POP, IGGY

For those unfamiliar with the careening, death-defying life and music of Iggy Pop, NUDE & RUDE provides a concise and potent overview. Opening with tracks from his seminal late '60s outfit, The Stooges, the assault is immediate. "Search & Destroy," "No Fun," and "Gimme Danger" all possess an animalistic power to which many bands aspire but very few achieve. The countless cover versions that have surfaced over the years have only underscored the Stooges' bone-rattling urgency. Iggy's solo career has been more fitful. Beset by various forms of self-abuse, Pop resurfaced in the late '70s with David Bowie (who has produced Pop a number of times). Bowie tossed his pop agenda into Pop's molten rock. "Lust for Life" and "The Passenger" may not have the danger and excitement of Pop's previous work, but they are firm statements of renewed his artistic vigor. Pop returned in the mid-'80s and he has been here to stay ever since. The cannonball "Cry for Love," the uncompromising "Cold Metal," and the pop friendly "Candy" end NUDE & RUDE on a high note, in keeping with Pop's renewed sense of purpose.

Estimated despatch 5-10 days after ordering.