Page 26 - the NOISE June 2016
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MUSIC
IGGY POP
Post Pop Despression
Loma Vista Records
I was trying to buy this the other day, and the record store clerk asked me if I needed any help. I said, “yes, I’m looking for the new Iggy Pop LP,” — blank stare — followed by, “How do you spell that?” Now, to be fair the assistant was possibly half my age, but really? What do they teach kids at school these days? Sigh. Well, youngsters (I hope I don’t sound too preachy here), Iggy Pop has probably changed the course of popular music more than history is presently willing to admit. His
1960s band The Stooges are now posthumously credited as being the first-ever Punk band. And Iggy, well golly, he was for sure a punk before there was even a word for it!
The original UK punk scene embraced and copied much of Iggy’s late- 60s and early-70s pioneering madness, and added a few whiny affected vocals on top of Stooges guitar riffs, repackaged and reclaimed it as their own — then ingeniously sold it back to the yanks. But anyways ... history lesson over, you want to know what Iggy’s new LP is like? Well, quite wonderful is my answer. Like an old favorite dirty sweater you just found at the back of your closet, it’s great to be reacquainted. I wouldn’t call this new LP punk by any stretch, but I can forgive Mr. Pop for that, given he just celebrated his 69th birthday and somehow still has the body and full head of hair of a man at least 30 years younger.
This is a very convincing hard rock album, with some beautiful, subtle arrangements and flourishes. Iggy’s vocals are relaxed and confident, warm and spot-on for the duration of the nine songs. Highlights are numerous from the get go. Opening track “Break Into your Heart” is a great vehicle for Iggy’s crooning vocals. “American Valhalla” opens with a delightful eastern plinky-plonky refrain followed by a tough sounding fuzz bass — a unique and winning combination. As a whole this is my favorite Iggy Pop full-length since the classic 70s Bowie-produced Lust For Life and The Idiot. I hate to end on a morbid note, but in these recent dark days, when genuine musical pioneers are leaving us all too soon, we should embrace and celebrate the true heroes that still walk amongst us. Especially when they are still moving forward, and not looking back. Viva Iggy!
MERCURY GIRLS
Ariana c/w All That Heaven Allows
Slumberland
Oakland’s presently peerless Slumberland Records has a fine history of embracing the seven-inch medium and has been churning out dynamic underground pop hits since 1989. Philadelphia’s Mercury Girls are a new one to the label, and to me, but manage to pack quite the punch and tick all the boxes with this, their debut seven-inch. The production is great, big and swirly, perfect for the 80s-esque vocal style of Sarah Schiminek. Guitars are crunchy, with a chorusy-effect post- punk vibe, and the drums are energetic and imaginative. I think I’m in love. Slumberlandrecords.com
THE FALL
Wise Ol’ Man
Cherry Red Records
It is said there are two kinds of people in this world: Those who like The Fall, and everyone else. On paper, it shouldn’t really work — the well documented persistent line-up changes, the punch-ups, decades of alcohol and amphetamine abuse, money squabbles and record label difficulties. It’s hard to think of a more turbulent band that has managed to retain such an uncompromised identity for the past 40 years. Frontman (I am reluctant to say “singer”), 58-year-old Mark E. Smith must surely be a wise ol’ man to have lasted this long and still remain relevant.
Since 1976 he has steered The Fall with an iron fist and a singular vision through more LPs than I can be bothered to count (and I have a fair few of them). Old school purists often claim the early 80s as The Falls’“classic” period, but I beg to differ. His current band, (featuring his glamorous third wife Elena on keyboards and vocal respite from Smith), is taught and together. The arrangements are great. There is no flab here! Smith’s vocals, the defining feature for both lovers and haters of The Fall, are as alive and ridiculous as ever. This new seven song EP (or would that be a mini LP?), is as vibrant and uncompromising as any era of the band. I think the only difference being, it usually takes the rest of the world 20 or 30 years to catch up with Smith — making this a future classic.
| Beverley Napalm is Northern Arizona’s musical consultant.
REVIEWS BY BEVERLEY NAPALM
music@thenoise.us
26 • JUNE 2016 • the NOISE arts & news • thenoise.us