Album Review: 'Skull Ring' - Iggy's POPular comeback - running rings around modern punk

Overall, this album may not be as raw, visceral, and fresh as Iggy Pop's early work -- and some of it seems a bit forced and a few of the collaborations border on sell-out territory or the completely forgettable (I'm thinking of the Sum 41 duet especially, but that ended up being one of the album's biggest hits, so when even the cheesiest track is a hit, you know the other stuff will rock) -- but in the end it's a helluva lot a fun, rocks like crazy, and brings back a power and energy lacking from Pop's more low-key solo work of recent years.

And the Stooges are back on some tracks! Such a longed for reunion mixed with cool guest stars and lots of energy. Overall, an exciting little album. Still, where Mr. Pop still rules is LIVE ... if you ever get a chance to see him perform at a stadium, club, or outdoor show, RUN, don't walk. It'll be worth every penny, even if you've never loved his live or studio albums... watching this man onstage, even in 2004, is like a fever dream of power and vitality.

After seeing some of the "Skull Ring" tracks performed live by the reunited Iggy & the Stooges (and, lately, with the great Mike "Minutemen" Watt on bass), it becomes clear that "Skull Ring" actually fits in perfectly with Iggy's seminal punk from the early '70s... somehow, this aging dude is still knocking out new material that cuts as deeply as the old... And at it's best, "Skull Ring" stands with the classics.

For your enjoyment, here's the breakdown of Iggy Pop's "Skull Ring" collaborations. If I've left anyone out, leave a note. (Also, check out the "FatherFu****" album by Peaches for another good Iggy Pop-Peaches duet):

Little Electric Chair (with The Stooges)

Perverts In The Sun (with The Trolls)

Skull Rings (with The Stooges) {alternate title: "Skull Ring"}

Super babe (with The Trolls)

Loser (with The Stooges)

Private Hell (with Green Day)

Little Know It All (with Sum 41)

Whatever (with The Trolls)

Dead Rock Star (with The Stooges)

Rock Show (with Peaches)

Here Comes The Summer (with The Trolls)

Motor Inn (with Peaches)

Inferiority Complex (with The Trolls)

Supermarket (with Green Day)

Till Wrong Feels Right {Iggy Pop solo}

Blood On My Cool (with The Trolls)

Nervous Exhaustion (with The Trolls) {hidden bonus track}

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