This Isn't It, Actually

Posted by Kerstin, Online Editor

I fall into that category of people who cease to like something the second it gets too popular or  "cool." It's an annoying trait, I admit. It's not that I'm not happy for the band/TV show/movie when it reaches a wide audience. I just seem to prefer things when they lurk in a hard-to-find alley, rather than when they're emblazoned on some "What's Hot Now!" list.

So just imagine how much I wanted to dislike the first solo album from Albert Hammond Jr., the rhythm guitarist for The Strokes. The guy has graced enough magazine covers to give Paris Hilton a run for her money. And when The Strokes' first record, "Is This It", became a "cool" album, I, of course, stopped listening.

Thus, it humbles me to admit that I really enjoy Hammond's debut, "Yours To Keep". Released earlier this month, it's more cheerful and refined than a Strokes album ("Is This It" feels like a sweaty downtown party, while this is like a lazy day in Malibu). It's perfect for doing laundry or relaxing with friends over cocktails.

And if this album ends up on one of those lists, I promise I won't be bitter (much).

Comments

[Jordan]

Kerstin,

Read this interview by Dave Eggers.

http://www.armchairnews.com/freelance/eggers.html

love, Jordan

[MollieB]

I am surprisingly shocked by how much I like this album--just bought it on iTunes and am listening to it for the perfect soundtrack to brighten up this rainy day. Thanks for the suggestion!

[annezilla]

Todd, WEXP? *cough**cough* it’s KEXP.
[Western US = Kxxx, Eastern = Wxxx]
(But I’m sure you knew that.)
Speaking of radio, WOXY’s good too.

Kerstin it’s ok that you’re a hipster. But as a recovering hipster, the first step to healing is in admitting that you are a hipster. I mean, indie snobbery is so 4 months ago. ;-)

I do appreciate a good album recommendation, so thanks!

[sarah]

thanks for the tip! would you recommend this for my friend's painting party?

[Todd]

Kerstin what you have described are the peculiar traits of the fickle being known as an INDIE HIPSTER.

You know you are an Indie Hipster when you say things like Peter Bjorn & John are so 6 months ago!

You know you are an Indie Hipster when you work really hard to look sad all the time.

Seriously, I have to admit I was shocked (shocked I tell you!) about how much I liked this Albert Hammond album better than the other Strokes albums. Its pop music that is actually worth buying because you are never going to hear it on the radio unless you are listening to indie hipster radio on Sirius (Left of Center/26), WEXP in Seattle, KCRW in SoCal, or The Current in Minneapolis.