Detroit

Another band from the geographic school of rock, Detroit comprised the leftover scraps of a deliciously meaty blue-eyed rhythm and blues outfit known as Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. The energetic yet short-lived quintet scored big with a handful of hits, including “Jenny Take a Ride” and “Devil with a Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly.” Detroit, first released in 1971 on the Paramount label, represented a reunion of sorts, Ryder having split to pursue a solo career in the late ‘60s. The album is essentially a continuation of the soul-influenced, blues-based rock first established by the original incarnation of the band upon its formation in 1965. “Let it Rock” and “Box of Old Roses,” two piano-heavy cuts, pay tribute to the early days of rock, the former borrowing liberally from Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” The songs become more contemporary sounding with “Long Neck Goose,” a Ryder original, and two well-chosen cover songs: The Velvet Underground’s “Rock 'n' Roll” and “Gimme Shelter” by the Rolling Stones (included here as a bonus track). An effective if not overwhelming debut record, Detroit would mark the beginning of the end for this Midwestern ensemble; Ryder temporarily retired from music due to throat problems, effectively putting this Motor City vehicle in park for good.