I love Detroit. To be more precise it is the music of the city I adore most. The rationale is simple; music is a good conglomeration of influences, but in Detroit you can intimately see the process in motion. You can actively witness the point of creation. 
Other great cities have great bands. The music scenes of these cities are steeped in storied traditions, too. Just like Detroit. However, their markets are flooded and, maybe worse, there’s no real connection between the markets and it is in pockets: really good pockets but here, in Detroit, there’s really just one giant pocket—a beautiful, unplanned, refinement of a particular sound.
Watch James and the Rainbros and try not to recall Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels.
The only city to really share this same quality is Memphis.
When Mitch Ryder traveled twelve hours south to record with Booker T & the MGs this point came to the foreground. In one moment the scenes combined. Released in 1969, the Detroit-Memphis Experiment is the culmination of these sessions.
Over the 12 songs, Mitch Ryder’s voice has never had more bite and sneer as the near gospel tones of Booker T & the MGs pour out. The liner notes hint at underlying tension and the past that Mitch Ryder brought with him to Memphis but they also hint towards the feeling of revel that pervades the whole album.
“I Get Hot” might have the best groove in the collection but “Direct Me” captures that same driving force and combines it with Ryder’s most sincere vocal delivery on the album. “Liberty” finds Ryder exploring themes of freedom—but also seemingly singing his contractual difficulties with Bob Crewe.
Following this record Ryder would go onto record the aptly titled, and more successful, Detroit but the Detroit-Memphis Experiment gives a clear musical statement that remains relevant 30 years later.
Tracklisting:
01. Liberty
02. Eeenie Meenie Minie Moe
03. Boredom Listen
04. Push Aroun’
05. Sugar Bee
06. I Get Hot
07. I Believe
08. Direct Me
09. Long Long Time
10. Raise Your Hand
11. Wear and Tear on My Heart
12. Meat
Mitch Ryder: website
Written by Adam Leroy
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This is a very accurate description of the Detroit music scene and what sets it apart from anyplace else in the world(except apparently Memphis). I saw James and the Rainbros at Fourth Street Fair and I agree they are a very good representation of the giant pocket that is the Detroit music scene. In short, loved your article!