Iggy and the Stooges—Raw Power Live: In the Hands of the Fans

Just as the Beastie Boys called on fans to shoot the video for Awesome: I Fuckin' Shot That!, Iggy and the Stooges do the same with In the Hands of the Fans. In this case, six contest winners filmed the band performing the 1973 album Raw Power live in its entirety at 2010's All Tomorrow's Parties Festival held at Kutsher's Country Club in Monticello, NY. Following testimonies from the participants about their devotion to the group, the concert begins, with wiry 63-year-old front man Iggy Pop sounding a little reedier than usual but still displaying his patented serpentine moves, while guitarist James Williamson, drummer Scott Asheton, bassist Mike Watt, and saxophone player Steve Mackay play solidly while also dodging the occasional projectile and overeager audience member. Although security removes the rowdies from the stage, Pop invites dancers to join him during “Shake Appeal.” The faster and louder songs tend to work best; consequently, the guys speed up a slower number like “Gimme Danger” to keep the energy up, but the up-tempo renders such tracks less distinctive. After Raw Power, the band performs eight additional selections, including the early favorites “No Fun” and “I Wanna Be Your Dog.” Extras include a Q&A session with fans, video submissions, and a promo featuring Dictators frontman Dick Manitoba. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and Dolby Digital 5.0 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)