The Stooges; "Fun House" (Rhino)
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Monday. Sep 19, 2:12 AM
Two landmark reissues that will surprise even the diehards.

We all love The Stooges, as should everyone. We love the immediate danger and unstoppable strength that they produce when they rip into the songs that have now become the soundtrack to an undeniable underground rock and roll departure point. We love to play air guitar to “Loose” and thrash around like Iggy on the floor (with no broken glass). We listened to their medium-sized but dense discography dozens, if not hundreds of times, and it doesn’t seem to get old. It all sounds so easy after a while, since any good art deceptively appears an easy task to create, especially since there is nothing technically profound about The Stooges’ self-titled and Fun House albums, as they borrow freely from the garage unknown’s primitive style and minimalist philosophy.

It may come as a shock when the outtakes and rarities on the bonus discs that come with the reissued records reveal that these gods would in fact have used a seventh day of rest. As all the unchosen paths come into the limelight, even the most casual fan can discern between a band fishing for a sound, and a powerful force that has found its groove. On an alternate vocalized “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” Iggy plays around with more Lou Reed drawl and less trademark yelp. On the cutting room versions of the Fun House tracks, variations on Ron Asheton’s guitar solos, brother Scott’s drum patterns, and most noticeably Iggy’s lyrics and timing are all experimented with and built upon. Even some frustrating moments such as a grinding halt in a take of “Down on the Street” punctuated by calls from members to get in tune show an unexpected vulnerability and wandering momentum.

It won’t deter any devoted fans, since it only adds to the drama. The Stooges, as entertainment, have always been more than the sum of their parts. The music gave way to the infamous antics, and any longtime follower will tell you it was never the other way around. All the missed musical targets and wrong conceptual turns accent one of the most brazen and unapologetic rock resumes there is. Maybe after one or two listens to the auxiliary material you can get your fill, but thankfully you get the retooled but finalized renditions, and as we all know, that’s all you really need.
www.rhino.com

Josh Kimmelman

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