The proto-punk effort is a blast with repetitive sounds, searing guitars, and saxophone for good measure as Iggy Pop wails in front of the maelstrom. Pop, along with Ron Asheton – electric guitar, Dave Alexander – bass guitar, Scott Asheton – drums, create the controlled chaos with Steve Mackay joining on saxophone for the second half of the album. Don Gallucci produced and recorded the album with the band who stripped down the studio flair for a more raw/live effort as they tried to capture the groups live show energy.
Opening with "Down on the Street" the tone is set with chugging hard electric guitar and primal yelps from Pop. "Loose" is a real watershed with slicing riffs, thudding bass that bumps in your ear and Pop's sexuality plunging straight ahead, no euphemisms here.
"T.V. Eye" is straight ahead slamming punk rock that hits hard and heavy. The only downer on the album is "Dirt" which drags at seven minutes. The Stooges were always better when they were fast, raw and aggressive. When they got druggy, spacey and slow, things weren't as successful.
Things improve on the B-side when "1970" starts. The whole B-side of the record feels like one long (and great) song. "1970" rumbles with heavy drums drives things forward with a screeching solo and Mackay's sax joining the fun to close. The title track continues that squawking and odd groove continuing the same vibe but stretching out and jamming. The noise chaos closer of "L.A. Blues" rips the sonic structure apart and this art-rock/noise excursion might not be for everyone, but works as a fitting release to a powerful album.
Overall, the album is a ripping proto-punk effort that really digs in and attacks the ear. While 55 years ago this was shocking, today, it is more commonplace, thanks to albums like Fun House.
On it's anniversary, play Fun House loud. Here are a few tunes below:
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