Albert Hammond Jr. never wanted to make a solo album.
He certainly never wanted to play shows promoting it.
But seven months into an accidental world tour for “Yours to Keep,” the Strokes guitarist is realizing it’s exactly what he needed.
“I was not down for that originally,” Hammond said over the phone from San Diego. “But (drummer) Matt Romano was like, ‘Dude, we have to.’ Once we started to rehearse it sounded different, and now I’m glad we did it. I’m having so much fun.”
Hammond, who plays the Marquis Theater on Saturday, is well acquainted with exhausting international jaunts. His platinum-selling main gig makes waves wherever it goes, appealing to both hipsters and the melodically-inclined ear. But Hammond always seemed content to let longtime friend and colleague Julian Casablancas do the singing in the Strokes.
His role as rhythm guitarist and occasional songwriter fit him fine – as well as the three-piece suits he wears on stage. The idea of fronting an act never appealed to him. Until now.
“I’ve started to believe more in myself and have a little more confidence,” Hammond said. “I’ve met a lot of bands all trying to do the same things, trying to play music and succeed. You’re just learning all around and getting better at what you do.”
Hammond recorded “Yours to Keep” piecemeal between sessions for the Strokes’ “First Impressions of Earth” and its subsequent world tour. The songs, some of which he had demoed in his apartment for years, assumed a new richness with producer Greg Lattimer. Friends like Casablancas, Sean Lennon, Ben Kweller and Jody Porter (Fountains of Wayne) dropped in to help, even if some of their contributions didn’t make it on the record.
Suddenly Hammond found himself with a full-length album’s worth of material, much of it surprisingly good. Only in hindsight did he realize he had been making a solo album.
“It took about 2 1/2 weeks to record and mix – over the course of a year and four months,” he admitted.
Reluctant at first, Hammond played a couple of shows in England. Two shows turned into eight. Europe followed. He agreed to play opening gigs for bands like Incubus and Bloc Party, relishing their relatively low-profile nature. By the end of this tour, he will have played about 120 shows.
“It’s fun to open sometimes because it’s less pressure. You just play your (heart) out for 30 minutes and get out of there,” he said. “The interaction with the audience is different. They don’t know you.”
Maybe not, but they should. Hammond is the son of Albert Hammond, a songwriter who fashioned hits for Willie Nelson, Chicago and Starship. It’s perhaps no surprise his son’s solo album, released in the U.S. in March, is as good as any Strokes album.
“Yours to Keep” emits a more playful vibe than the Strokes’ work, retaining a textured, guitar-driven aesthetic while jettisoning the too-cool remove. True, you can pick out the influence of the Velvet Underground and Television in songs like “In Transit” and “Everyone Gets a Star.”
But “Cartoon Music for Superheroes” lives up to its name with layered lullaby melodies worthy of the Apples in Stereo. “Call an Ambulance” bounces like an updated Tin Pan Alley tune, a sing-songy chorus meshing vaudeville with lyrics born of personal pain. The album’s innocent artwork, coupled with melodies that recall the Beatles, reveal a softie at heart.
The left-field nature of the album only enhances its appeal. Horns and world-beat rhythms pop up unexpectedly during the coda of “Hard to Live in the City.” And who knew Hammond could write an album this good anyway?
Hammond’s U.K. label Rough Trade is already asking for a follow-up. But Hammond cautions that any future work won’t suffer from over-calculation. If he continues exploring the solo path, it’s because he’s making discoveries at every turn.
“These new songs are so much better and so exciting. I can’t wait to start doing it,” he said. “But it’s going to be like the first one: If it’s not something I like I’m not going to put it out.”
Staff writer John Wenzel can be reached at 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
7more
THE BAD PLUS These jazz-fusion pioneers never fail to surprise with their records and inventive live shows. Tonight’s gig at the Boulder Theater should be no different.
MR. LIF When this Def Jux artist takes over the Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom tonight, the room will be alive with his fearlessly political spirit.
CAPTURED! BY ROBOTS It’s a kitsch act hardly deserving of a second serving, but if you haven’t seen this band of robots – fronted by a human slave – then you should find yourself at the Lion’s Lair on Saturday and/or Sunday.
JOSS STONE The British soul singer is touring her least inventive record, and she stops Sunday at the Fillmore.
UNSANE They’re very loud and very proud, and they play Wednesday at the Larimer Lounge.
SKINNY PUPPY The industrial pioneers are out to reclaim their thrown. They play Wednesday at the Ogden.
CHARLIE DANIELS BAND This country-rock favorite takes his Volunteer Jam to the Fillmore on Thursday.
– Ricardo Baca
