I’ll tell you two things I know about The Stooges: Lead singer Iggy Pop and the song, “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” was featured in the movie “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrells.”

Needless to say that’s not much, but that’s where I stand and in the end that helps in reviewing their self-titled album, “The Stooges.”

It was like reviewing something new, even though the album came out in 1969.

As a co-worker said, The Stooges were a band before their time. They were punk before punk was really a standard.

The Stooges have an energy that is personified through Pop. Anybody who has seen Pop perform knows exactly what I’m talking about. The man jumps, cavorts and contorts better than most, while slamming out vocals with a voice that sounds like he gargled with gravel — and I doubt that’s the only time that description has been used.

The intriguing side of The Stooges, though, is you don’t have to be a punk fan to enjoy the songs. You just need a love for good old rock ‘n roll.

 Dig it

I can only imagine that when The Stooges released their first album a lot of people felt like they got punched in the face. The 1960s were at that time, more known for the peace and love kick.

The Stooges flew in the face of this, and I love that aspect of their album. It just rolls and it smashes.

Again, it’s the energy the band produced at the time that stands this album out.

Didn’t dig it

There wasn’t much about the album itself I didn’t like, but a song. The lengthy 10:18 “We Will Fall,” drones much too long. It never mixes it up and just keeps a steady course of monotonous trudging.

 Standout track

Or course I’m going with “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” the aforementioned song featured on the sound track for “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.”

And even without the scene it accompanies in the movie of the main character leaving a poker game after loosing everything, the song resonates.

Final verdict

I went in knowning two things about The Stooges and left feeling pretty good about them.

They’re not something I’m going to listen to a lot, but they will fill a hole on those days where I can’t quite figure out what to listen to.

 Have a group you would like to challenge Eric and Jason with? Email them at photodesk@austindailyherald.com or jason.schoonover@austindailyherald.com. Please include the name of the band, the specific album and your name.