What do You think about Iggy Pop: Open Up And Bleed (2007)?
So far I am only three or four chapters into it, and it is everything I'd hoped it'd be so far. You really get to see somewhat of a character study as young James Osterburg steadily evolves from Overachieving popular school boy into the down-on-his-upside godfather of punk, Iggy Pop. It starts from his youth, describing himself and his parents, not to mention that though you would think a man such as him would come from a bleak environment, in truth he was part of the upper echelon of his classes. He not only ran for school offices, but he also signed a friend's year book "From the 43rd presdient of the united states, J. Osterburg". Many actually felt that is what he would be...until he found the Blues. So far I have traveled with his meeting of the Asheton brothers, to his brief fling with Nico, the germanic beauty of 'The Velvet Underground', to his kinship with the MC5, and the crafting of the debut album by 'the Stooges'. I definetaly recommend this book, and not just to the ones listed in my recommendations category. This truly is an American tale of the dream, and then waking up to it. It's an excellent character study as you seem to get a very good idea of how the steady process of mitigating circumstance coupled up with a man who tried to master his own fate, came to effect Iggy. His brazen youth, so far, has been filled with all the wimsy of any book that speaks of young, wild boys enjoying life recklessly without care, and with ample smiles. It reminds you of the energy of the age. When I am finished with the book, I will elaborate more. However, only one hundred pages into the book, and I am definetaly happy with my purchase. I will absolutely keep this book on my shelf for years to come, to read about the icon of punk rock; James "Iggy stooge/Pop" Osterburg.P.S. ...my apologies if I made any typographical errors in this briefest of reviews.
—James Higgins, Jr.
I've been into Iggy since discovering The Stooges whilst at school in the mid 1970s. Everything I found out about him appealed to my troubled teenage self. My fascination has continued into adulthood and middle age. I was at the Virgin Megastore in Marble Arch, London in 1979 to get my copy of the then newly released "New Values" signed by Mr Pop (and I happened to notice Scott Thurston hanging about in the background and got him to sign it too). As a sixteen year old, on the night before my Maths O'Level examination, I was at the Music Machine in Camden Town, London watching Iggy live (it *was* worth it - and I passed the exam). Over the years I've seen him play live over ten times, and consider watching Iggy and The Stooges play Raw Power live in 2010 at Hammersmith Apollo, London to be one of the greatest nights of my life. So, whilst not an über-fan, I'm pretty keen: Raw Power, Funhouse, Lust For Life and The Idiot would feature in my list of greatest albums of all time. Despite this enthusiasm I've never read a biography of Iggy. Until now. Paul Trynka, ex-Mojo Magazine editor, has produced the definitive biography here. He appears to have spoken with everyone who has been involved with Iggy over the years and seems to have been completely honest, and has certainly included plenty of examples of Iggy's selfishness and unpleasant behaviour. As a reasonably well informed fan, I discovered a wealth of information I hadn't known previously and much of this information has added to my understanding of his work and personality. It also sent me straight back to the music - always a good sign. I do wonder how much a non-fan, or even casual fan, would get out of this book. There is plenty of depravity, in amongst the creativity, and incessant highs and lows, but would this be enough for a reader who has no interest in, or history with, the Ig?For this fan it's unquestionably a five star read: well written, exciting, redemptive, informative, and inspirational. My only complaint is that, since its publication in 2008 more has happened: the induction into the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame; Ron Asheton's death; the return of James Williamson; another Stooges album; and more solo Iggy albums (including the current French obsession). That's a very minor gripe though, as this is unquestionably the final word on Iggy, and provides in-depth coverage of the all important Stooges' years and the late seventies, post-Stooges renaissance with David Bowie. A classic.
—Nigeyb
I borrowed this audio book from the library and didn't realize that it was 12 cds. It took forever to listen to and I'm afraid I may have forgotten what was on the first 6 cds. Ah well.I'm a Stooges fan, newly minted. My friend introduced me to the Stooges music a few years ago and I was hooked. Naturally I knew who Iggy Pop was (the old guy who never wore a shirt) but I mainly new him from movies, oddly enough. Open Up and Bleed is a comprehensive story of Iggy/Jim's life - from growing up in Michigan to fronting one of the most prominent punk/rock bands still respected today.Jim Osterberg aka Iggy Pop was something of an overachieving intellect in school, always trying to fit in and make people like him. But he also had a way of dumping folks when he thought they were no longer useful; a habit that persisted throughout his life. This book depicts Jim as an intelligent, considerate, charming person who just happens to have an alter ego.Iggy Pop has been known to smear himself with peanut butter and slice himself up with broken glass on stage. Called the Godfather of Punk, Iggy invented crowd surfing - often falling face first into the ground when the crowd just didn't get it. Booed, humiliated, drug addicted Iggy had a rough go at making it big in music.The Stooges were always dedicated to the music. Always doing anything for the music. Which makes them respected by most musicians.Fans of Iggy or the Stooges will enjoy this book. But give yourself lots of time to read it. It's pretty long.
—Amanda
