Amazon.com photoThe 1970s music scene was full of love, drugs and local music that was shunned by the short haired authority. The sounds were of love, peace and calls to bring home the troops from southeast Asia.

But a small band of young, long-haired young men called the Stooges blasted onto the scene, changing music forever and inspiring countless musicians with their second album “Fun House.”

The first thing you notice about the album “Fun House” is the wild and crazy cover. Reds, oranges and yellows make up the artwork, along with a young Jim Osterberg Jr.(aka Iggy Pop). It’s a premonition that what’s to come is nothing but loud, raw chaos.

“Fun House” is one of those albums that must be experienced solely on vinyl; digital media just won’t do. It gives a different quality to the sound. The guitars are edgier, the bass louder and the saxophone higher. And yes, I did say saxophone.

This is a punk album with a very distinct saxophone part in the background. It especially adds to the chaos and ear-splitting sound of the song “L.A. Blues.”

Listening to this album is much different than listening to the music of today. It was recorded live, which adds to the effect of the music. You feel as if you are at one of the famous Stooges shows while listening to this album.

Ron Asheton’s guitar comes screaming out of the speakers with enough distorted force to feel as if one has been hit by a hammer, such as in the song “Fun House.”

One does not simply listen to this album; one experiences it. You feel the music consume you. This album was the gateway to the punk music we know today, and will live on long after all of the original members are dead and gone.

We should look at “Fun House” as the cornerstone of not only punk, but also of alternative music as well. So take some time out of your day to sit down, turn the lights low and take a trip through the “Fun House.”