"The truth is you need all three versions of Raw Power. Each mix sounds like an entirely different album. Get Iggy's re-mix first (the current CBS release), it's the fullest, most balanced version. Then, if you can find it, get Bowie's mix (the first CBS CD edition). It has a certain hazy, nuggets-psych appeal. This is the last version you should try, but don't discount it. These are the original tapes mixed by the Stooges themselves. These are the tapes the CBS execs balked at and refused to release unless Bowie agreed to 'fix' them. The brothers Ashton have gone on record saying they actually prefer these mixes. They sound almost like an 80's hardcore or crust version of the band. The low end rumbles muddily and aggressively, the high end sort of jumps out of your speakers at you and there is no middle to speak of. There's every manner of leakage and over-modulation and it still manages to completely kick ass. This mix has an unmistakeable 'bite', despite the drawbacks. So get it last, but get it."
UNNECESSARY
theidiot | Brooklyn, NY United States | 02/26/2000
(2 out of 5 stars)
"This CD was a popular alternative to Bowie's thinly-mixed version of Raw Power for many years, but now that Iggy's superior sounding re-mixed Raw Power is out there really is no need to buy this CD unless you are a diehard collector. The first seven songs (same sequence as the Raw Power CD minus Shake Appeal) sound good, but the numerous alternate takes are horrible sounding. Buy the re-mixed Raw Power instead, and if you're curious about the alternate takes, check out the Studio Sessions CD - three of the alternate takes appear here as well as other outtakes from the Raw Power recording sessions - it's a much more interesting CD."
Rug Power!
P. McCormick | Lincroft, NJ United States | 09/14/2003
(1 out of 5 stars)
"...so called because it sounds as if there's a pretty thick rug over the speakers. I recently found an old box of cassette tapes from my childhood when I used to record off the radio, using a built-in mic, onto cheap fe tapes. This sounds worse than any of them. The only appreciably different mix is that of Raw Power itself, which has atrocious backing vocals - thankfully taken off the finished version. The radio broadcast is amusing but the djs only play more rough tapes which don't sound particularly different. You don't need this album!!! There's a reason Raw Power is held in such high esteem - it was a pretty wonderful record that sounded just fine the way it was released the first time!!! Try and get a vinyl copy of that, or an original CD reissue - get the Iggy remix if you have to, but leave this one in the bargain bin where it belongs."
Muffled and Unremarkable
mencken61 | Metairie, La. United States | 03/26/2002
(2 out of 5 stars)
"This selection of Stoogiana is worth a pass. The demos herein are not up to standard, and the production sounds as it were strained through cheese cloth, a Melita filter, and petroleum jelly. Get Iggy's remixed "Raw Power" and know what recorded mayhem should be."
The Raw Deal For Raw Power
Justin S. Lukenbill | 10/29/2006
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Here's what the packaging doesn't tell you:
- These songs were remixed from the 2nd generation tapes. Not the master tapes.
- Most of the songs are snippets, not entire versions. Often the beginnings and endings are not represented.
- The middle section of the track list is a Detroit radio show from 1973 with in-studio guest Iggy Pop who plays snippets of rough cuts from the up-comming "Raw Power" album. The disc jockeys talk thru some of the songs as well. That seems ironic.
- Normally this wouldn't bother me (see my appreciation for The Velvet Underground's Quinn Tapes and MC5's Ready To Testify boxset) but the mixing job on this cd is FUBAR. Imagine being jet-lagged for 18 hours, eating Cap'n Crunch with no milk, and wearing ear muffs (the big puffy types) while listening to Bill O'Reily choke on his vibrator. You will have a near experience.
- Bomp! Records is soley responsible for this release. Tisk tisk on them for this batch of hoaxary. If you visit thier website you will know the importance of this label. Then you will up-chuck a little in your mouth.