Artist Collection

rom all the different eras of Iggy Pop's recording career, the period spanning 1979 through 1982 was not one of his strongest, as addiction began to hinder his life once more, and as a result, his music. But it's not to say that there weren't a few worthwhile cuts from this era, most of which are featured on the 14-track import, 2004's Artist Collection: Iggy Pop. With bands such as the Cars topping the charts in America, Iggy attempted to hone in on the new wave crowd during this period, as synthesizers and tighter song structures played a more prominent role. Highlights include one of his more underrated rockers, "I'm Bored," as well as "Five Foot One," "Loco Mosquito," "Knocking 'Em Down (In the City)," as well as a surprisingly effective reading of "Sea of Love" (the latter of which has to make you wonder, how would a standards album sung by Iggy turn out?). While certainly not the cream of Iggy's solo career, Artist Collection does contain some of his more overlooked and underrated tracks (which probably would have benefited from a more raw 'n' rocking approach). ~ Greg Prato|