Released on Bomp in 1977, Kill City captures Iggy Pop in a rare moment of vulnerability and few can argue that in terms of the quality of material and the strength of Iggy's voice, this is an overlooked achievement.
Kill City helped bridge Iggy Pop's musical career from the drug-fueled and blazing rock of the Stooges (Raw Power, etc.) to his artier (but just as influential and passionate) David Bowie-produced solo albums (The Idiot and Lust for Life). After the Stooges broke up for good in 1974, Iggy (who was depressed, suicidal, and addicted to hard drugs) checked himself into a mental hospital to straighten out. When he emerged sober, Iggy hooked up with ex-Stooges guitarist James Williamson and began collaborating on demos. The duo tried to land a record contract on the strength of the compositions, but failed to do so. Although it's not as jaw-dropping as the releases listed above, Kill City certainly has its moments. And surprisingly, the songs sound more like laid-back Stones rockers than what the duo was known for at the time (which was barely containable near-heavy metal).
There are a couple of Stooges leftovers ("Johanna" and "I Got Nothin") which lack the bite of the originals, but make up for it in Iggy's heartfelt vocals. The title track opens the album, with the lyrics painting a picture of a desperate and dangerous metropolis, and musically is the closest to the classic Stooges sound. Iggy and James' admiration of Jagger and Richards shows on the tracks "Sell Your Love," "Lucky Monkeys," and the instrumental "Night Theme." Also, synthesizers and keyboards are featured on "Master Charge," signaling the new direction Iggy would soon embark on.
Kill City helped bridge Iggy Pop's musical career from the drug-fueled and blazing rock of the Stooges (Raw Power, etc.) to his artier (but just as influential and passionate) David Bowie-produced solo albums (The Idiot and Lust for Life). After the Stooges broke up for good in 1974, Iggy (who was depressed, suicidal, and addicted to hard drugs) checked himself into a mental hospital to straighten out. When he emerged sober, Iggy hooked up with ex-Stooges guitarist James Williamson and began collaborating on demos. The duo tried to land a record contract on the strength of the compositions, but failed to do so. Although it's not as jaw-dropping as the releases listed above, Kill City certainly has its moments. And surprisingly, the songs sound more like laid-back Stones rockers than what the duo was known for at the time (which was barely containable near-heavy metal).
There are a couple of Stooges leftovers ("Johanna" and "I Got Nothin") which lack the bite of the originals, but make up for it in Iggy's heartfelt vocals. The title track opens the album, with the lyrics painting a picture of a desperate and dangerous metropolis, and musically is the closest to the classic Stooges sound. Iggy and James' admiration of Jagger and Richards shows on the tracks "Sell Your Love," "Lucky Monkeys," and the instrumental "Night Theme." Also, synthesizers and keyboards are featured on "Master Charge," signaling the new direction Iggy would soon embark on.
TRACK LISTING
Kill City
Sell Your Love
Beyond The Law
I Got Nothin'
Johanna
Night Theme
Night Theme (Reprise)
Consolation Prizes
No Sense Of Crime
Lucky Monkeys
Master Charge