Albert Hammond, Jr. - Yours To Keep - 2006
The Strokes all took some time off after First Impression of Earth, most likely to deal with the realization that they had nothing really to say or add after Is This It.
First out of the gate? Guitarist Albert Hammond Jr.
His solo album opens with "Cartoon Music for Super Heroes" which sounds more like The Beach Boys run through Neutral Milk Hotel's taffy machine. And that's a blessing. Because immediately following, "In Transit" could have fallen off any Strokes record, albeit more reedy than Casablancas, Hammond doesn't stray too far from the proven formula. The addition of keys just give it a softer, more twee Indie feel, but the template is there. Terse 16th notes, bassline follow suit on the chorus, ambiguous melody. yeah, this is a Room on Fire cut. "Everyone Gets a Star" keeps things bright, sure, but there's no mistaking this record for anything but a sweeter version of a Strokes record. Actually, Hammond's upbeat texturing shows us that, in fact, The Strokes were really just Cake as influenced by The Velvet Underground.
There are moments, however, that show what Hammond could really be all about. That first cut and the middle track, "Blue Skies", an acoustic piece of Lennonilia and "Call an Ambulance" is a jaunty little bit. While "Back to the 101" sure sounds like it COULD be a Strokes song, the flourishes on the arrangement give it a lot of air and place to breath, making it one of the better tracks on the record. "Scared" is screaming to be part of the main band's coterie, but at this point they might have all been wondering if there would ever be another track. Either way, it's a sublime piece of new New Wave psychedelic Indie Rock.
I was hoping for more from this record, considering that a) Hammond comes from such strong songwriting lineage and b) why redo what's already been done so well on that groundbreaking first Strokes record? There are no surprises and really nothing egregious. The entire affair is pleasant enough. It's a bright and sweet record. it won't change your life and you won't find yourself reaching for it much, but it is easier on the ears than some of the Strokes stuff.
Grade: B+
ASide: Cartoon Music for Super Heroes, Scared
BlindSide: Blue Skies, Back to the 101
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