Customer Reviews

Kill City

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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...

~ 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.

if you are even remotely into IGGY then get this disk,it contains several of his best non-stooge songs(sell your love,lucky monkeys,kill city,etc)!

Just like the product description says...restored, remixed and remastered. Back to the original cover design. The remix is superb. The guitars from Williamson are out front and some of the songs that faded out in the BOMP release are complete with cold endings. You know the album...but purchasing it again was well worth it.
A nice simple booklet of photos is included with this digi-pack.

Originally released in 1977. Took me awhile to finally get around to landing down a copy of this CD, which I assumed it was Iggy's very first solo record. Guess it's actually a collaboration between Iggy and former Stooges guitarist James Williamson. Was definitely worth the wait. Tracks I thought made the grade were the *ss-kicking title cut "Kill City", "I Got Nothin'", the classic "Johanna", "Consolation Prizes" and "Lucky Monkeys". Line-up: Iggy-vocals, James Williamson-guitar, Scott Thurston-bass, keyboards & harmonica and Brian Glascock (Motels)-drums. A should-have.

I have this material via the original Bomp LP, the 1992 Bomp CD release and now this 2010 remix. Right upfront I have to say that Iggy's vocals benefit the most from this remix. There are times he inflects so much like Morrison that it's creepy. I went back and compared all three versions track by track. Sure enough Iggy's saying those words but the older versions have his vocals treated and much lower in the mix. With his performance front and center he sounds so much more interested in the material and engaged. The remix benefits the entire production with beefed up bass and drums given more of an anchor position. The guitars are clear and crisp and even the guitar solos sound so much better.You will notice slightly more keyboards in the mix and the horns sound punchy and not added as an afterthought.Even the background vocals have been remixed and it makes the difference between a thin and a thick sound. If possible, compare the track "Consolation Prizes" and you will be sold on buying the 2010 remix.
Now if we can only get someone like Mutt Lange to do a proper remix (sorry Bowie and Iggy) on the "Raw Power" tapes, I would be in heaven.

There is plenty to enjoy on this album: catchy piano and guitar passages, a distinct cavernous production sound, and sax, melodies and vocal works that convey the ache and lonliness of city living. It's raw, entertaining and yes, fun. Personal favorites: Sell your love, Night Theme, Kill City, Johanna, and Consolation Prizes.

as raw as you can get....absolutely brilliant....get it

Hey fellows, I'm a frenchie guy and I LOVE that Kill City. The new restored album by mister Williamson is a gem.
Actually, I am listening again and again that record. Fun House is my favourire record but I would say now that
Kill City won my heart, yankees. Here all is beautiful, perfect arrangements, sensible lyrics, deep voice, brillant
instruments. A piano full of rag feeling, a sax in an Ornette Coleman mood, Harp sections in a Sonny Boy Williamson boogie,
plenty of Sir James Williamson riffs in extravagancia and sensuality. And sometimes a spacy taste in that strong architecture.
Thanks a lot mister Williamson for that amazing restoration. And of course thousand thanks for mister Osterberg, a wizzard
who rules the rock. Vive le roi.