THE STOOGES – THE WEIRDNESS (2007)
RATING
To be frank, surely no-one really had high expectations for a great return from the original garage Punk band ? Without David Bowie, riotous carnal live shows, a brush with the commercial charts (the annoying “Real Wild One”), monumental drug use, and flashing his cock at regular intervals, what would be left of Iggy Pop’s legacy over the last 30 years since the break up of The Stooges ? His solo recording career has been less than consistent, milked only by selective die hard fans of Iggy the Punk idol, the original charismatic “bad boy” of Rock. His resurfacing with The Stooges isn’t entirely a new thing either, as various members of the band have contributed to his recordings, most recently on 2003’s “Skull Ring”. So what of the new and improved 2007 Stooges ? A return that would bring us such influential tracks as “I Wanna Be Your Dog”, “1969” or “Down On The Street” ? Although “The Weirdness” retains the original garage Rock authenticity of previous recordings, there’s hardly a cut on the album one could consider worthy enough to add to the band’s legacy.
With the return of the Asheton brothers, the addition of Minuteman Mike Watt on Bass, and legendary Producer Steve Albini at the helm there is at least some of the feral musical originality and raw honesty about the record, but they’re performing a style that’s been around for over 30 years, and due to the lack of memorable songs, all the vitality is ripped out of the performance. In addition, Iggy’s voice is starting to show the strain of time, his trademark snarl, reduced to a wizened croak, not helped by some of the most superficially banal lyrics. Granted, Iggy has never been one of the great wordsmiths, but the adolescent references to his sexual prowess, reckless violence (“My idea of fun, is killing everyone”), and whorish money grabbing girls are tragically comical in their absurdity. “Trollin”, and “She Took My Money” are passable reminders of the glory years, but the rest is an arduous trek through creaking sentimentalism and unconvincing edginess. The Stooges had nothing to prove on this album, and in conclusion “The Weirdness” is mission accomplished.
“The Weirdness” is the last word in shallow nostalgia.
My Trusted MOGs
My Trusted MOGs
I really like Iggy's voice but even on their original stuff like "Funhouse"(which I own) I was never that impressed with them. These songs aren't that bad though but you're right the lyrics aren't too deep.
My Trusted MOGs
Caught them on the Henry Rollins show a while back, and they did a song called "I'm Fried," which was fun at the time, but I'm not impressed by these songs at all, and definitely won't be buying it. it might be me, though, but I think they just can't pull this stuff off anymore.
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August - I have to confess, I wasn't expecting much from this album because Iggy's recent solo albums have been pretty poor.
Michelle - I have to agree with you. "I'm Fried" is the closer of the album which is odd really because it's one of the few half decent songs. sadly by the time you reach it you may have switched off.
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It is sad, because the interview they did with Rollins was really great. It was obvious that they were very excited and happy to be back together playing again, but to be doing the same old thing - to me, it's just disappointing when artists don't grow anywhere.
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The few Iggy cds I've heard I've not been impressed cause they are so uneven stylistically. I've liked song here & there of his but he doesn't seem to be able to sustain any quality material.
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Ouch. These songs are a little tough to get through.
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Tis better to burn out than to fade away. Do you have an opinion on the New York Dolls reunion album, Jeff?
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Michelle - To be honest, I think that Iggy has always been inconsistent and for that reason I had no wild expectation that this would be great. The thing is, they may come back with something better next time.
August - I couldn't put it better. You read my mind!
Marigold - I agree. I listened to the album 6 times over a five day period and it wore me down.
Darmuzz - Ah, good question. Totally different proposition. I thought their return was excellent, and I've heard their live shows were brilliant. What do you think ?
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I thought the New York Dolls' return was surprisingly solid! & my expectations were not high, although maybe that's not fair because Mr. Johansen is a pretty sharp dude.