Albert Hammond, Jr -second album details...

Cred
As much as I love Albert Hammond, Jr and his debut solo album that came out earlier this year, I was very sad to read the latest interview with him via Pitchfork. Sounds like it is going to be ages before we see a new Strokes album. I refuse to venture down the path of them breaking up despite the rumors and well... this interview does not really help us Strokes lovers to feel any small fragment of comfort. Details for Alberts' second solo release include a thirty second pop song and a lengthy eight minute experimental dip into the purely instrumental course of things. It clearly sounds like Albert is enjoying his adventure into writing and working things out his way. If this release is anything like Yours to Keep we are all in for another solid release. Song titles include:"Victory at Monterey", "GfC", "In My Room","Lisa","You Won't Be Fooled By This","Modern Jazz","Spooky Couch", "Bathroom Time", and "And So We Go". If you are curious for when it will be released: "So what's your next move? Getting the album out? When are you shooting for that, and what are your plans after that?"
Albert Hammond Jr: "Yeah. Pretty much, it takes three months. We'll be done January 8th. So, hopefully it comes out the end of March, April. Which would be spring. And then do the whole touring thing, which would be very exciting. Because between our four covers, the first album and second, we'd have 30 songs to play. Which means we can extend the set. I'm dying to go out and play these songs live, just because I'd love to mix them with the first album. To see how different they are would be really fun."
Albert Hammond, Jr-Everyone Gets a Star.mp3
Albert Hammond, Jr-Bright Young Thing.mp3
The Strokes Tags
Albert Hammond Jr. Tags

Free Albert Hammond, Jr. Show Tomorrow at HIRO

They are giving away 200 tickets before hand, click here. I was lucky enough to gain access into the secret Albie show at the Mercury Lounge last week thanks to KEXP, check out my review.
Albert Hammond, Jr.-Victory At Monterey.mp3
Albert Hammond Jr-Rocket.mp3
Albert Hammond, Jr-Borrowed Time.mp3

My Heart Beats in it's Cage

You'll want to turn these up
So yes, we are still awaiting new material from our beloved Strokes but in the meantime Albert has produced what is sure to be one of my favorite records of the year. From what I have heard so far it again showcases his ability to make the most beautiful melodies and his voice sounds stronger than ever. Honestly, could any of them ever do wrong by me...no, not likely. ¿Cómo Te Llama? will be released on July 8th via RCA records.
Albert Hammond, Jr.-GFC.mp3
Albert Hammond, Jr.-Bargain of the Century.mp3
Albert Hammond, Jr. Tags
The Strokes Tags

MIDWAY TONIGHT! ADAM GREEN, ALbie! The Pierces!!

"In less than a week Bob Dylan will be turning the big 6-5, and some rockers are celebrating a little early. Adam Green (ex-Moldy Peaches), Albert Hammond Jr, The Pierces, Members Of The Mooney Suzuki, Tracy Bonham and more will create the Rolling Thunder Reborn band in honor of the 'ol crooner." There are some fantastic bands on this bill and ADAM is one of my favorite performers of all time- i absolutely L-o-V-e him. Definitely worth checking out. I saw the Klaxons at Midway last year- so lovely for a band you adore to be in a small space like this- you don't want to miss it kiddies!
TONIGHT- 9:30pm at Club Midway [25 Ave B] $5.00
Adam Green-Friends Of Mine.mp3
The Pierces-Secret.mp3
Albert Hammond Jr-Everyone Gets a Star.mp3


***ALSO-Albert Hammond Jr will be performing outside of the MTV studios at 7pm tonight as part of the 24 hour Human Giant marathon- keep an eye out!***

Former rollerskating champ

-- And fuzzy haired-Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond, Jr. will spend the next two months gearing up for his second solo release which will taunt Strokes fans everywhere on July 8th via RCA Records. Albie's first album, Yours To Keep was a beautiful throw back to the Beach Boys and satisfied those who were tempted to question his songwriting ability. One also had to love that Albert started over from scratch- or as close to it as he could come playing small rooms across the country and touring tirelessly. ¿Cómo Te Llama?, (Tell me your name?- i took French...) finds fellow band mates: Matt Romano, Marc Philippe Eskenazi,and Josh Lattanzi (also tours with Ben Kweller) receiving more of Albert's spotlight. "Hammond says that, this time around, his band was much more involved in the "creative process," and promises that other collaborators on this new album include a string quartet and pal Sean Lennon, who plays piano on "Spooky Couch." -(CMJ)
Tracklist For ¿Cómo Te Llama?:
Bargain Of A Century,In My Room,Lisa,GfC, The Boss Americana, Rocket, Victory At Monterey, You Won't Be Fooled By This, Spooky Couch, Borrowed Time, G Up, Miss Myrtle, Feed Me Jack Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Peter Sellers
Albert Hammond, Jr. Tags

Did anyone go to see Albie the other night?

Albert Hammond, Jr and company played their largest nYc show yet (unless you count when they opened for Bloc Party) on Monday night at Webster Hall. Openers, The Dead Trees are also under the trusty management of Sir Ryan Gentles. "Sticking to a set similar to his previous live shows, Hammond opened with 'Everyone Gets A Star' and played a series of songs from his debut ''Yours To Keep' as well as his familiar covers of Guided By Voices' 'Postal Blowfish' and Frank Black's 'Old Black Dawning'.Watched by a myriad of New York scenesters including Macaulay Culkin, Adam Green and James Iha, Hammond closed his show with the aforementioned unnamed new track, which showed a somewhat heavier side to his music." via NME Albert has been touring himself silly lately in support of his solo album, 'Yours To Keep.' Hopefully the audience treated him to huge doses of love and support!
Adam Green- Jolly Good.mp3
Albert Hammond Jr.-Bright Young Thing.mp3

Albie Interview

Thank you gothamist! "Albert Hammond Jr., Musician, Stroke
Six years ago, whether you are ready to believe it or not, The Strokes emerged from a lost and muddled New York music scene and gave a kick start to the current indie rock phenomenon that we are experiencing today. The backbone of their sound and style was the rapid fire rhythm guitar of Albert Hammond Jr. Fast forward to 2007 and all of the emerging talents from the beginning of the century are all growing up and branching out. Modest Mouse found a sound that got them the #1 album in the US this week. Jack White sold out clubs around the world with three guys not named Meg. And Al Hammond is now touring to support a pretty darn good solo album, finding a balance that maintains the Strokes edge while forging a sound completely his own.

Albert took the time to answer a few of our questions, as he got ready to open two shows in New York for Bloc Party and headline one of his own at Bowery Ballroom.

Tell us your favorite (and why)...

-NYC Music Venue
TRAMPS/ FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL/MADE A MOVIE WITH HER ON TOP OF A DOUBLE DECKER TOURIST BUS

-NYC Bar/Club
2A/MERCURY LOUNGE
LIVED THERE DURING THE MAKING OF IS THIS IT

-NYC Restaurant
LAVAGNA/HOME AWAY FROM HOME

-NYC Band (aside from your own)
YEAH YEAH YEAHS/BECAUSE THEY'RE REALLY GOOD.

What was the first/last album you bought on the day it was released?
BABYSHAMBLES EP "THE BLINDING"

How long have you been contemplating doing a solo record? Have you always had the idea in the back of your mind or did it spring about suddenly?
HAVEN'T/IT COME ABOUT WHEN THE MUSIC WAS THERE

What is the best thing about touring solo apart from the Strokes?
THEY WERE OLD FRIENDS/DIFFERENT EXPERINCES ARE ALWAYS GOOD FOR THE
MIND AND SOUL

What do you miss the most?
I CAN'T MISS WHAT I HAVEN'T LOST

How did the Incubus fans dig your stuff? Was it a good experience to get your music out to fans that may not have otherwise come across the record?
IT WAS A LOT OF FUN/I IMAGINE SOME PEOPLE LIKED IT AND SOME HATED IT

You played CMJ this year. What was your experience like with that, and had you played it before?
IT WAS AN INTENSE DREAM/NIGHTMARE/FANTASY"

Latitude Festival adds Albert Hammond, Jr.

Britain loves loves loves itself some Albert Hammond, Jr. rightly so and he has just signed up to be added to the Latitude Festival taking place July 12th-15th at Henham Park in Suffolk. The festival already has some very good acts set to take the stage: Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Arcade Fire www.arcadefire.com/, The Good, The Bad & The Queen, Jarvis Cocker, The Rapture and The Magic Numbers. Hope Albert and crew have enough time to check out some of the other talent!

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Peter Sellers

Regina Spektor is working the touring market again. Overwhelmingly lovely in every way she is one of my favorite female artists and friends with my favorite nYc band. Remembering where she came from and those who have helped her along the way she is returning the favor and has invited Albert Hammond, Jr. and bandmates: Josh Latanzi, Marc Eskenazi and Matt Romano to open for her show at McCarren Pool on Friday, August 15th. Tickets officially go on sale Friday at 10 AM via Ticketmaster or you can try during the Pre-sale (password=concert) which is going on right now. Credit- BrooklynV. As for Albert he is playing an invite only show on Monday night at the Mercury Lounge. My lovely friends over at the MusicSlut have a few extra tickets that if you are super lucky you might be able to score. If that's what you're into.
Regina Spektor-Summer In The City.mp3
Regina Spektor Tags
Albert Hammond, Jr. Tags

On Holiday

Not that anyone could say that Albert Hammond, Jr. is really on holiday. He has been touring since November in support of his solo album, Yours To Keep which has received well deserved love since its' debut. Of course there will always be comparisons to The Strokes and to Julian-but that was always expected. What has been a surprise for most people is how GOOD the songs actually are- how GOOD Albert's voice is- how TIGHT the live performances have been. The Strokes are either loved or hated but one thing stands on its' own and that is their work ethic. Albert definitely has carried on that standard through out this tour. Sold out dates, loving audiences, performances at South By Southwest, KEXP in studio sessions, numerous interviews with magazines and tv spots. If Albert did not deserve a holiday before he definitely does now! It was fitting that he should return to New York and play Bowery Ballroom as one of his last dates along his US Tour. While all of the interviews that i have read have centered around Albert alone his band was just as entertaining. The room was filled with familiar faces and friends for which Matt, Josh, Marc, Steve, Todd and Albert played a layed back yet spectacular set. It was clear everyone was enjoying themselves without missing a single note while throwing out hello's and jokes to all those gathered. It was really interesting to see how much of a feeling of a band came across from November during their CMJ show up until last night.

Strokes website, Albert on Conan O'Brien

I can't write about one of my favorite bands without writing about the other, that just would't be fair. So while you are missing The Strokes you can check out Albert Hammond Jr.'s first solo album. It is such a good album from start to finish and if you had any feelings of hesitation about the idea of Albert being without the rest of the gang, this should put your worries to rest. The best bit about this album is the obvious support surrounding his desire to venture out on his own and share his songs in a seperate arena with various tracks displaying guest spots by Julian Casablancas, Ben Kweller, Sean Lennon, Ryan Gentles and many more of his closest friends. If you aren't able to catch his show opening for Bloc Party this weekend or in April at Bowery Ballroom you can tune into Conan O'Brien on April 6th. In the meantime, get your fill of the ole' Strokes website while you can. Apparently they have decided to ditch the dear tele and will have a new format up sometime soon.

Albert Hammond Jr On sale Today!

Along with all the other shows going on sale this week for Webster Hall! As previously stated, Albert and gang are lovely, please check them out.

Albert Hammond, Jr. on Conan Tomorrow!

Set your DVR or Tevo or whatever fancy machines you have if you won't be at home, 1230 AM, April 6th!

The Great Pumpkin Day!

When it is your favorite holiday you have to have two song lists-candy corn for everyone!
Albert Hammond Jr.-Scared.mp3
Creedence Clearwater Revival-Bad Moon Rising.mp3
Ghostland Observatory-Sad Sad City.mp3
Eagles-Witchy Woman.mp3
White Stripes-Death Letter.mp3
Arcade Fire-Vampire Forest Fire.mp3
Adam Green-Vultures.mp3
Tegan and Sara-Walking With A Ghost.mp3
Donovan-Season of the Witch.mp3
Wolf Parade-Same Ghost Every Night.mp3
Nina Simone-I Put a Spell on You.mp3
Stevie Wonder-Superstition.mp3
Mercury Rev-Spiders and Flies.mp3
Patrick Wolf-The Magic Position.mp3
Interpol-Evil.mp3
Radiohead-Bodysnatchers.mp3
Black Crowes-Evil Eye.mp3
Ryan Adams-Halloweenhead.mp3
Rob Zombie-Dragula.mp3

*`~! Take care of each other tonight and have fun!~`*
BEst costume ever-Love the KEvin Cole!

New York- Meet The Shackeltons

If you do not have plans for tomorrow night (before going to see Albert Hammond Jr of course) then you have no other choice but to head on down to the Cake Shop to check out these lovely boys from Chambersburg, PA! They caught the attention of KEXP morning DJ- John and recently signed to his record label, Loveless Records. I am very excited to see how their energy transcends on stage- from what i have heard they sound like an infectious, rowdy bunch! They describe themselves in pretty creative terms on their myspace page, "The Shackeltons are dressed in uniforms once worn by men fighting wars with guns and grenades, but The Shackeltons are fighting a different battle. This battle is not to destroy, but to rebuild. Rebuild that which has been destroyed in everyone: hope, love, compassion, and optimism. "I'd rather see your soft heart then see your soft skin". "The robots purr like my favorite kittens and I'm forced to love them even though it's with you, who I'm smitten". Hmmm...well, guess we will have to investigate more to see exactly what that all meant, right?! RIGHT! See you tomorrow night!

Your Movement.mp3 (Highly Recommended)
The Yellow Cadillac.mp3

The Twilight Sad

"And She Would Darken The Memory" is one of the most beautiful songs to come out so far this year. If you are not already booked on April 2nd watching the final NCAA basketball matchup or heading over to the Bowery Ballroom to check out Albert Hammond Jr. you should go check out The Twilight Sad at the Knitting Factory. Their LP Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters has been released via Fat Cat records. Band members Jaes Gaa, Ay aaee, aig Oze, and ak evie (try saying that all together!) got together late into 2003. Their songs have a lasting quality due to the intricate overlapping of sounds without losing melody. Would love for someone to let me know how this show goes!

The Pierces

The Modern Age gave the Pierces performance such a good review from last night during Tricia Romano's "Fly Life" 5th Year Anniversary Party that i wanted to share it just to spread the word around a little bit more on a duo that i already dearly loved. I have always been a fan of the sister's music and have seen them live a few times and never understood why more people had not covered their shows. Their latest tour opening for Albert Hammond, Jr. has placed them a bit more where they deserve to be and hopefully we will be seeing more dates for them soon. Their album, Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge hit the stores on March 20th. It is fitting that the event was held at The Box which could not be a more perfect setting for the tale these two sisters weave. My favorite bit about their creative mystical vibe is the story that they wrote on their myspace page describing their beginnings. It is a complete modern fairytale- just like their songs.
*Tripwire Review

Oh Jason Schwartzman

Is there anything he can't do? After all, he is a Coppola. He stars in my favorite movie of all time, he has made some pretty decent ones since that debut, he was in the band that i miss the most, and now it seems he is back to his musical roots with his latest creative project, Coconut Records. From what i have heard it would make a good tour mate with Albert Hammond, Jr. They both have clever lyrics backed up by music that is easy to listen to and addictive to the ear. I will admit, a bit of me wishes he would someday re-unite with fellow Phantom Planet members, but in the meantime i will keep an eye out for future Coconut Records dates, hopefully he will visit the east coast sometime soon. Until then, you can find his music via Young Baby Records.
Nighttiming.mp3
Easy Girl.mp3
*Obscure Sound has listened to the whole bit and gave an excellent overall feel for the album.