A SECOND STROKE

A sophomore album following a successful debut release is like a second date following a fantastic first one; the exciting nervous energy and the hope of more stimulating things to come is present, but so is the concern that everything interesting to say has been said.  We look for variety, but too much might steer us away from what we liked the first time.  We want more of the same, but too much might leave us apathetic.  With such a delicate balance, disappointment seems inevitable.  My second “date” with Albert Hammond Jr., however, didn’t dissatisfy.  Hammond proves to have additional worthy stories to tell and creative methods of communication.  “¿Como Te Llama?” (RCA Black Seal Records), released in stores on July 8, isn’t a drastic departure from his first album “Yours to Keep”; it continues to explore whimsical melodies influenced by rock and blues, though each tune has a distinctive pattern and sound to sustain the listener’s attention.

Fans of The Strokes recognize Hammond as the rhythm guitarist for the New York born garage rock band.  Plenty of similarities (if not near duplicates, at times) exist in the guitar riffs and drum patterns to keep The Strokes’ fans interested in Hammond’s solo efforts.  But fear not, Strokes atheists; Hammond’s solo career offers a broader range of vocals than that of the virtually monotone Julian Casablancas.  His music is brighter and warmer, and contains more intricate melodies and a plethora of keyboard and piano sounds rarely found in The Strokes’ music.   

Hammond, supported by Matt Romano (drums), Josh Lattanzi (bass) and Marc Philipe Eskenazi (guitar/keyboard), delivers 13 tracks, 10 of which have made their way onto my iPod A-list.  The first single released from “¿Como Te Llama?” is “GfC”, a catchy tune about a man trying to alleviate feelings of frustration after losing a love, then realizing that he might’ve changed, or the relationship could’ve worked, if “she” was worth it.  The album includes a dramatic instrumental number, “Spooky Couch”, which features the piano talent of Sean Lennon.  The comforting sounds of a string quartet (two violins, a viola and a cello) weave their way through several of the tracks (“Lisa”, “Spooky Couch” and “You Won’t be Fooled by This” as examples) and a reggae-inspired tune (“Borrowed Time”) adds to the variety.  The album also incorporates classic punk beats and guitar-pop rhythms resulting in an artistic rock album that’s both soothing and energetic.

Following a rockin’ second date comes the all important third date.  Similar to the expectations of a college frat boy, I’m hopeful that Hammond continues to “put out”.  With the quality of Hammond’s music we’ve heard so far, high expectations exist as to the future of our relationship; in the meantime we have plenty to embrace.  Since I haven’t spoken Spanish since the 11th grade, in response to Hammond’s album, “¿Como Te Llama?”, I can only respond with a mere muchas gracias Senor Hammond, mas musica, por favor!

By: Megan Karasch

Releases:

Sophomore Album: “Como Te Llama?”, available July 8, 2008

Debut Album: “Yours to Keep”, in stores

Shows:

Hammond @ Spaceland in Los Angeles, July 11, 2008