Preliminaires By Iggy Pop

It’s hard to think of a way Iggy Pop could have musically drifted further away from The Stooges last clunking album than he does with “Preliminaires,” his new French-tinged jazz album. Iggy says that a novel from French author, Michel Houellebecq inspired the record. While the words “French,” “jazz” and “Iggy” in the same sentence might make you instantly dubious; “Preliminaires” is surprisingly enjoyable.

The first song, a cover of "Les Feuilles Mortes" (Autumn Leaves), sets a dramtic tone for the rest of the CD, as Iggy’s dulcet voice breaks forth in spoken French while he channels a very Serge Gainsbourg-like vibe. It’s an evocative tune that makes you think of floating down a French canal as autumnal leaves fall all around you.

“King Of The Dogs” is sultry, old school jazz that wouldn’t be out of place in a stage show or a New Orleans carnival. Its music has such pomp and attitude as Iggy proclaims to be king of the dogs, himself. “He’s Dead/She’s Alive” is a similar sort of track. Admittedly, there are moments on the album where Iggy’s music is neither carnivale-esque, nor entertaining. The robotic “Je Sais Que Tu Sais” is one of those, as are the lugubrious, dragging beats of “Spanish Coast.”

“Nice To Be Dead” is perhaps the most rock-and-roll song in a record dominated by jazz overtones. It’s filled with plangent guitar sounds and has a driving chorus that mixes well with Iggy’s baritone voice. Through the jaded smokiness of the song, a glimmer of the Iggy we all know can still be heard.

It’s an impressive feat that on his 15th studio album, Iggy would choose to go in such a bold direction as this. But he throws all his musical talents into it and, while it does have some skippable moments, it is definitely a compelling record in the end.

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CelebSelect

Danielle Panabaker's Top Pop Picks
- Favorite Band: The Avett Brothers
  
  "I'm really into the Avett Brothers as of late."
- Favorite Book: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
  
  "My girlfriends are I - we are very nerdy. We started a book club and the first book we read was Gone Girl."
- Favorite New Movie: Silver Linings Playbook
  
  "I thought it was a great film and I thought Jennifer Lawrence was incredible, you know those angry tears, I've certainly experienced that."
Paul Van Dyk: Current Favorites
- School of the Seven Bells
  
  The New York-based band unites Benjamin Curtis of "Secret Machines" and Alejandra Deheza. Formed in 2007, the duo is named after a mythical South American pickpocket training academy of the same name.
- Linkin Park
  
  The Californian rock veterans have come a long way since 'Hybrid Theory.' Back now with their fifth studio album in over a decade, 'Living Things' is one of Paul Van Dyck's favorite albums this year.
- Jupiter Jones
  
  The German punk rock band formed in 2002, but has already released several LPs, including an eponymously-named album in 2011.
- Depeche Mode
  
  The legendary Essex electronic band from the 80s remains a classic for Van Dyk. It was also recently among 'Q' magazine's "50 Bands That Changed The World!".
Cody Simpson
- Favorite Movie
  I'm still really into the Ocean's series. I got into them recently. I was always too young to watch them.
- Favorite Book
  This book called Contest by Matthew Reilly, he's an Australian author.
- Favorite Album
  Drake's Take Care — big fan of that
- Favorite TV Show
  The Mentalist
Styx's Lawrence Gowan
- Bossypants by Tina Fey
  
  "That’s got me laughing hysterically on airplanes."
- Making Mirrors by Goyte
  
  "I thought that was a tremendous record."
- The Artist
  
  "It really impressed me."
- Keane
  
  "They’re really strong."
90210's Michael Steger: My Favorite Stuff
- Favorite TV Show: Rome
  
  HBO's series starring Cirian Hinds
- Favorite Album: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
  
  "Either that or The Gypsy Kings."
- Favorite Book: The Fountainhead
  
  "Probably my favorite book of all time."
- Favorite New Movie: Attack The Block
  
  “It reminded me of The Goonies.”