Iggy Pop doesn't usually do things by the book. But then, the book in question usually isn't Michel Houellebecq's The Possibility of an Island.

The controversial French author's 2005 novel -- which loosely inspired the 62-year-old punk icon's new song cycle -- is about "death, sex, the end of the human race, and some other pretty funny stuff," quips Iggy in a press release. More specifically, it chronicles the final years of a provocative, cynical and misanthropic entertainer and libertine named Daniel, whose yearning for a more meaningful existence leads him to a Raelian-like cult where he (along with his loyal dog, Fox) eventually achieves virtual immortality through cloning.

Provocative? Cynical? Misanthropic? Dogs? Sound like anyone you know?

Thing is, Preliminaires -- in stores June 2 -- doesn't sound like typical Iggy. Supposedly "sick of listening to idiot thugs with guitars banging out crappy music," Pop embraces blues, Francophone balladry, bossa nova and New Orleans ragtime jazz here, producing his moodiest, quietest work since 1999's introspective Avenue B.

Given the reception that received, much of Iggy's fan base will probably hate this. And while the disc does have its flaws -- some songs are underdeveloped, the connection to the book is slight, it's a tad repetitive, and it never quite coheres into a unified whole -- you have to applaud Pop's refusal to pander or even cater to his audience.

After all, it takes guts to admit that not every story has a happy ending.

Les Feuilles Mortes 3:55

Iggy and his bottomless baritone tackle Yves Montand's doomed-love ballad Autumn Leaves -- en Francais, no less. Just call him Pepe le Pop.

I Want to Go to the Beach 2:53

Still in deep-throated balladeer mode, Pop croons over a shimmery guitar and a pretty piano. Not so pretty? Lines like, "Waiting, hating the s--- life throws my way."

King of the Dogs 2:02

"I got a smelly rear, I got a dirty nose," growls Iggy like a playful pooch over a rollicking ragtime soundtrack. After four decades, the dude still wants to be your dog.

Je Sais Que Tu Sais 3:11

Another Francophone number -- but on this bluesy boogie, Pop handles the English lines, while a breathy female plays Jane Birkin to his Serge Gainsbourg.

Spanish Coast 3:58

The strings and conga drum come out for this suitably lush and lazy ode to life -- or rather, death by suicide -- on the Mediterranean.

Nice to be Dead 2:49

With its clanging electric guitar and solidly chugging beat, this celebration of termination is as close as the album gets to rock 'n' roll. Enjoy it while you can, kids.

How Insensitive 3:03

Another cover. This time, Iggy revamps an Antonio Carlos Jobim bossa nova into a chilly jazz-rock lament set in a landscape of mournful strings and horns.

Party Time 2:08

Iggy recalls his 1977 track Nightclubbing with the aid of buzzy synths, a skittery techno beat, slinky guitars and a funky bassline. "It's party time -- and I smell slime," he sneers.

He's Dead/She's Alive 2:00

Pop serves up some acoustic-guitar blues straight from a Delta juke joint. The lo-fi production makes it sound like an Alan Lomax field recording.

A Machine for Loving 3:16

Another ode to the faithful pup Fox -- this time a spoken-word piece featuring lines from the book over an atmospheric backdrop of organ and guitar.

She's a Business 3:10

The thumpy boogie Je Sais Que Tu Sais is reprised, minus the female vocals but with some ominous, ghostly textures.

Les Feuilles Mortes (Marc's Theme) 3:53

We end where we began, with another version of Autumn Leaves featuring a different solo. A suitable metaphor for reincarnation if there ever was.