I have to admit I was concerned when I heard that Strokes' guitarist Albert Hammond Jr was releasing a second solo album so soon after his first (last year). I was worried that the quality of the songs and songwriting would drop off considerably. Boy was I wrong.?Como Te Llama? is Hammond's sophomore solo album and he has stepped up to the plate in a big way.
The album is a collection of garage rock tracks which the Strokes are known for, however, Hammond adds arrangements, instrumentation, and overall musical complexity that we've never heard from the band. He really shows a breadth of musical knowledge that is hidden within the confines of the group.
We get clangy rockers like the opener "Bargain of the Century", playful tinkling keys in "Lisa", and even a reggae backbeat on "Miss Myrtle". The standout track for me is "Victory At Monterey" which steps out with heavy beats and a feel reminiscent of very late Clash dub experiments. Even Hammond's vocals sound eerily like Joe Strummer on the track.
The greatest demonstration of Hammond's musicality is the exceptional instrumental track "Spooky Couch". The 7-plus minute tracks serves as a brilliant interlude, setting up the album's final act.
As long as Hammond keeps making records like this nobody will care if The Strokes ever make another album.
?Como Te Llama? will be released on July 8th.
Track listing for ?Como Te Llama?:
- Bargain of the 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: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love Peter Sellers
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