Review: Iggy Pop- Post Pop Depression

I don't know if you've been paying attention this year, but a lot of the old guard in rock music have been dying off: Keith Emerson, Paul Kantner, and probably most covered in the media, David Bowie. His last album, released shortly before his death, was David Bowie's reflection on death, and the culmination of his legacy. This was him gracefully staring into the blackness, and taking his first steps into the dark. In contrast, Bowie's friend and occasional collaborator, Iggy Pop, sees the darkness, snarls and raises his middle fingers.

Iggy Pop, most famously known for his role as front man of the proto-punk band, The Stooges, has always been well known for his wild antics, stage presence and general air of not giving a f*ck. On this album, Pop restrains his inner animal, ever so slightly, to deliver some introspective material, facing the twilight years of his life, and its end, hence the Post Pop Depression. He however, is a little less eager and accepting than Bowie, and a lot more bitter, and I expected nothing different.

Iggy has enlisted Josh Homme (of Queens of the Stone Age), Dean Fertita (of the same, as well as the Dead Weather), and Matt Helders (of Arctic Monkeys), to form his backing band. As such, you get some glimpses of these band's sound on the album, though a little bit subdued, and not enough to be distracting. I would have liked some more explosive drumming from Helders, but whatever. Minor nitpick. Iggy here also takes full use of his ragged voice, much like Bowie did on Blackstar. It's got a wild vibrato reminiscent of Bowie on that album, but I also get some vibes of Michael Gira during that whole Love of Life gothic folk period in Swans' career.

Though a little bit subdued, there are glimpses of intensity. 'Vultures', though complete with a chorus that has Pop making a weird cawing noise, ends with a sudden and jarring volatile screaming fit. There are the occasional hard rock riffs as well, but the real wildness here closes out the last track, 'Paraguay' in which Iggy goes on an absolutely freakish rant that is just amazing.

I think Iggy accomplished his mission here. He seems very concerned with leaving behind a legacy; more than just his name. And I think this along with his other solo work, and his work with the Stooges, will cement that legacy. I just really hope this isn't the end of his story.

Out of a total of five stars, I give this:

Check back in later, where I take a look at some other new albums. What did you think of this record? Are there any albums that you're getting into recently?


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