The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

Iggy Records and Destroys

What is it about aging rock stars who, with drooping skin and sunken eye sockets, continue to wear previously appreciated tight pants and attempt rocking in a studio instead of chairs designated for rocking? (I’m looking at you, Mick and Keith). Iggy Pop is no exception, as he is joined by former Stooges, brothers Ron and Scott Asheton, for a collaboration nearly 30 years after their last release, 1970’s “Fun House.”

On “The Weirdness,” however, Mr. Pop’s “only idea of fun / is killing everyone,” and writing terrible lyrics.

It’s as if he is attempting to write sappy country lyrics while keeping up the typical godfatherof- punk toughness: “I’ve got a crazy look in my eye / since my girl ran off with a Mexican guy.”

Acknowledging his selling out, as the kids say, Iggy sings about spending time at the ATM, a woman who took his money and “greedy awful people” who are probably after his Royal Caribbean Cruise paycheck.

The Asheton brothers do not lead listeners to doubt whether or not they’ve still “got it,” as guitar shredding and rocking percussion are spread throughout the album like peanut butter and glass spread on Iggy’s chest.

The strength in talent, however, is surrendered to overproduction and over-simplicitystraying from the Stooges’ once raw sound.

The Stooges are able to recall the dark balladic sounds of earlier work on the title track, “The Weirdness” and “Passing Cloud.” While Iggy screams, “I’m fried!” on the last track, the song (and entire album, for that matter) screams “studio production!”

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Iggy Records and Destroys