El simpatico Julian tiene su primer disco en Solitario,  Phrazes For The Young, y está en el punto mas opuesto que puede existir con respecto a Strokes.  Si esperabas contundencia de guitarra nada mas lejos de la realidad, sintetizadores y musica electronica-bailonga.

Este tipo de musica te puede llegar o no,  pero me gusta cuando el lider de una  importante banda se decide por un disco en solitario que normalmente suele acabar criticado por el “nuevo estilo”  (Kelly Jones, Jakob Dilan ….), pero para eso es un salto a un nuevo proyecto en solitario, no?

http://www.myspace.com/juliancasablancas

http://www.juliancasablancas.com/

11th Dimension

River of Brakelights

Style

The Palace Theatre, Downtown LA

Triste scoprire che c’è chi, passando per caso da queste parti, rimane terrorizzato leggendo i contenuti degli articoli (vuoi per gli argomenti, vuoi per lo stile). Beh, Frank non vuole questo, o almeno, non sempre. Tiriamoci quindi tutti un po’ su di morale con una delle poche cose che ancora riesce in questo titanico intento, la musica. Anche se il campo è ampio, e i gusti svariati, sono certo che qualcuno, che come me sta’ arrostendo nel fuoco lento dell’attesa per il nuovo lavoro degli Strokes, c’è. Ci sarebbe proprio da rimanere ustionati, visto che pazientiamo da ben tre anni, se non fosse per gli sporadici ma provvidenziali progetti solisti dei componenti della band newyorchese. Dopo i lavori di Nick, Nikolai, Fabrizio e Albert Hammond Jr. esce Phrazes For The Young (omaggio a Oscar Wilde, “Phrases and Philosophies for the Young), del cantante del gruppo, Julian Casablancas. La sua inconfondibile voce è un ottimo sedativo per un’attesa di cui non si intravede la fine, credetemi. Con sole otto tracce Julian riesce a creare un’atmosfera magica e confortante, che senza troppe pretese si propone di essere la cura per ogni malessere dell’anima. Certo, stiamo parlando di uno dei componenti di quegli Strokes che hanno partorito Is this it, che a quasi un decennio dalla sua uscita rimane un capolavoro per la sua intensa semplicità, Room on Fire e, nell’ormai lontano 2006, First impression of earth, quindi è giusto tenere alte le aspettative, ma più di ogni altro progetto solista dei suoi compagni, quello di Casablancas stupisce e convince. Dopo avervi consigliato di abbandonarvi alle melodie ed ai ritmi incalzanti di questo meritevole cd, non mi resta che farmi da parte, ed augurarvi buon ascolto.

Track Listing:

Hay… ya vale,no?

Hace mucho tiempo-¿era febrero?- anunciábamos que se reunían para hacer cosillas. Pero ahora parece que la cosa va un poco más en serio o no. En el Twitter del bajista, Nikoloai Fraiture, encontramos esto: “While the guys are in LA, I went to scout some studios in NYC with Ryan today for what looks like Jan recording!!! mood = f***ing excited!“  Ryan es el agente de los Strokes, y que viene diciendo que todo apunta a que este enero empiezan a grabar. Pero en otro lado de la balanza, el hecho de que casi todos están inmersos en proyectos paralelos y las palabras de Julian Casablancas, con reciente álbum en solitario: “We’re supposed to get back together in January but don’t hold me to that, we’ve been trying to do it for years. I’m always available and they know that but getting together is tough” afirmando que la reunión no es tan sencilla. Amigos Strokes que os parió, teneís a toda una generación que vistió Converse y se dejó greñas por vosotros, pendientes de ese cuarto álbum que no nos sonreje al decir que somos fans,  haced el favor, de aparcar egos y grupos bajeros que no llevan a ninguna parte, grabar y venid! Nos debeís un concierto en sala. Por nuestra parte, seguiremos cruzando los dedos y pediremos a los Reyes Magos que estos ruimores sean de verdad y esten de vuelta el año que viene.

The Strokes have indicated they are to start work imminently on their new album. And according to bandmates Julian Casablancas and Nikolai Fraiture they could be doing so as soon as January next year.

“While the guys are in LA, I went to scout some studios in NYC with Ryan [Gentles - The Strokes manager] today for what looks like Jan recording!!! mood = f***ing excited.” Fraiture wrote on his Twitter. But Casablancas said the plans weren’t set in concrete, but also revealed January sessions had been discussed. “We’re supposed to get back together in January but don’t hold me to that,” Casablancas told Pitchfork. “We’ve been trying to do it for years. I’m always available and they know that but getting together is tough,” he added.

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Julian Casablancas
Phrazes for the Young
RCA
2009

Grand Theft Auto III was an awesome video game, complete with an attitude nothing else on the market could mess with. After racking up so many hours playing, it became clear that the game could use a change of scenery. Raunchy Liberty City got old. When Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was released, complete with a 1980’s setting and shiny new weapons and cars, the results were electric. The swagger was back.

You might be able to guess where this is going.

The Strokes were an awesome band. But the New York City rockers burned out (third album, 2006’s First Impressions of the Earth, well, sucks). The members needed a change of scenery and we got solo attempts and side projects from all of them, except lead singer Julian Casablancas. Until now. Finally, Casablancas delivers Phrazes for the Young, complete with 80’s synths and shiny production. Yes, the results are electric. But is the swagger back?

Only eight songs long (the “deluxe” version has three bonus tracks), Phrazes will leave you drooling for more, whether that means another Casablancas solo record or a fourth Strokes LP. At the same time, this is not Is This It? Casablancas. Production has caused some of his edgy vocals to become, put simply, less cool. More President Obama than candidate Obama.

You might not notice, though. Album opener “Out of the Blue” is truly a great rock song. The Strokes’ who-gives-a-you-know-what attiude shines immediately as Casablancas states “yes I know I’m going to Hell in a leather jacket, at least I’ll be in another world while you’re pissing on my casket.” Then, somewhat unexpectedly, a soaring… plea? “How could you be, ooooohhhhhhhhh, so perfect for me?”

It’s better than anything from The Strokes’ last effort.

Then comes the memorable electro beat in “11th Dimension,” Casablancas’ first solo single. And ”4 Chords of the Apocalypse,” although not anything too mind blowing, is notable for its kick-ass guitar solo at 2:14.

Afterwards, Casablancas gives a bit of a history lesson on the Lower Eastside of New York in “Ludlow St.” Here he throws in a out-of-nowhere country twang. It’s not like Casablancas could show up to the CMA’s with a cowboy hat on and win best new artist (unlike Hootie of the Blowfish), but it’s still a surprise.

And while the song is one of the most interesting parts of Phrazes for the Young, it also uncovers one of the album’s downfalls, that Casablancas goes overboard at times. He uses what sounds like anything and everything that was available in the studio, sometimes building too many layers. Meanwhile, that exact drawback becomes a strength on the epic “River of Brakelights.” It’s a materialism lesson just in time for Black Friday shoppers.

On “Tourist,” which closes Phrazes, Casablancas seemingly tells the listener he’s not comfortable anywhere in an ever-urbanizing world (“I feel like a tourist lost in the suburbs, soon the whole world will be urban sprawl, feel like a land lover out on the ocean, feel like a teardrop streaming off your chin”).

That made me wonder if Casablancas had lost his swagger. Luckily, bonus track “I Wish It Was Christmas Today” kicks in, a “Saturday Night Live” cover. I wondered no longer. Only an artist like Casablancas could pull that off.

It all goes to show that, well Phrazes for the Young isn’t perfect, at least one member of The Strokes still has the swagger that helped make the band famous. Casablancas just needed a change of scenery.

8/10

Dziś – w kontrze do ubiegłotygodniowej audycji ze smęceniem – płyty “młodzieżowe” – Annie, Atlas Sound, Julian Casablancas, Rain Machine (odprysk TV on the Radio). I kilka nowych niezgorszych singli.

Do usłyszenia o 21.00 dziś na 97.1 FM (Warszawa) lub www.radiokampus.waw.pl (reszta świata)

Julian Casablancas, el famoso catalán vocalista de los Strokes le ha dado un giro a su carrera con su album debutante como solista Phrazes for the Young. Al parecer no es nuevo que un integrante de los Strokes haya hecho su carrera como solista, tal es el caso de Albert Hammond Jr. que incursionó al Indie pop ya hace algunos años.

El 18 de septiembre de este año, debutó en las listas de UK en el sitio 19 con su nuevo album que en lo personal suena muy bien, adecuándose a las necesidades de los oídos que poco a poco migran al mundo de lo electrónico. Su sencillo 11th dimension suena por todos lados y los que no lo conocen, no pueden asociarlo con The Strokes.

Son muchos los artistas que dan el salto del grupo al solista y la mayoría fracasa. Esperemos este no sea el caso ni motivo para que The Strokes se separen, aunque ya hace rato no se sabe nada de nuevo material. Aquí les dejamos una probada de su nuevo material

Da clic en la flecha para descargar

Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension

At The Palace

Oh what a glorious night it was witnessing the triumphant performance of Julian Casablancas at the historic Palace in downtown Los Angeles. I made quite a trip of it.

I took off early from work to give myself adequate time to make it from SD to LA, keeping in mind the atrocity of the city’s traffic. Checked in within walking distance. Walked to dinner, then the show. The bar was closed. Water was $5. Cups of ice were free.

The first guys, The Growlers, were interesting. The guy on the floor playing drums made me laugh. The lead singer’s “motionless arm dance” made me think he had webbed armpits. His croon was distinct. I moved to their unique beat and found myself wanting to hear their music the next day.

mp3: The Growlers – Acid Rain (iTunes)(Amazon)

The Growlers

The second group, The Strange Boys, are from Texas and their garbs gave it away. I was disappointed as there was a female saxophone player standing front and center. I wanted her to wail on it. She didn’t. Harmonicas came out, but so did noisy guitar riffs. Like I said, I was bummed on the lack of saxamaphone.

The Strange Boys (iTunes)(Amazon)

The Strange Boys

Julian Casablancas was astounding. The backgrounds changed; so did his wardrobe. Two unheard tracks and “Old Hollywood” were played but I really wished he would have “covered” The Strokes. Most of all, I wish he was playing with The Strokes. During all the guitar solos I was thinking, “I don’t want to see you rock out. Where are Albert and Nick?”Alas, the show was amazing and more different than I imagined. Much more of a show than just a Julian Casablancas concert. I was pleased with the details of the minutia, from the stage presence of the horns in “Tourist” and the opening voice pants on “Left and Right in the Dark”.  As with his whole solo effort, I am glad he took his ideas as far as he did. Oh how I want more.

waiting

watching

Intermission

Christmas lights everywhere

...and he's gone

As a finishing note, as I was leaving I noticed Federico Vitetta in the crowd taking pictures and I called him out yelling, “Go film for Lakai!” I was surprised as he approached me for a hand shake; I didn’t expect it. I was so taken aback all I could manage to speak was, “I recognize you man.” I should have asked him what he thought of the show. Oh well. He’s a very talented videographer/director and Lakai Footwear is lucky to have him as their team manager. Check out one of his commercials below.

Artist: Julian Casablancas

Date: Monday November 23, 2009

Venue: Commadore Ballroom

Julian Casablancas is probably best known for his work with the Strokes. In addition to singing and songwriting with the Strokes he has collaborated with Queens of the Stone Age, Eddie Vedder, Lonely Island, Santogold, N.E.R.D., Albert Hammond, Jr., Pharrell, Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse and more. He has recently finished work on his first solo album “Phrazes for the Young“. Casablancas seems to ooze talent out of his pores. His solo album is a solid listen from start to finish creating memorizing guitar riffs and tap your toes beats. He has been quoted as saying that he wants to present a “series of over-the-top Disney style shows“. If that isn’t enough reason to see him check out some of his work below.

Ticket are available here.

Julian Casablancas works with Santogold, N.E.R.D., and Pharrell for Converse

Julian Casablancas with Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse

Julian Casablancas covers “Mercy Mercy Me” by Marvin Gaye with Eddie Vedder and Josh Homme, now how great is that…

The Lonely Island perform “Boombox” feat Julian Casablancas….sweet

Julian Casablancas non è un tipo qualunque. Non sappiamo se definirlo icona rock renda l’idea. Perché probabilmente è riduttivo. Atteniamoci quindi ai dati concreti: dalla sua mente è partita la nuova epopea dell’indie-rock. Quell”Is This It’ che sta quasi per compiere un decennio di vita, è stato un disco profetico, rivelatore, spartiacque. E’ un disco che non è nato dal nulla, ma dall’assorbimento di una cultura rock ben precisa (quella di fine anni ‘60) che è stata poi sputata fuori dopo un trattamento chimico a base di nonsense, sfacciataggine e onnipotenza giovanile. Sono bastati tre LP agli Strokes per mettere una seria ipoteca sul nome simbolo da attribuire al rock nato nel nuovo millennio. E se i detrattori vi potrebbero elencare una decina di band da cui i ragazzi di NY City hanno saccheggiato per diventare grandi, allora chi li supporta ve ne potrà elencare almeno 40 che suonano tali e quali agli Strokes.
Julian nel 2009 ha deciso di andare oltre dando alle stampe il suo primo disco solista (seguendo le orme di un paio di compagni di band) che – stando al manifesto d’intenti dell’autore – ha l’obiettivo di dare libero sfogo a tutte le sue idee senza che queste siano messe in discussione dal resto del gruppo. E sono idee che sorprendono. Un Casablancas, quindi, a 360°. Otto tracce per alzare di nuovo la voce, dopo tre anni di silenzio.1. Out of the Blue
2. River of Brake Lights
3. 4 Chords of the Apocalypse
4. 11th Dimension
5. Ludlow St.
6. Glass
7. Left & Right In The Dark
8. Tourist

Julian Casablancas, 11th Dimension

myspace.com

I found this old demo over at The World Forgot a few weeks back, and have been playing it pretty heavily recently, especially given my recent obsession with all things Julian Casablancas. I absolutely adore Phrazes for the Young, but still prefer my Julian in Strokes form, especially on this absolutely stunning demo the band released on their myspace way way back. This stripped down demo, which mimics “You Only Live Once”, reveals the band in their simplest and most vulnerable form. I long for another Strokes album, but until then Julian’s new work, and this beautiful track, will have to do.

MP3: The Strokes – “I’ll Try Anything Once (You Only Live Once Demo)”

Love,
Zack

with The Growlers
The Palace Theatre, Downtown LA

In a few short hours my eyes and ears will be feasting on all the beauty wrapped in the beast that is Julian Casablancas. BOO YA!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaaKsg6n8Sg

Faixa do excelente “Phrazes for the Young” de Julian Casablancas, vocalista dos Strokes

And yet again another failed attempt to grow out my hair. I just don’t have the patience anymore, the short haircut stays. But monthly $80 salon visits are not in my budget, so I grabbed my shears and started cutting. I’m not freaked out by cutting my own hair, if I fuck up I got a decent selection of hoodies and hats to get me by, it grows back. Nevertheless, I’m pleased with the results.

I got a quick glimpse of sunshine before I had to report to work. But of course as soon as I clock in the clouds clear. But all wasn’t bad, while straighting the sales floor Julian Casablanca’s song ‘11th Hour’ came on the radio and had me tapping my toes.

Saw Julian Casablancas at the Regency Ballroom on Tuesday.  I was standing directly behind the guy taking this video.  He was there with a friend who could quite possibly be J Cas’s #1 fan.  She kept dancing and jumping up and down while he tried to film THE ENTIRE CONCERT.  Throughout the night he unsuccessfully tried to tell her to calm down so that he could film the show.  She didn’t.

By the by, who films an entire concert? Heaven forbid you should actually put your camera down to actually enjoy the show.  Kids these days.

Anyway.  Great show.  Julian, though sober now, is still pretty.  Unfortunately he didn’t play my favorite song on his album:

A few girlfriends and I had a nice little dinner date at a newish restaurant on North Highland the other night called, Street (www.eatatstreet.com).  My oh my, was it absolutely delectable!  It was started by chef and travel enthusiast, Susan Feniger, whose idea behind the restaurant came from her love of street food.  With the delicacies of street vendors from around the world as her inspiration, Susan has created an incredibly diverse and amazingly tasty menu.  The most delicious thing we ordered was DEFINITELY the Kaya Toast, which hails from Singapore.  The toast is like a mini grilled cheese sandwich, but instead of cheese, it has a coconut jam spread.  You then dip the mini sandwich in a soft-boiled egg that is covered in a soy sauce.   Sounds weird, but it is SO good.  We kept dipping everything else we ordered in the strange egg, soy concoction.  Beyond delicious.  Please allow your mouth to water at the picture of the Kaya Toast below. 

Another yummy street food we ordered was the Spinach Varenky dumplings.  These little guys are Ukranian and are like pillows of fried heaven.  Basically, everything we tried did not disappoint.  Plus, the ambience of the restaurant is very hip and cool.  The walls are painted a deep red and are designed with funky figurines drawn in white chalk. (It felt like we were outside on the street, which is quite fitting for a place named Street, that’s all about street food!) We sat on the patio, next to a cute little fire, and because it was a bit cold, they brought us blankets, (really soft, yummy ones…amazing).  To make things even better, our server was great, the wine was delicious, AND we had a fun celeb sighting.  B.J. Novak of The Office was at the table next to us.  B.J. and I, (yep, we’re on first name basis now), were in each other’s line of sight and kept making eye contact accidentally.  That made our fun girl’s night out even more fun, as you can imagine.  So I think it’s safe to say that I highly recommend this place!  As would the three amazing girls I dined with, two of which have their own blog!  Check them out here: www.lauradaily.wordpress.com and www.vivalemani.wordpress.com. The four of us have decided to try a new restaurant each month and have one of us blog about it!  Stay tuned for more of our fun eating adventures.

Also, because I love Hoagie, here is a very cute picture of him from this past weekend, sleeping on my chest, with his little paw in my sweatshirt pocket.

Second also, because I love music, here is a song that I like right now.  It makes me very happy and I think it will make you happy too!  Here’s “11th Dimension” by Julian Casablancas:

Idag vaknade jag öm i kroppen efter gårdagens fackeltåg. Inte för att vi gick, för att vi stod stilla i köld och regn i >3 h! Det rådde lätt förvirring utanför Skandia, men vi stod som fastnaglade på våra platser, alla vi som kommit dit för att få gratis festivalpass. När jag inte längre kände mina fötter kom elden, den spred sig snabbt mellan oss, liksom tacksamheten över att väntan var över. Icke. Ytterligare många minuter, sedan kom plötsligt en massa folk ut från Skandia. Jaha, this is it alltså, tänkte jag. Massor av människor som såg ut som kändisar men vars ansiken jag aldrig sett. Jag brydde mig inte, just då ville jag bara tina upp fötterna och käka en stor bunt pepparkakor.

Åter till idag. Vilket var en rätt så konstig dag, den var som om jag lyckades trycka in en liten millimeter av varje dag jag levt på en skoldag typ. Det som hände var (det här är inte mitt tidigare liv, utan bara relevanta och orelevanta händelser som inträffade idag och som kom att fastna i mitt minne): jag åt skolans såsiga köttfärssås, skrattande nästan sönder mina magmuskler på biologin, tyckte att tiden gick extremt långsam runt lunch och sedan tvingades jag plugga matte och kemi. Jag fick hjälp av alla i min närhet, eller fick jag? Jag kände mig iaf viktig för första gången på fem år och klarade av att för en gångs skull sammanlänka insida och utsida. Sen läste jag skoltidningen till kent och plockade upp en kärlekstråd till slutet i 747, var glad hela fotoprovet och hoppade på färgerna på Stockholm Södra.

På pendeltåget hem lyssnade jag noga till två spanjorskors samtal om hundar, den ena ville inte att de skulle sätta sig på det enda lediga dubbelsätet för att en schäfer befunnit sig där tidigare. Hon gillade inte hundar, men sonen skulle skaffa en till hennes förfäran, hon tyckte hellre ett barn. Himlen var indigo och jag bländades av vita lyktor i ögonvrån. En neoncyklist i ultrafart, en springande dam på bron. Regn, svag vid och Julian tog över mina sinnen. Hela dagen en stor sinnesrubbning idag igen, var är jag på väg? 10 poängsfrågan i På Spåret, lösa DN:s söndagskryss, det omöjliga?

Somewhere along the way…
my hopefulness turned to sadness
my sadness turned to bitterness
my bitterness turned to anger
my anger turned to vengeance

exacting vengeance gave excitement
that excitement turned to pleasure
that pleasure turned to madness
Sooner or later that kind of madness turns into pain

►JULIAN CASABLANCAS – Out Of The Blue
►THE XX – VCR

painful hopefulness. /Jenny

Freschi del numero 1 ottenuto con Is This It nella classifica dei migliori album dell’ultimo decennio stilata da NME, gli Strokes stanno per ritornare in studio per lavorare al successore di First Impression Of The Earth del 2006. O forse no.

Stando a quanto riportato da Rockol, l’indie band si ritroverà il prossimo gennaio in uno studio di New York per le session di registrazione. A svelarlo è stato il bassista Nikolai Fraiture con un post su Twitter: “Mentre gli altri sono a Los Angeles io sono qui a New York con il nostro manager, Ryan, a cercare uno studio per gennaio. E siamo molto eccitati dalla cosa”.

Queste parole però non hanno trovato riscontro in alcune dichiarazioni rilasciate dal leader della band Julian Casablancas, attualmente impegnato nella promozione del suo album solista Phrazes For The Young: “Sì, immagino che in gennaio ci vedremo, ma non contateci troppo. Sono anni che ci proviamo, a ritrovarci. Io sono sempre disponibile, ma ritrovarsi tutti insieme è molto dura”. Staremo a vedere cosa accadrà.