On Track – Iggy Pop 1977 – 1999 / Bucks Fizz

Author:Hans Meertens, David Waterfield

This book takes a deep dive into Iggy Pop’s output between 1977 and 1999, a period which saw the release of no less than 13 albums. I’m only really familiar with the first two, the Bowie collaborations The Idiot and Lust for Life, both of which still stand up almost fifty years later. For some reason I lost track of his subsequent albums, all of which are considered in depth in this comprehensive and well researched book – and there certainly is plenty to mull over, the sheer variety of styles, the musical detours, the highs, the lows and the ones that got away. If you’re a fan, you’ll devour this breakdown of each record, and even if, like me, you’re only a casual listener it will pique your interest sufficiently to encourage you to have a listen to some of the albums that may have passed you by first time around.

Is it really 45 years since Making Your Mind Up won Eurovision – suddenly I feel very old! I must confess I know nothing about them, other than remembering their other big hits, My Camera Never Lies, Now Those Days Are Gone, and the magnificent The Land of Make Believe, the latter with lyrics from King Crimson and ELP collaborator Pete Sinfield, and featuring some memorable drumming from Graham Broad. I certainly wasn’t aware that they released five albums during their peak years from 1981 to 1986, as well as the obligatory greatest hits collection. Of course, there were multiple line up changes over the ensuing years, and at times there were competing versions of the band around simultaneously, but the main focus of this book quite rightly is those heady days of the eighties when they were regulars on Top of the Pops, but to quote their own song, now those days are gone. Definitely one aimed primarily at their clique of devoted followers who are still out there today!

Length of Read:Short

Might appeal to people who enjoyed…

The music of these artists.

One thing you’ve learned

There’s always something you didn’t know.

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