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Album Details

• Artist: Iggy Pop
• Album: The Idiot
• Label: Virgin
• Year of Release: 1977
• ME Rating: Indie Classic
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2003-03-31

I'm not sure if The Stooges fans were ready for the direction switch that Iggy Pop decided to take on his debut solo album. While a relief to see that Iggy was still with the living (he actually was in a mental hospital for a couple of years), nobody knew that he would turn to David Bowie for inspiration. For starters, Iggy actually started singing as opposed to the growl scream that came from his time with the Stooges. The music was all co-written with Bowie and David also helped Iggy get a band together. Production credits go to Bowie as well. Everyone has heard the track "Nightclubbing" due to it's inclusion in Trainspotting. That's the second track on the album. Another surprise for the unknowing is that the track "China Girl" is also here. Yes, Iggy recorded it before Bowie ever did. Another great track of note is "Dum Dum Boys", a tribute to Pop's days with the Stooges. Some of the tracks start to head down a drug induced path but make a nice return to the land of the sober just before you think there is no hope. The Idiot has more similarities to a David Bowie album than an Iggy Pop album but it was a start to a brand new career for Iggy Pop. This album is a must in any alt rock collection.

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