Iggy Pop

Everyone talks about discovering Iggy with the Stooges. Everyone lies. This solo platter is really the first time most people heard Iggy Pop. As streamlined and clean as Raw Power is filthy and primal, New Values was embraced by the punk/New Wave movement, while "I'm Bored" and "Five Foot One" were played on FM classic rock radio.

This album provides what it advertises only to those who consider Iggy a font of natural wisdom--there are such people, you know. But it does get at least partway over on the strength of a first side that has the casual, hard-assed, funny feel of a good blues session--except that it rocks harder, which ain't bad. (Grade - B+)