Wayne Kramer: Citizen Wayne

Brother Wayne Kramer—former guitarist for the Detroit-based prophets of acid-rock and foot soldiers of punk in MC5—has been a charity case for Epitaph Records since the label undertook the task of bringing his music to today's largely rootless punks. Good. Citizen Wayne, his third album for the label, showcases a much more polished sound for Kramer, thanks in part to his pairing with production wizard David Was. He still lashes out, guitar-style, from time to time. On the whole, though, Citizen Wayne is much more subdued, swaying between guitar-based pop and delirious acid-rock that's pumped up with contemporary beats and electronics. Don't write off Kramer as a has-been clinging to glory days. He's still vital, and more importantly, he's still pissed.