...For the Whole World to See

Overlooked during its original incarnation in the early ‘70s, the East Detroit-based African-American trio of brothers, David, Bobby and Dannis Hackney, named Death, has existed mostly as a rumor and a sought-out collector’s item (its original vinyl single “Politicians In My Eyes” / “Keep On Knockin’” has fetched astronomical prices). This reissue now finally enables the average music fan to hear and assess these legendary recordings. From the opening energy of “Keep On Knocking,” Death’s homage to the Detroit rock scene is obvious. Guitars charge forth with the menace of the MC5, guitar riffs twisting around the aggressive edge. “Rock-N-Roll Victim” continues the assault. The bare bones production works to the band’s advantage, keeping its garage intensity intact. “Let the World Turn” branches out for six minutes of quasi-psychedelic wallowing, while “You’re a Prisoner” and “Freakin Out” sound remarkably like the early rush of Arthur Lee’s Love. A weird, rare find.