[rating=6.00]
Appearances have always been deceiving with Iggy Pop. His long, stringy locks and shirtless stage-diving swagger project a cocksure authority and unbridled rebellion, yet belie a tenderhearted soulfulness and well-read pedigree. His music and persona can be a tad urgent and “in your face” from time to time, but conversely he can tone things down enough to spark subdued and wistful reflections that make you pause and consider the masked poet that has endured over the decades to become one of rock and roll’s last remaining testifiers.
A true renegade, yet also a well-known brand, Iggy’s countenance has been all over the map in recent years, as he’s made the rounds doing voice-overs for Comedy Central pilots, lending musical and vocal chops to Grand Theft Auto, dusting off old gems for new audiences on American Idol, and most recently visiting his old stomping grounds with kindred spirit John Varvatos in Cadillac ads. He may not specifically be “The Most Interesting Man in the World”, but he’s been around long enough to be in the conversation.
Having just celebrated his 66th year on Earth, and still plunging headfirst into life’s offerings, you may be forgiven for taking the title of this album, Ready To Die, with a grain of salt. Occasionally, you may even be excused for overlooking the fact that Iggy is making new music at all, but never underestimate or take for granted the tricks that he holds up his sleeve (should he ever be so inclined to wear a shirt). Two interesting nuggets of information are revealed with this new release, the first being the use of the moniker, Iggy and the Stooges, which is employed here for the first time in ages. The second is found in the album’s title, which may be a reference to the 2009 death of original member Ron Asheton. Those looking to make that connection need look no further the lyrical content, which centers around general themes of weariness, strife, and resignation. Soldiering on in one’s later years gets more complicated as longtime mates check out, and Iggy chronicles these feelings in an eloquently believable manner. Iggy seems a bit weary himself, but finds solace in continuing to fight the good fight.
In contrast to some of the lyrical world-weariness though, is the sound. The album’s sonic template and general vibe serve as a testament to Asheton’s enduring spirit, and are indicative of a band that once created an album called Raw Power. Rather than push the envelope with new and experimental avenues, Iggy and his mates-here featuring the reliable and inspired outfit of Ron’s brother Scott on drums, Mike Watt on bass, and James Williamson taking the lead ax reins-power through the bulk of the album’s material, adding grit, dirty blues, and grisly propulsion to tracks like leadoff rave-up, “Burn”, the culture skewer take “Gun”, and the manic whirl of “Dirty Deal”. In these moments and several others on the record, it feels as though the band has stepped back into a 1970 time machine as they bleed the ears with a maniacal rage and focused intensity that hearkens back to the classics of Fun House era Stooges. It’s part homage to the departed Mr. Asheton, and a way for the band to pay their respects by sending their gratefulness and reverence out into the heavens.
This template of ragged rockers keeps the album shimmering with joy and excitement. However, the spirit of the album takes a few lumps as it sags under the plodding structure of a few of its’ quieter numbers. “Unfriendly World” despite sporting a resonant message and some sage elder advice, drags under Iggy’s Cohen-esque delivery and Williamson’s clunky countrified guitar strums. “Beat That Guy” trips over itself as it cuts a little too close to Neil Diamond pomp and grandeur. And to seek out the general reaction to the album’s most stand-alone track, simply take a perusal through Iggy fansites and message boards to sample the divisiveness of the semi-dirty ditty, “DD’s”. Give credit to the guys for mixing up the tempo, but these tracks likely won’t receive the repeat attention granted to their revved-up brothers.
For a band pushing the 40-year mark of existence, Iggy and the Stooges blast through these songs with a strong, vital sense of purpose and confidence. Ready to Die has some hiccups, but it is more a statement of timely purpose and a reminder that they’re capable of hanging in there with a new generation of rock fans. You get the feeling that Iggy will be around a while to grind out his continued power strokes to the masses.
