The Stooges

Few albums inspired the reactions and registered the impact of the Stooges’ primordial self-titled debut. To a majority of listeners who encountered it shortly after it was released the same week Woodstock happened in 1969, the record seemingly came from another planet despite the fact its songs reflect the band’s Detroit surroundings and youthful malaise.

Originally deemed by Rolling Stone “loud, boring, tasteless, unimaginative and childish” — sentiments shared by many critics — only later to be included on the magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time register, The Stooges established the template for myriad styles and the snarling attitude that would be associated with the still-years-away punk scene. Time further proved the band’s stomping, clattering rock ‘n’ roll way ahead of the curve given the work is now cited on endless “Best Album” lists.