The Stooges – Now Playing (Rhino)

Iggy Pop and the Stooges were the original punks.  Roaring out of Detroit, armed with a primitive but lethal rhythm section, and fronted by an absolute madman, Pop, who was likely to do just about anything on stage.  Now Playing captures the highlights of the band’s first era.  The set cleverly alternates between their debut, The Stooges (1969) and the followup, Fun House (1970).

The same month that the peace and love of Woodstock was happening in New York, the Stooges unleashed “I Wanna Be Your Dog” in Detroit.  Full of distorted guitar and sleigh bells, this comes off as holiday music from hell; the antithesis of the hippie movement.  “Down on the Street,” from Fun House, is even more odd – Pop squeals and grunts during the verses, but then the chorus just explodes – this feels like the beginnings of metal as well as punk, with twin leads careening wildly.

“1969” is all full of wah wah guitar, as Pop sneers “another year for me and you / another year with nothing to do.” “Loose” rocks hard, while “No Fun” owes some of the visceral power to the Troggs.  “TV Eye” sounds like someone poured gasoline on the singer right before they pressed record – as he screams, the band pounds.

“Real Cool Time” showcases some great guitar playing, while “1970” benefits from the addition of saxophone.  The set closes with the only slow number, “Dirt.”  

By focusing on the band’s tighter, shorter and more upbeat material (they thankfully left off the 10-minute “We Will Fall”), Now Playing makes for a dizzying, non-stop rock fest full of raw power.  This one is pressed on orange transparent vinyl.  —Tony Peters