by The Stooges
Released July 7, 1970 via Elektra Records
Reviewed July 9, 2020
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Dirt (50%), Down on the Street (44%), Fun House (38%)
On The Stooges’ second album, the punk pioneers come full force with a record intended to replicate the atmosphere of their raucous live performances. Raw, energetic, and loud, Fun House birthed some of the 1970s’ most chaotically brilliant pieces. Combining the basic elements of rock and roll with improvisational techniques, Fun House is a cross between punk jazz and pure, unabashed punk rock before the term was even coined. There is no duality to Funhouse. Lyrically and musically, everything about it is rooted in the freeform; taking things as they come, even if it leads to chaotic outcomes. While that approach may not always work in everyday life, it could not have worked better for The Stooges, whose approach conceived an undeniable classic that would shape the future of punk. – Dominick (10/10)
Fun House is the perfect sophomore album, taking all the great ideas from their previous effort and cranking it up to 11, all while exploring new musical paths. The Stooges managed to create one of the most abrasive records ever made with some of the most insane and riveting punk songs ever recorded. Cacophonous walls of wailing guitars, thumping drums, and heavy bass licks erupt in the face of the listener as Iggy Pop grabs you by the collar and screams prophecies in your face. Though it’s a manic nightmare, there is a sophisticated touch to how the songs progress that makes it a timeless effort that still hits as hard as when it was released. – Jared (10/10)
Heavily influential on the punk movement that would occur later in the decade, Funhouse serves as a precursor to the raucous renegades that the mid to late 1970s had to offer. Iggy Pop set the punk standard in terms of frontmen and onstage antics, while the instrumental side of the group lit a fire beneath the music industry. A fire that is still raging to this day. Funhouse is as far and freaked out as the 70's get, especially on the second half of the record, with the addition of saxophone being such a wild move for a record of this sound and feel. It is what makes The Stooges such trailblazers; curious decisions with effective impact. It adds an additional element of crazy to a sound that is already 'out there' to begin with. Funhouse is The Stooges’ formula forced to its most ferocious and promiscuous climax, proving that pushing the boundaries can have major benefits. – Peter (9/10)
Dominick: 10/10 | Jared: 10/10 | Hadley: 9/10 | Peter: 8.5/10
