The Stooges’ raw power captured best on ‘House’

Spencer Patterson

Friday, March 18, 2005 | 9:01 a.m.

The Stooges' "Fun House" was released in 1970, but it sounds as though it could have been recorded nearly a decade later.

In a rock music era dominated by psychedelia, prog and singer-songwriters, Iggy Pop's seminal Detroit band was the ultimate anachronism.

Over the span of three albums from 1969 to 1973, the Stooges blew apart the traditions of rock, paving the way for the punk revolution that followed.

Although all three of their discs -- "The Stooges," "Fun House" and "Raw Power" -- are essential pieces of any serious rock collection, the quartet's middle effort remains their peak statement.

Recorded at the height of the band's legendary live prowess, "Fun House" is so raw and gritty, you'll want to shower after spinning it.

Edgy and abrasive as it might sound to some newcomers, however, the seven-song CD is far from unpleasant. With repeat listens, it even becomes quite easy to sing along with Iggy, provided you're willing to tear up your throat in the process.

Some of "Fun House" heads distinctly in a punk-rock direction. "T.V. Eye" and "1970" drive purposefully forward with drummer Scott Asheton and bassist Dave Alexander at the controls and guitarist Ron Asheton avoiding the excesses typical of rock solos during the era.

The album also includes dark, experimental pieces, such as bizarre (mostly) instrumental closer "L.A. Blues," which features blasts of feedback and saxophone in a spirit reminiscent of the Velvet Underground.

The rest of "Fun House" leans toward lean, bluesy garage-rock, likely to appeal even to the staunchest classic rock supporter. "Dirt," for example, comes off like a cross between Cream and Alice Cooper, while the title track sounds like it wouldn't have been out of place on the Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main St."

In the years after the Stooges broke up, Iggy Pop became the freak we all know and love, rolling around on glass and walking through the crowd on his fans' heads.

But long before he became known as the godfather of punk, his band defined the musical phrase "ahead of their time" in a way few have matched.

Artist: The Stooges.

Title: "Fun House."

Year of release: 1970 (reissued 1990, Elektra Records).

Tracklisting: "Down on the Street," "Loose," "T.V. Eye," "Dirt," "1970," "Fun House," "L.A. Blues."