As he prepares to release his fourth solo album, "The Last Dog and Pony Show," next week, former Hüsker Dü and Sugar frontman Bob Mould has found himself at a curious career crossroad.

After 19 years of slugging it out in the industry trenches and helping lay the sonic foundation for what would become known as "alternative rock," Mould has decided to back away from the full-tilt, layered-guitar miasma which has been trademark since Husker Du began making waves in the early '80s.

Mould's work with Dü was openly touted by Kurt Cobain as one of his primary influences, although the singer-guitarist earned his greatest commercial success with the dirge pop trio Sugar, and released several solo albums (including 1989's "Workbook," 1990's "Black Sheets of Rain," and 1996's self-titled record), which book-ended the time he spent "enlisted" in the two groups.

Now, Mould has decided to pull the plug -- literally -- on his raucous road shows, and is openly referring his "Last Dog" tour as his final with a full electric backing band.

In an interview with MTV News Online's Dave Basham, Mould candidly discusses his reasons for walking away from what he refers to as the "tribal aspect" of his music career, and how he hopes to evolve his image from that of an alterna-punk purist noted for his guitar work to that of an accomplished songsmith known for his writing skills.

Mould also talks about how he became less introspective with the new album, his recent experiments with loops and sampling, and the preparations behind what should be a final, blistering road expedition.

So, step right up and come one, come all for a sneak peak behind the curtains, as MTV Online offers you a glimpse into Bob Mould's "The Last Dog and Pony Show," with the full text and QuickTime clips from the MTV News Online interview, in addition to audio tracks from the new album.