The Stooges

Yes, dear Stooges' fans, your worst fears are true -- 2002's Head On is yet another sneaky repackaging of the same Raw Power-era outtakes that have been released numerous times over the years under a variety of different titles (Studio Sessions, Rubber Legs, etc.). But this time, it's been issued as double-disc set -- beefed up with the addition of a New York City show from 1973. Most longtime fans will be long familiar with the material comprising the first disc, including such tracks that could have made a not-to-be fourth Stooges album a dandy -- "I Got a Right," "Johanna," and "Open Up and Bleed." But there are also other tracks that should have stayed locked up in the vaults -- a meandering jam dubbed "Pin Point Eyes," as well as very slightly different mixes of familiar Raw Power tracks ("Death Trip," "Raw Power," etc.). Obviously, the second disc is supposed to entice hardcore fans into spending the extra bucks, but its poor audio and lackluster performance contained within (this must have been recorded after the group saw the writing on the wall -- they were kaput by 1974) makes 'Head On a mere fender-bender. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide