Interesting - But Not Typical Iggy
toserveman | Cincinnati, OH USA | 05/13/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is an interesting show done in San Francisco in 1981, as the Amazon review describes. While it definitely displays a time in Iggy's career that is often overlooked, it also shows Iggy in a strange mood (and I'm not referring to his mini-skirt). While the band behind him is superb (much better than what Iggy usually had), Iggy does not seem too excited about doing the gig. The DVD cover mentions Iggy performing at a frenetic pace, or something like that, but he is actually quite subdued. I don't know if we was trying to distance himself from his still-recent Stooges personna, or if he was just in a belligerent mood or what, but he isn't his usual high-energy self. He actually seemed kind of pouty. Maybe that's the mood he was trying to project, or is consistent with the album (Party) that he was promoting at the time. Anyway, it's still a good show, and definitely worth seeing for Iggy fans. Just don't expect anything wild, as I was. I saw him in person a couple of times back then and he was much more energetic than he is on this DVD.
Also, I would note that the sound and video quality are very good. Not great, but more than satisfactory for a small gig in 1981."
The most interesting guy in rock & roll
Brett Ajax | NJ | 06/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had this on VHS and jumped when I saw it finally came out on DVD. As with everything Iggy, there are flaws but that has always been part of his appeal. Most of the songs here are great (I like the Party album a lot); I felt only that Pumpin' For Jill fell a little short but some of the other song choices more than make up for it (Dum Dum Boys, Some Weird Sin, I'm A Conservative for example). The band is great although some of the guitar mixes are odd. If you like Iggy and haven't seen this, acquire with confidence."
"Fan perspective" concert DVD
Phil S. | USA | 07/19/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Not technically top-drawer, but that's part of Punk, what makes it work. Add a power drummer, Clem Burke, and a strong guitar, Carlos Alomar...and, oh yeah, toss in a true original Iggy Pop, and you've got raw excitement. And add real concert atmosphere which you'll find on this video. The more "professional" tapes/DVDs seem to have no audience interaction and a flat sound - No "pop" (Iggy...).
"T.V. Eye" and "Lust For Life" are standouts among the twelve selections, and Iggy's boisterous vocals blend with the basic, but insistent support.
Iggy's attire is unusual (to me, a casual but interested fan) - somehow it works, but if you expect to see him bare-chested and in jeans, well, he's wearing an outfit more associated with Miss Guy of the Toilet Boys (a late '90s punk rocker whose seems to have borrowed a few bits - and maybe a few garter belts if he attended this show - from the boy from Detroit).
The liner notes say that this show was recorded near the end of a tour and Pop is uncharacteristically reserved - although that means he exhibits a "human" level of stage energy."
Iggy Pop - 'Live San Francisco,1981' (Music Video Dist.)
Mike Reed | USA | 03/22/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A fine vintage 12-song performance by,none other than the Igster himself while out on the road in support of his 1981 'Party' album.Sound&video quality are good.Not great you...know but very decent.Is that Blondie sticksman Clem Burke I see behind the drums?Tunes here that were fun to check out were "Houston Is Hot Tonight","T.V.Eye","1969","I Need More",the party-stomper "Lust For Life" and "Pumpin' For Jill".Check this one out,for sure.A true keeper."