Reverting to the wrongfooted in real-time mode with this mistaken take on The Stooges's second album by Roy Hollingworth of the Melody Maker.
Mind you, even Lester Bangs didn't like it at first.
(And Roy gets megakudos for his ahead-of-the-pack recognition of New York Dolls)
The Stooges
Fun House
(Elektra)
Melody Maker, December 26 1970
by Roy Hollingworth
Next to Grand Funk Railroad, this is the worst album I've heard this year. In truth it's a muddy load of sluggish, unimaginative rubbish heavily disguised by electricity and called American rock.
I've heard a few tales about the Stooges. Singer Iggy Pop (that's daft enough) apparently spends evenings throwing himself into the midst of audiences and getting beaten up by the aforesaid tribes of poor people. Well, maybe that's about the best thing you could do to the guy.
Ron Asheton on lead guitar sounds as though he badly injured both hands. There's really no excuse for turning out such bloody rotten stuff.
I'm trying desperately to think of one good think about it — maybe the bass of Dave Alexander offers a little fluent power. But again, in truth, this album only goes to show up the gullible efforts of record companies, and the people who raise such groups to an absurd status.
I'm willing to believe that the stage act is a gas to watch, but on record, EEeecchh!
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