THE STOOGES – COLLECTION: AUSTRALIAN TOUR EDITION

Formed 43 years ago in Ann Arbor, The Stooges lasted less than six years together first time around. Better know at the time for Iggy Pop’s penchant for smearing his sweaty body with peanut butter and or slashing his chest with broken glass, than for the success of any of their three albums, they disintegrated and went their own ways. As is too often the case, it was left for future generations to pick up the flag and herald The Stooges, Funhouse and Raw Power as the classic albums they so obviously now are. 15 of the bands 23 album tracks are repackaged here, plus the obligatory live recordings and out-takes. The song selection is obvious, missing little, but the live recording quality is atrocious to be kind, while the out-takes offer little new except and John Cale mix of No Fun. Let’s be honest, if you are over 25 and have the slightest inclination towards rock’n’roll you should already own these albums. But if by some chance life has passed you by (or you are under 25), or you are too lazy to purchase three classic albums, here is your last chance at redemption.

*** 1/2