Iggy Pop, the legendary rock and roll singer whose ’60s band the Stooges is considered a progenitor of punk-rock, is reportedly preparing an album, Preliminaires, that Pop says is “not a rock album, more jazzy stuff … it’s a quieter album with some jazz overtones.” The release date is said to be May 18.
According to a news report on the Pitchfork Web site, Pop, 61, says that the subject of the album is French literature. Pop is also quoted as saying, “I just got sick of listening to idiot thugs with guitars banging out crappy music, and I was starting to listen to a lot of New Orleans-era Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton type of jazz. And I’ve always loved quieter ballads as well.”
Pop has launched a Web site, Preliminaires”, that allows fans to sign up for a newsletter that will keep them updated on the project. In addition, Pop has recorded a video that explains the genesis and concept of the album.
Read Evan Haga’s interview with Iggy Pop on jazz.
Originally Published