Iggy Pop, Butt Town | Throwback Vibez

In the 37th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Butt Town” by legendary rock star, Iggy Pop.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 37^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Butt Town” performed by Iggy Pop.

“The cops are well-groomed with muscled physiques / In Butt Town,” Iggy Pop sings in the first verse of “Butt Town”. “Butt Town” is the spirited fifth track from his 1990 album, Brick By Brick. Beyond muscled cops in tan uniforms, Iggy informs us, “Any young black male who walks down the street / Is going to get stopped by a car full of meat.” Sounds accurate, even 35 years after the song was released.  Pop wrote “Butt Town” while Don Was produced it. Notably, Slash (guitar) and Duff McKagan (bass) provide a sickening punch to the instrumental.

“Butt Town” rocks hard from the get-go , particularly the fierce, beefy guitar. Iggy Pop has ample fuel for his fire. He delivers a strong, playful vocal performance.  He superbly brings the tuneful melodies to life.  The lyrics shine throughout.  After a mean first verse, Iggy keeps the momentum going in the second: “I’m telling you, it’s a motley crew / In Butt Town / Monday you’re new and Friday you’re through / In Butt Town.” It’s giving ’15 minutes of fame.’  Iggy speaks about the sacrifices made in Butt Town (Hollywood, perhaps) to advance:

“All over Butt Town

Dreams have a show down

All over Butt Town

Values are thrown down.”

The third and final verse offers much of the same, with emphasis on ‘shaking butt’… in Butt Town! The chorus is the centerpiece: “But in Butt Town, I’m learning / In Butt Town, I’m earning / In Butt Town, I’m turning / Into my worst nightmare.” Facts! That’s the price of fame! “Butt Town” remains an unforgettable Iggy Pop song .

Iggy Pop // Brick By Brick // Virgin Records America, Inc. // 1990

Iggy Pop, Butt Town: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 37 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Virgin Records America, Inc.; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]