The Stooges — The Weirdness

"Gimme Danger" is the title of both Iggy Pop's autobiography and a song from the last Stooges album, 1973's Raw Power. At the time that song came out, it could be strongly argued that there wasn't a more dangerous band around than The Stooges. But that was 34 years ago. Although still a consummate showman, the truly dangerous elements of Pop's music are now in the past. Guitarist Ron Asheton and his drumming brother Scott still play forcefully, and Mike Watt will always be a bass monster, so they've managed to recreate much of the early sound, but it just doesn't feel the same. Though never an Elvis Costello-like wordsmith, Pop's lyrics seem particularly simplistic and his voice is often too low in producer Steve Albini's sometimes muddy mix. Brendan Benson contributes harmonies on "Free & Freaky," the album's best blend of rawk and melodicism, and saxophonist Steve Mackay lends some frenzied skronk to "I'm Fried" and "She Took My Money," but The Weirdness is ultimately disappointing.