Off The Shelf -- Iggy and the Stooges

Iggy and the Stooges - Raw Power
Release Date - February 1973


The seminal summer album; equal parts raw sexuality and angry, rebellious urges. "Raw Power" by Iggy and the Stooges exemplifies youth and passion in the heat of the summertime. All with a early punk, D.I.Y. sound.

This isn't your grandma's summer album, and "Raw Power" isn't for the faint of heart. Iggy's voice rips through the listener like a high speed car chase. He simultaneously gets your adrenaline pumping and scares you half to death. Iggy and his style basically represents the badboy in everyone. You wouldn't take him home to mother, but you are completely infatuated with nonetheless.

The eight song album is only slightly over a half-hour long, but it's perfect for "Raw Power." Perhaps the most famous song, "Search and Destroy" kicks off the album like a bullet out of a gun. It gives the listener a sense of what is to come and pulls them in for more. My personal favorite is "Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell." It's part love song and part a plea to find an accomplice. Looking for something a little lustier? Try the aptly named "Penetration."

"Raw Power" may not be for your family's 4th of July BBQ, but this sexual and scary album from the godfather of punk will definitely keep you up all night.

Mixtapes: Jason Anderson

photo via musicsnobbery

I always wonder what musicians think about themselves and their careers. We as fans obviously see it a certain way, but how do the musicians themselves see it? What does their music mean? How do they see their career? What do they listen to?

In my quest to find out more about the artists I adore I have decided to start "Mixtapes." The goal is to talk to musicians and learn more about them. For the initial post of this I have asked one of my personal favorite artists, Jason Anderson, to answer a few questions.

Here are his answers:

1 -- Who would play you in a movie?

There would and will never be a movie about me. But I would love to be portrayed in muppet form. That would rule.

2 -- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you while on tour/doing a show?

Nothing especially "crazy" except for the "insane" amounts of fun and connection experienced, night after night, town to town.

3 -- What's on rotation on your iPod right now?

Phish, Sun Kil Moon, Propagandhi

4 -- Who inspires you?

My friends, different writers, people who make awesome vegan food.

5 -- Why are you a musician?

The Incans lived by three basic laws: Munay, Llankay, Yachay, which, roughly translated, mean Love, Service (or Practice, Work), Wisdom (that of being in touch with your "authentic" self). I learned about this when I was recently in Peru, and really connect deeply with this idea. I totally love music, therefore I play music for myself (and others), and through this I feel that I am truly "me." Or something like that.