Albert Hammond Jr ?Como Te Llama? Rough Trade/ Remote Control
When Albert Hammond Jr released his first solo album 'Yours To Keep', the world was still awash with Strokes mania and the album served to appease the fans while they waited for the next full Strokes album. 'Yours To Keep' was highly likeable breezy pop and although its vibe was pretty similar to Hammond's main project, the album was far more than just songs the rest of the band didn't like. '?Como Te Llama?' however, seems to lack the vibrancy and freshness of his previous work. Bargain Of A Century contains your classic Strokes guitar sound but Hammond clearly demonstrates why that chart-topping band don't allow him to take on lead vocals duties. The Boss Americana has a Austereo classic rock radio feel as it muddles along varying between a staccato vibe and then circling about in uncertain territory. Victory At Monterey attempts a triumphant attitude but falls flat with some lifeless melodies. Although hardly life-changing, Hammond's sophomore album is not without redemption - In My Room oozes cool and You Won't Be Fooled contains the effortless and loveable classic Strokes feel.
Spooky Couch is aptly titled; this spaced out instrumental (with Sean Lennon on piano) takes the listener to the zoned-out place that Hammond and co. must have been in while producing this strange beast. The album highlight is the finale How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Peter Sellers when the whole band lets loose and a big sound results; fast drums and Hammond shredding on guitar. While not awful, '?Como Te Llama?' is a long way from the high points of Albert Hammond Jr's career.
When Albert Hammond Jr released his first solo album 'Yours To Keep', the world was still awash with Strokes mania and the album served to appease the fans while they waited for the next full Strokes album. 'Yours To Keep' was highly likeable breezy pop and although its vibe was pretty similar to Hammond's main project, the album was far more than just songs the rest of the band didn't like. '?Como Te Llama?' however, seems to lack the vibrancy and freshness of his previous work. Bargain Of A Century contains your classic Strokes guitar sound but Hammond clearly demonstrates why that chart-topping band don't allow him to take on lead vocals duties. The Boss Americana has a Austereo classic rock radio feel as it muddles along varying between a staccato vibe and then circling about in uncertain territory. Victory At Monterey attempts a triumphant attitude but falls flat with some lifeless melodies. Although hardly life-changing, Hammond's sophomore album is not without redemption - In My Room oozes cool and You Won't Be Fooled contains the effortless and loveable classic Strokes feel. 
