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On the Shelf 218: Iggy Pop
Aug. 28th, 2020 02:17 pmIggy is one of those artists that I can always talk about. 2020 brings us a nice big boxed set of the Bowie years. I am such a Stooges guy. It's not I don't love The Idiot and Lust for Life, but I have to admit, they generally haven't been my go-tos, but listening to them again, they are pretty flawless. I have also been reading on Bowie in Berlin, so this has also helped my appreciation. I think we know now that it really was a true collaboration. I think we think of Bowie elevating Iggy, but it went both ways.
Iggy is one of those artists that seemingly had his every move caught on tape. I have spent a great deal of time and money over the years on the various compilations and live albums. Interestingly, why the complaint about the boxed set is that the bonus live material has been widely available on bootlegs forever, it was new to me.
So the boxed set has went along largely unheralded, but it has brought me a lot of joy. I would recommend the five minute interview with Pop from the time period for an insight on the relationship between the two artists. The live album for me is the best part.
Iggy at The Agora in Cleveland is phenomenal. It is an incredible live performance from someone who has had a career in incredible live performances in several separate decades and guises.
The addition of Bowie on keyboards really does include this great aspect to the work. Of course, it's Bowie but it truly is the work of this fantastic band. Iggy is backed also by the Sales brothers, and on these live performance, either longtime cohort Scotty Thurston or underappreciated 'Berlin records' hero Ricky Gardiner. The setlist heavy on the Stooges' biggest 'hits' with a smattering of new songs that fit the aesthetic seamlessly like "Turn Blue"(with its "Mama, I shot myself up" mid-song breakdown, the pulsating keyboard led "China Girl"and "Funtime".
My pick for today is "Gimme Danger" as it shows the nuance of the addition of Bowie to a song that doesn't generally have room for nuance, and it's just but one example from the set. The Rainbow Theatre set from London that opens up the live disc falls short only in comparison for me. It's still high octane Iggy, of course. Also included on the box set is the previously released TV Eye Live- which draws from American tour stops and has some of that bold-faced rebellion.
Almost as revelatory as the Agora performance (and maybe even more) is the Mantra Studios, Chicago concert. No audience here, but you would never guess it. Ig is at his most energetic. The band backs him up at 100mph. Bowie adds to the frenzy with keys and his vocals are backing clear and recognizable.
I have long loved Metallic KO and its confrontation (and a long list of worthy descendants like the Sex Pistols, Black Flag, the Cramps, the Dead Boys, and so many more), that I thought I had seen it all- but the Agora concert and Mantra Studios performance easily finds itself a place among the best.
Iggy is one of those artists that seemingly had his every move caught on tape. I have spent a great deal of time and money over the years on the various compilations and live albums. Interestingly, why the complaint about the boxed set is that the bonus live material has been widely available on bootlegs forever, it was new to me.
So the boxed set has went along largely unheralded, but it has brought me a lot of joy. I would recommend the five minute interview with Pop from the time period for an insight on the relationship between the two artists. The live album for me is the best part.
Iggy at The Agora in Cleveland is phenomenal. It is an incredible live performance from someone who has had a career in incredible live performances in several separate decades and guises.
The addition of Bowie on keyboards really does include this great aspect to the work. Of course, it's Bowie but it truly is the work of this fantastic band. Iggy is backed also by the Sales brothers, and on these live performance, either longtime cohort Scotty Thurston or underappreciated 'Berlin records' hero Ricky Gardiner. The setlist heavy on the Stooges' biggest 'hits' with a smattering of new songs that fit the aesthetic seamlessly like "Turn Blue"(with its "Mama, I shot myself up" mid-song breakdown, the pulsating keyboard led "China Girl"and "Funtime".
My pick for today is "Gimme Danger" as it shows the nuance of the addition of Bowie to a song that doesn't generally have room for nuance, and it's just but one example from the set. The Rainbow Theatre set from London that opens up the live disc falls short only in comparison for me. It's still high octane Iggy, of course. Also included on the box set is the previously released TV Eye Live- which draws from American tour stops and has some of that bold-faced rebellion.
Almost as revelatory as the Agora performance (and maybe even more) is the Mantra Studios, Chicago concert. No audience here, but you would never guess it. Ig is at his most energetic. The band backs him up at 100mph. Bowie adds to the frenzy with keys and his vocals are backing clear and recognizable.
I have long loved Metallic KO and its confrontation (and a long list of worthy descendants like the Sex Pistols, Black Flag, the Cramps, the Dead Boys, and so many more), that I thought I had seen it all- but the Agora concert and Mantra Studios performance easily finds itself a place among the best.
