Iggy & The Stooges "Ready To Die"

Released 04/30/2013

In 2006 Iggy reformed the Stooges with guitarist Ron Asheton, recorded 4 tracks and started appearing live for the first time since 1974.  In 2007 they recorded an album of new songs.  I wanted so badly to be knocked out by “The Weirdness” but, alas, it wasn’t that strong an album. The gigs were good though.  In early 2009 Ron Asheton passed away.  Sigh.

Later in 2009 Iggy got together and reformed Iggy & the Stooges (“Raw Power”) with guitarist James Williamson and started doing live shows.  Forward to 2013 and they recorded a new album “Ready To Die”.  This was the album I expected in 2007.  Produced by Williamson it doesn’t try to burden itself being another “Raw Power”.  It’s a good rock band that’s played together long enough to present us with a tight album doing what they do best…having fun (both musically and lyrically).  The spirit of the earlier Stooges albums (and the best of Iggy’s solo work) is there in spades.  The only miss for me is “Unfriendly World” with Iggy’s Leonard Cohen voice he’s used unsuccessfully in the past. 

      This album rocks out.