Iggy's back, dammit. While the debate rages as to whether James Osterberg AKA Iggy Pop is still able to rock like he used to (the man's 50, OK?), there's no doubt that "Avenue B" is his best album in years. For people who are confused by Iggy's melancholy croon and only understand the cathartic wail of "Raw Power," where you been? Iggy's been telling you for twenty years that his favorite vocalist is Frank Sinatra. Rather than attempting another rock-out-for-the-kids-it's-what-you-do-best CD, Iggy instead pursues his neo-beat-post-concept-introspective-poetic-confessional type recording. Sure there's upbeat stuff like "Corruption" and the raucous cover of Johnny Kidd's "Shakin' All Over," but the Ig's present state of mind is better understood with the refined mood groove of the title cut and the dark, brooding "Miss Argentina." The bottom line on "Avenue B" is that it's a particularly literate CD and requires some attention be paid to the lyrics. Dealing with loss and isolation, middle age and the specter of death looming over his shoulder, sweet baby James has made the mature decision to make some mature decisions. "Afraid To Get Close" is a short spoken word piece of self-analysis that reveals a thinking man's brain behind the rock warrior exterior. Which reminds me, Iggy Pop is coming to the Metro tonight and tomorrow and he is going to tear the place down. He's going to scream and shout and wiggle and contort himself like an insane iguana and his band is going to burn like hell. Now which Iggy do you want? The new mature Iggy or the old fashioned self-destructo Iggy who knows how to entertain?
by Mitch Myers
copyright 1999 New City Communications, Inc.