Iggy Pop, ‘Skull Ring’
By user • Nov 9th, 2003 • Category: Album Reviews
Attention contestants, are you ready to play “Good Idea/Bad Idea”? Today’s subject is the career of Detroit proto-punker, Iggy Pop, with a special focus on his latest release, “Skull Ring.” Let’s begin.
Leading the garage revolution in the ‘70s while fronting The Stooges on masterpieces “Raw Power” and “Fun House.” (Good idea)
Taking 20 years apart from the band while battling a public addiction to heroin. (Bad idea)
Collaborating with The Stooges again. This album is as primal as their releases prior to 1973, particularly the tracks “Loser” and “Skull Ring.” (Good Idea)
Opting for some of his weakest lyrics to date on “Skull Ring,” with lines such as “Here comes the summer/ The mighty mighty summer/ Here comes the summer/ We’re gonna have a good time,” from the track aptly titled “Here Comes The Summer.” (Bad idea)
After uninspired performances on 2001’s “Beat’ Em Up,” and 1999’s “Avenue B,” regaining the cocky and brutal swagger which helped to form Pop’s mythic persona. (Good idea)
Joining forces with Nico, New Order and David Bowie during the ‘70s and ‘80s. (Good idea.)
Duetting with current electro-diva Peaches and Canadian infantile punks Sum 41 on “Skull Ring” while falling short of the mark in a pitiful attempt by the 56-year-old Pop to regain his youthful edge. (Bad idea)
That wraps things up for us here at “Good Idea/Bad Idea.” It seems “Good Idea” takes the close battle over Iggy Pop and his mediocre current release “Skull Ring.”
The intentions on “Skull Ring” are genuine, but the 16 tracks are a series of near misses and false starts which leave Pop pining for the past.
Northern Star, Nov. 29, 2003
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