So, which way do you prefer this amazing record, Bowie or Iggy style?
I used to prefer Iggy's 1997 mix. I thought it packed more punch, I especially enjoyed the massive sound of the guitars, and the loud force of the drums. I was initially very shocked after buying the recently released Legacy Edition, which contains the Bowie mix and a set of live performed songs. "What have they done to Raw Power? Where's that amazing album? These aren't even the same songs!" were my thoughts for a few quick listens. I was particularly frustrated with Gimme Danger, feeling like my favorite song on the album had been deprived of its force.
But those feelings have since gone, and I now enjoy this original mix by Bowie (though there were some pre-release mixes that apparently still circulate as bootlegs) far beyond what I would have to say seems like Iggy turning a perfectly great album into a mess. His remix has been called the loudest album ever, so it's hardly surprising for it to contain clearly audible distortion (which he said was intentional) but what's far worse, it conceals a lot of detail and subtle touches in the playing (yes, The Stooges had such things), and I've come to appreciate what must be faithfulness to the original recording sessions in the Bowie mix.
I used to prefer Iggy's 1997 mix. I thought it packed more punch, I especially enjoyed the massive sound of the guitars, and the loud force of the drums. I was initially very shocked after buying the recently released Legacy Edition, which contains the Bowie mix and a set of live performed songs. "What have they done to Raw Power? Where's that amazing album? These aren't even the same songs!" were my thoughts for a few quick listens. I was particularly frustrated with Gimme Danger, feeling like my favorite song on the album had been deprived of its force.
But those feelings have since gone, and I now enjoy this original mix by Bowie (though there were some pre-release mixes that apparently still circulate as bootlegs) far beyond what I would have to say seems like Iggy turning a perfectly great album into a mess. His remix has been called the loudest album ever, so it's hardly surprising for it to contain clearly audible distortion (which he said was intentional) but what's far worse, it conceals a lot of detail and subtle touches in the playing (yes, The Stooges had such things), and I've come to appreciate what must be faithfulness to the original recording sessions in the Bowie mix.
Looks like we're not going down after all, so nevermind.
