Yours to Keep

Jr. Albert Hammond

If it took a solo album for Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. to make sure his songs were finally heard, file this one under "their loss" for those egocentric East Siders. The first in the group to make his own record, Hammond (son of the triumphant '70s singer and composer) comes up big, hammering out 10 songs brimming with beatific melodies ("Call an Ambulance"), sugary harmonies ("Scared"), and the same rampant guitar ("In Transit") that he wields with the big band. Though he recruits prominent pals Sean Lennon and Ben Kweller for the ride, it's unnecessary, as Hammond's voice--both capable and charmingly unkempt--is a step above the monotonous murmur of Strokes singer Julian Casablancas (who also appears). Hammond's far-reaching influences drift from AM pop to punk rock, but the mop-topped musician mostly keeps it close to the vest, blending shades of the Beach Boys ("Cartoon Music for Superheroes," complete with toy piano), John Lennon ("Blue Skies"), and the Pixies ("Back to the 101"). Now he just has to make sure his band gets a copy of the record. --Scott Holter

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