Stupefied: The James Williamson (Stooges) Playlist

James Williamson and his trusty Gibson Les Paul. Shot by Robert Matheu.

Today is a big day. Not only do the Stooges have a brand new album out today (Ready To Die - available now), but guitarist James Williamson has very kindly shared his own Stupefied playlist with us! I cannot express how honored I am by this. After all, this guy's fret work has been ringing my bell, not to mention my ears, for over 30 years now! A big, big Stupefaction thank you to you, James!

The Stooges are a busy bunch. As I write this, I just got back from seeing them perform a show great 11-song set for an intimate crowd of 450 at Le Poisson Rouge here in New York. (Setlist: Gun, Job, Burn, Ready To Die, Raw Power, Gimme Danger, Sex and Money, Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell, The Departed, 1970, Fun House.) The show was webcast by NPR Music (watch it here), and will probably have been broadcast across the NPR radio network by the time you're reading this. The band will have also appeared on the Colbert Report last night, and that'll be available for streaming online as well. After that? Who knows, but they do have some European summer festivals lined up, so keep an eye on the Stooges' Facebook page, or one of the links above.

For some really good reading on James, I highly suggest some of the interviews he's done with Australian website, the I-94 Bar, starting with this one. The site also has some great interviews with Ron & Scott Asheton, and a lot more...

Buy Ready To Die and other Stooges' classics here. I should also give a shout out to saxophonist, Steve Mackay. Visit his site here.

01. Bob Dylan – Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine)
02. The Rolling Stones – Ventilator Blues
03. Jeff Beck Group – I Ain't Superstitious
04. The Velvet Underground – Rock & Roll
05. T. Rex – Life's A Gas
06. Keith Jarrett – The Mourning of a Star
07. Love – Bummer In The Summer
08. Marvin Gaye – Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
09. The New York Dolls – Frankenstein
10. The Beach Boys – Let's Go Away For Awhile
11. Randy Newman – Living Without You
12. Sly & The Family Stone – Everyday People
13. The Velvet Underground – White Light/White Heat
14. T. Rex – Metal Guru
15. Jimi Hendrix – Fire
16. Roky Erickson – Two Headed Dogs
17. Al Green – Belle
18. The Kinks – Starstruck
19. Frank Zappa – Little Umbrellas
20. John Coltrane Quartet – A Love Supreme Part I: Acknowledgement

Before: Iggy & James, early 1970's, by Robert Matheu

After: Iggy & James about 40 years later! Also by Robert Matheu