There’s not a lot I can say about this band that hasn’t already been said. But for those who’ve sniffed too much glue and been out of the loop, or think punk began with the Offspring in ’94, I’ll try and relay how important these discs are. The year was 1969, and although punk hadn’t been realized yet, The Stooges’ self-titled debut album, along with releases from the Velvet Underground, the MC5 and Alice Cooper, got the ball rolling in fine counter-cultural style.

Featuring the insubordinate sneer of Iggy Pop, guitars that oozed destruction, and the sonic dynamics of a runaway freight train blasting through a sliding-glass door, the self-titled album’s anti-establishment attitude and raw aesthetics took rock to a whole new place. Produced by the Velvet Underground’s John Cale, the album features proto-punk classics like the anti-anthem “1969,” the epic ‘We Will Fall” and the iconic “Now I Wanna Be Your Dog.”

This new reissue sees the original album remastered for optimal sound and loaded with tons of extras, including a second disc of alternate takes, and rare mixes by John Cale. The set comes housed in a cool little slipcase and an excellent booklet with essays, and rare photos.

FUNHOUSE, the Stooges’ sophomore—and stronger—album came crashing down in 1970. Whereas the classically trained John Cale produced the band’s debut, garage maestro Don Gallucci, former keyboard player of the Kingsmen, the band responsible for the mega-anthem “Louie Louie”, helmed this outing. FUNHOUSE reflects Gallucci’s belief that Iggy and co. should harness the nihilistic energy of their frenetic live presence. The finished product epitomizes this change in approach, and explodes in the reckless sound of ultra-messy fuzz guitars, driving drums, and yes, more of Iggy’s vocal antics. The album takes the formula established by the first album and ups the ante a bit, achieving an even more volatile atmosphere, evidenced in songs like the leery "T.V. Eye," the ominous "1970 (I Feel Alright)" with its twisted sax, and the apocalyptic blues of "Funhouse." Like the debut, this remastered reissue also features a second disc of rarities including tons of alternate takes and bonus tracks including demos of "Lost In The Future" and "Slide (Slidin' The Blues)", plus a cool slipcase.

Although, my tastes in the Stooges’ work lean more toward the sacrilegious RAW POWER album, this pair was extremely important in the development of punk, glam and alternative music in general, and that I duly acknowledge. So as I sit and conclude this review, I bow my head in honor of the Igg and his band of evil pranksters for creating such devastating material, and praise Rhino for doing such a bang-up job in reissuing it for the punk-hungry masses. Amen.