Nude Photograpy

A new, larger version of Camel debuted on Nude, a concept album about a Japanese soldier stranded on a deserted island during World War II and staying there, oblivious to the outside world, for 29 years. More ambitious than the preceding I Can See Your House from Here, Nude is in many ways just as impressive. Although it's a less accessible effort, it has a number of quite intriguing passages, particularly since it boasts heavier improvisation, orchestration, and even some worldbeat influences. It's not as spacy as Camel's earlier progressive rock records, yet it is quite atmospheric, creating its own entrancing world.

Distilling Iggy Pop's work down to 17 songs is nearly impossible. Anyone with an interest in Mr. Pop should first pick up the Stooges albums before exploring his later solo years. This collection, however, includes enough highlights to satisfy a casual fan. The Stooges are lightly covered with the essential punk anthem "I Wanna Be Your Dog" and the manic "Search and Destroy." The inclusion of the slinking "Sick of You" is a nice touch. Pop's pop leanings pop up with "Nightclubbing," "China Girl," and "Lust for Life," tracks in which the guitars are toned down a notch and Iggy exhibits a slightly more mellow side. Of course, he ultimately returns with a vengeance befitting one of rock's original wild men. –Rob O'Connor, amazon.com.