Yours To Keep

So last week, as I mentioned I ran down to my local record shop (yes, it's a record shop, they sell vinyl...it's awesome) at midnight to buy the new album from Albert Hammond Jr. While they unpacked the boxes I also picked up the new Dr. Dog CD (which I will review later this week).

Who is Albert Hammond Jr. and why would I run down to the Loop at midnight to buy his record? Hammond is the lead (and sometimes rhythm) guitarist for the indie/garage rock band The Strokes. In 2001, before their first album had come out, the press labeled them the "new saviors of rock" or whatever. The huge buzz they generated prior to putting out a single track made a shit load of people jealous. Many, many people don't like them for this reason (also, they dress really fashionably which a lot of other people don't like). My sister Amber bought IS THIS IT? right when it first came out. She loved it, I liked it. Then, in 2003 they put out the dreaded sophomore record...ROOM ON FIRE. A lot of bands stumble on the second release, but I actually thought the record was better than the first one (better production, snazzier singles, etc.) but many people were put off by it. Flash forward to last year, they put out their third (and in my opinion best) album FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF EARTH. Then last month Albert Hammond Jr. announces in a press release that the band is "going to take a break." Then, just like Paul McCartney in 1969, in the same breath says "by the way I have this new solo record coming out..." Ugh. I hate that crap. Just break up, none of this testing the waters crap. Anyway, I downloaded the single "101" from i-Tunes (twice, check my older posts) and fell in love. It's great and it got me pumped about the record.

So, was the album worth the late night trip? Yes, and yes. Whereas The Strokes are loud and sorta mumbly YOURS TO KEEP is a clear as crystal. The record features some big name indie talents guesting: Adam Green, Sean Lennon (John's youngest son), and Julian Casablanca (The Strokes lead singer). The album opens with "Cartoon Music for Superheroes." If you know anything about The Beach Boys and their uber influential unreleased album SMILE, then you'll get the reference. Lots of harmonies, twinkling bells, etc. The song is great. "In Transit" sounds like a mellow Strokes track (I read online that it's a leftover track from FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF EARTH). It too is great. In fact, there's not a weak song on the album. "Call an Ambulance" has a nice drum/bass line and the already mentioned single "101" is fantastic.

I loved this album, I can see where the average Strokes fan might not like it (it's not a loud record). I put YOURS TO KEEP in a category I like to call 'Sunday Morning Albums.' These are the sort of thing you put on when you first get up...and you're being lazy. The record is mellow, but rockin' enough that you can listen to it in the car (it's good at sunset too). Maybe it's the harmonies, but I kept thinking of the beach as well. The only blemish on it are the two bonus tracks. The Guided By Voices cover "Postal Blowfish" is just okay and "Well...All Right" isn't anything to write home about (I've listened to it once, I doubt I will ever listen to it again). A ten track masterpiece marred only by it's 'extras.' I can forgive the guy for that. I can also over look the barely 40 minute running time (pretty short, but then again The Strokes aren't know for their long albums either).

Jason gives YOURS TO KEEP an A-