The Cold Cut

Nickel Eye- Brandy Of The Damned (Link 2)
Nickel Eye- Dying Star (Link 2)
(Links up for limited time in interest of the artist)

Julian Casablancas will be getting worried now. Joining Albert Hammond Jr. in the 'this 4th album is taking fucking forever, I'm leaving' crowd is Nikolai Fraiture. You know him, he's the one that dresses sharp, exudes natural cool, shreds on the bass and looks like he doesn't give a fuck.

Under the name Nickel Eye -see what he did there? Jokes aside, its catchy- he has been recording a new album, 'The Time Of The Assassins', out soon. Two songs have been played on Mark Ronson's 'authentic shit' radio show, complete with 'don't bootleg this, internet' commentary. I'm sorry Mark- I had to... it's just too good to miss!

'Dying Star' features Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeah's fame, and other songs on the forthcoming album are said to feature Regina Spektor amongst other 'very special guests'. 'Brandy Of The Damned' is the stronger of the two premiered songs, and will be taking a coveted place in my top 20 songs of the year.

And now with rumours that Fabrizio is also building a solo project (called Little Joy- for the completists), Nick Valensi's numerous collaborations, Albert's blossoming solo career and Julian's Converse work, The Strokes 4th album is looking very distant. I'm not bothered- who needs The Strokes when each of their side projects are all as good as the latest band work? It's five for the price of one. No brainer.

There's no music up on Nickel Eye's Myspace as of yet, but that should change soon. Head over there for a nice story about the band's creation. Visit Mark Ronson's Authentic Shit page to hear an inteview with Nikolai.

Pharrell, Santogold and Julian Casablancas- My Drive Thru

I'm not in the mood to regurgitate a former post and start ramming 'My Drive Thru' down your throats. It seems to fit into the Marmite mold- you love it or you hate it. I am in the former category, purely because this song is too cool for school. I'm also salivating at the prospect of further Converse collaborations, purportedly from MGMT and Does It Offend You, Yeah?.

The new video for 'My Drive Thru' premiered a few days ago, and it's just as slick as the song itself. First things first, it is entirely original, a luxury in the modern advertising world. I have never seen the cut-out technique used in a music video, and it fits like a glove. All in all, a perfect pitch from Converse.

So, I am (as I should be) really happy right now. This is one of the strangest feelings I've ever experienced: total freedom, and a lack of purpose. I must admit, I've been diffident and hard work over the last few days, and am feeling a little fragile after post exams partying. However, I think I got most of my animosity out of my system, and I can start to chill. I have seen the hits slowly dwindling down, but I hope I can be consistent and boost The Cold Cut back up.

'One To Watch: Albert Hammond Jr.'.zip (Link 2)

Remember The Strokes? Of course you do... Albert Hammond Jr. has been keeping the band in our vernacular. Since 'First Impressions Of Earth', The Strokes have been off the radar, whilst Hammond Jr. flies the flag, releasing two albums, the brilliant debut 'Yours To Keep' and his more polished follow up '¿Cómo Te Llama?'. The album is out now (digitally at least), and I can assure you it's excellent, but wont move anywhere near as many units as a Strokes release. That, however, won't keep it out of end-of-year lists.

As is often the case with 'punk' branded bands, some of the supporting band have better voices and are arguably more talented than the lead. And that is true here. Besides Julian Casablancas effort to keep the fire alive with Converse's 'My Drive Thru', Albert has been holding fort: see single 'GfC' and two album highlights, all above (and below)- I'm feeling charitable. I hope these songs might convince you (unless we're past that stage) that two albums in, and over two years since a new album by The Strokes, his solo effort is beginning to look like a well planned career move.

However, with talks of Pharrell's wishes to produce their next record, and recent news from the band, let's hope not. The Strokes are due to begin recording their fourth album proper this summer.

Albert Hammond Jr.- GfC (Link 2)
Albert Hammond Jr.- Bargain Of A Century (Link 2)
Albert Hammond Jr.- You Wont Be Fooled By This (Link 2)

'¿Cómo Te Llama?' can be purchased on iTunes or pre-ordered here.

Unrelated, but oh so true: this article over at MuchMusic.com hits the nail on the head: '10 Ways Musicians Piss Off Their Fans'.