's musical scene is just as rich as ever. From garage rock to techno to punk, Detroit has a handful of scenes that are distinctly, and proudly, Detroit sounds.

This week's Mix Tape Tuesday is (like most weeks will be) not at all comprehensive; instead, it's intended to serve as a sample of the wide range of Detroit Punk Rock. From the early efforts of the MC5 and the Stooges, to the brutal hardcore of Negative Approach and Almighty Lumberjacks of Death, to the lo-fi garage of the Gories, to the latest and greatest from Detroit's masters of noisy surf weirdness the Amino Acids, the punk sounds of Detroit are like the city itself – bold, aggressive and defying convention.

Check out Mix Tape Tuesday Volume 2: Motown With a Mohawk here.

If you miss a week, past Mix Tape Tuesday Lists are being compiled here, and once again, if you have any suggestions for songs or themes for upcoming editions, drop me a line at punkmusic.guide@about.com. In addition to my picks, I'll be featuring your lists as well.

Photo: A Detroit stall - © Me