A lot of people don't realize the extent to which Albert Hammond Jr. has influenced their "personal" style. The Strokes' guitarist was the mastermind behind the group's disheveled minimalism, which, according to CityFile, "redefined contemporary hipsterdom". Hammond's stylistic choices were also the driving force behind the Converse resurgence and the overwhelming success of Urban Outfitters and American Apparel, and the millions of kids who look like they woke up on a couch in the East Village have him to thank.
While his stylistic and musical contributions to The Strokes are continually overlooked, Hammond's solo work has been receiving high praise as of late. His 2006 solo album, Yours To Keep, stripped away some of the pretentious lo-fi fuzz that made his band famous, replacing it with earnest pop hooks that conjured images of a downtown Brian Wilson. The July 8th release of his second solo record, Como Te Llama?, brought about a diverse handful of new tracks that finally showcase the true depth of Hammond's talent. We'll see if it gets him the recognition he deserves.
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