Depending on his "state" at the time, the plethora of live "solo-era" [wimpLink artistId="2449"]Iggy Pop[/wimpLink] releases can be very unpredictable -- either [wimpLink artistId="2449"]Iggy[/wimpLink] is focused and ready to take on the whole crowd (1977-1978, 1985-present day), or indifferent and half-hearted (1979-1983). Thankfully, the 15-track import release [wimpLink albumId="250303574"]Ultimate Live[/wimpLink] is the former, as it is comprised of selections from three separate, strong performances -- New York City in 1986, Boston in 1988, and a show from 1977 when [wimpLink artistId="4768"]David Bowie[/wimpLink] was [wimpLink artistId="2449"]Iggy[/wimpLink]'s keyboardist (as heard on the Wild Animal live release). As a result, you get a mixed bag -- classics ("Raw Power," "1969," "I Wanna Be Your Dog," "Passenger," etc.), and also tracks that were subsequently rarely performed in concert ("High on You," "Blah Blah Blah," "Easy Rider"). For a sampling of live [wimpLink artistId="2449"]Iggy[/wimpLink] from throughout the years, [wimpLink albumId="250303574"]Ultimate Live[/wimpLink] (which comes with a 24-page booklet) is a worthy purchase. Strange how one of rock's all-time great live performers has yet to issue a definitive live set (are you listening, Virgin?). ~ Greg Prato