- Orig Germany Red Elektra Pressing
In 1969, The Stooges unleashed their raw, untamed energy onto the world with their self-titled debut album. A primal force of garage rock, acid psych, and proto-punk, this record laid the foundation for an entire movement. Produced by John Cale of The Velvet Underground, the album captures Iggy Pop’s feral intensity, Ron Asheton’s searing guitar work, and the Asheton-Alexander rhythm section’s hypnotic groove. From the menacing I Wanna Be Your Dog to the droning chaos of We Will Fall, The Stooges is a visceral experience—rebellious, gritty, and unapologetically wild.
The year 1972 marked a pivotal moment in the world of rock music with the release of The Stooges' self-titled album, a masterpiece that not only solidified their status as pioneers of punk but also showcased a unique shift in Iggy Pop's identity. Unlike other albums where he identified as "Iggy Pop," this particular record had him embracing the moniker "Iggy Stooge," adding an intriguing layer to its significance.
Historical Context and Musical Landscape
The Stooges, an American rock band formed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1967, had already gained attention with their raw and rebellious sound. However, it was their third studio album, known simply as "The Stooges," that would etch their name in the world of rock history. Released on August 5, 1972, in Germany, the album arrived at a time when the musical landscape was undergoing a radical transformation.
The early 1970s saw the emergence of punk rock as a reaction against the perceived excesses and pretensions of mainstream rock. The Stooges, led by the charismatic Iggy Pop, were at the forefront of this movement, pioneering a sound that would later influence countless punk and alternative rock bands.
The Making of the Album
The creative process behind "The Stooges" was fueled by a combination of artistic experimentation and the band's desire to break away from conventional norms. Produced by Iggy Pop and James Williamson, the album features a raw and unpolished sound that perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of the band.
One notable aspect of this album is Iggy Pop's decision to go by "Iggy Stooge." This unconventional choice reflected not only a playful alter ego but also a declaration of the band's collective identity.
Music Genre: Proto-Punk , Garage Roc, kPsych Acid pre-Punk Music |
Collector Notes; During this period Iggy Pop (James Osterberg) still called himself Iggy Stooge 2006 Est Market Value $5-$10 |
Album Production Information: Produced ny John Cale (Velvet Underground) Production Supervisor: Jac Holzman Photography: Joel Brodsky Album Design: Robert L. Helmall Art Direction: William S. Harvey Special Thanks: Danny Fields |
Record Label & Catalognr: Red Elektra 42 032 (42032) |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone |
Year & Country: 1972 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Stooges Stooges Self-Titled |
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Complete Track Listing of: Stooges Stooges Self-Titled |
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The front cover of The Stooges' self-titled debut album, released in 1969. The photograph features a close-up of the four band members, stacked diagonally against a dark gradient background.
In the foreground, Iggy Pop (credited as Iggy Stooge) has long, shaggy brown hair with bangs covering his forehead. His intense, almost expressionless gaze is directed at the viewer. He wears a black leather jacket, slightly reflecting the dim lighting.
Behind him, three other band members are positioned in a descending diagonal line. Ron Asheton is second, slightly blurred, with long, dark brown hair and a serious expression. Scott Asheton follows with reddish-brown wavy hair and a calm, enigmatic gaze. Finally, Dave Alexander, in the far back, has shoulder-length brown hair, sharp facial features, and an almost ghostly expression. The arrangement creates a sense of depth and unity among the band members.
The band's name, The Stooges, is displayed in the upper left corner in a bold, stylized yellow font that contrasts with the dark background. In the top right corner, the Elektra Records logo is visible, along with the catalog number "42 032," indicating the German pressing of the album.
The back cover of The Stooges' self-titled debut album, featuring a portrait of the four band members against a plain white background.
From left to right, Ron Asheton wears a brown leather jacket with a neutral, slightly distant expression. Dave Alexander, next to him, wears orange-tinted aviator glasses and a black leather vest, gazing intently at the camera. Scott Asheton, positioned in the middle, has shoulder-length wavy hair and a calm but serious expression. Iggy Pop (Iggy Stooge at the time) is in the foreground, with his long, straight brown hair and bangs covering most of his forehead. His lips are slightly parted, and his stare is blank and intense.
On the right side of the cover, the tracklist is printed in a simple black font, divided into two sections for Side One and Side Two. Notable songs like I Wanna Be Your Dog and No Fun are listed. Below the tracklist, credits acknowledge the band members and their instruments, along with John Cale as producer and contributor on electric viola. Additional credits for photography, design, and art direction appear below.
The Elektra Records logo is displayed at the bottom right corner, alongside the label’s New York City address. A small sticker with a catalog code is placed in the upper right corner, adding to the vintage aesthetic of this German pressing.
A close-up of the record label for Side One of The Stooges' self-titled album, a German pressing released by Elektra Records.
The label is a striking solid red with white text. At the top, the Elektra Records logo is prominently displayed in a bold, geometric design. Directly below, "THE STOOGES" appears in capital letters, centered on the label. To the left, the label reads "STEREO," with a "GEMA/BIEM" rights management stamp beside it.
The tracklist for Side One is printed in a clean, simple format, listing three songs: "1969" (4:05), "I Wanna Be Your Dog" (3:10), and "We Will Fall" (10:15). The catalog number "42 032" is printed near the center hole. Around the outer edge of the label, small white text provides copyright, legal, and manufacturing details, prohibiting unauthorized duplication, lending, or broadcasting.
The label’s design is minimalistic but effective, standing out against the black vinyl, emphasizing Elektra’s distinct branding during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Iggy Pop's contributions to music have been immense. His uncompromising attitude, raw sound, and high-energy performances have inspired generations of musicians. He has remained relevant and influential throughout his career, and his impact on the punk and alternative music scene will continue to be felt for years to come.
Released in 1986, Iggy Pop's "Blah Blah Blah" marked a significant turning point in the artist's career. Emerging from the ashes of the punk rock era, Pop embraced the burgeoning new wave movement, crafting an album that was both commercially successful and a testament to his enduring artistry.
Blah Blah Blah 12" Vinyl LPReleased in 1988, Iggy Pop's "Instinct" marked a fierce return to his roots after the pop-infused detour of "Blah Blah Blah." The album emerged in the late '80s, a time when post-punk was evolving into diverse subgenres, and alternative rock was gaining mainstream recognition.
Instinct 12" Vinyl LPReleased in 1977, just months after "The Idiot," Iggy Pop's "Lust for Life" solidified his solo career and cemented his collaboration with David Bowie. It emerged in a post-glam rock era, where punk was taking center stage and artists were experimenting with new sounds and styles.
Lust for Life 12" Vinyl LPReleased in 1981, "Party" marked the final chapter in Iggy Pop's three-album tenure with Arista Records. Following the raw energy of "Lust for Life" and "The Idiot," "Party" found Pop navigating the evolving musical landscape of the early 80s. It was a time when punk's raw fury was giving way to the more polished
Party 12" Vinyl LPReleased in 1986, Iggy Pop's "Real Wild Child (Wild One)" marked a significant shift in his musical direction. Originally an Australian rock and roll song by Johnny O'Keefe, Pop's cover embraced the energy of the burgeoning new wave movement, a time when electronic sounds and danceable beats were dominating
Real Wild Child 12" Vinyl LPReleased in 1982, "Zombie Birdhouse" marked a distinct departure for Iggy Pop. Stepping away from the raw power of his earlier punk anthems, this album explored darker, more experimental territories within the post-punk landscape. It was a time when artists were pushing boundaries and blurring genre line
Zombie Birdhouse 12" Vinyl LPIn 1971, The Stooges, fronted by the enigmatic Iggy Pop, unleashed their groundbreaking album "Fun House", This web-page delves into the significance of this raw and powerful 12" vinyl LP album, exploring the impact of its tracks
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S/T Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP