Kill City

James Williamson, Iggy Pop, Iggy & The Stooges, Iggy Pop & James Williamson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 3, 1994)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Bomp Records
• ASIN: B000003JG0
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #138,037 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The classic post-Stooges 1977 album finally reissued as it was meant to be : restored, re-mixed, and remastered under the supervision of both Iggy Pop and James Williamson. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars OLD reviews do NOT apply to NEW version, October 19, 2010

By 

Charles Miller "objective clarity" (Baltimore, Maryland U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kill City (Restored, Re-mixed, remastered) (Audio CD)

Kind of surprising Amazon "promoted" the reviews from the previous incarnation of this album to this new version. The whole selling point of this new release is the fact it was completely remastered, remixed and restored by James Williamson, and therefore, while valid for the older version, the reviews here are for the old version and not applicable for this new one. If you are reading this now, you know what I mean as it doubtful anyone randomly searched for this title.

Since those earlier reviews sum up the album content, there is no need to review Kill City yet again here. Comments are restricted to: "Is this title worth buying again?" for the new mixes.

From what I've read, the old version was mastered from the original green vinyl release of this album, recorded in 1975 and released 2 years later. While the earlier version on BOMP Records did a decent job, the older version had its sonic shortcomings. Not so here: this new version sounds new, as if it were recorded yesterday and it becomes obvious once you push play... a very brilliant remastering and remix. Additionally, the remixed tracks are oft times far superior to the familiar versions, although in some cases, the differences are lateral... what sounds like change for the sake of it. That said, guitar work is lifted (including some riffs never heard before), and for the first time, the horns sound like a relevant part of the whole. Iggy Pop's vocal work benefits from these new mixes too. In some cases, "new" lyrics have been added from the original tapes, and those tracks are the better for it.

To answer the question raised above: YES! It is worth buying it again! However, for fans of Iggy Pop and James Williamson and of this album in general, this version does not replace the original, but rather, should sit right next to it on your CD rack (although if you can only have one, make it this new version). Both versions are valid... both versions are quite good.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moody, dark, wonderful, September 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Kill City (Audio CD)

Supposedly, this is one of Iggy's least favorite albums, but I never tire of listening to it. Imagine simplistic, almost catchy songs with a thick layer of dispair. The music is eerie with its almost lethargic vocals, distant guitars, and wailing saxaphone. Even the energetic songs fail to spark a positive emotion. The CD creates an overwhelming, morbidly captivating mood. Stay away from razors while listening...

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Killy City....., March 2, 2002

By 

D. Mcquade "rankin-raver" (Toronto) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kill City (Audio CD)

~ I'm sick of keeping quiet, and I am the wild boy,
If I'm gonna die here, first I'm gonna make some noise...~

Anyone who can write lyrics like this, is ok with me. Iggy, Iggy, Iggy. It's easy to bash this cd, you know, the production values aren't great. But LISTEN TO IT!! Considering he was on "sick leave" from the mental ward, his voice is great. Johanna rates as one of the all-time best "love songs" along with "sell your love." It's Iggy down on the street, and bruising, but no one does it better than he does, IMHO.
I am a huge Iggy fan, and I've followed him around for 20 years. It's not mere *love * it's an addiction. And it hasn't killed me yet. I have ALL his albums- and this is one of my stand-out favourites. great Sunday morning music. Don't give up on it. Give it a listen, and you will understand why he's one of the masters of the underground. He was there, before you were a gleam in your mama's eyes!!

*peace* Diane.