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Albert Hammond Jr says The Strokes’ ‘Angles’ was originally “more Stones-y” but ended up “flat” and “all over the place”
Albert Hammond Jr has reflected critically on The Strokes’ 2011 album ‘Angles’, saying an earlier, live-sounding version was “more Stones-y” and that the released record became overly polished, “flat” and stylistically scattered. His comments matter because they offer a candid account of the difficult production process behind an album released as the band’s major return after a five-year gap.
Hammond Jr said the group made the album three times, including sessions with Gus Oberg and an unsuccessful stint at New York’s Avatar Studios; only ‘Life Is Simple In The Moonlight’ from the latter sessions reached the final record. Julian Casablancas was touring for much of the process and recorded vocals separately, while ‘Angles’ also marked the first time all members received songwriting credits and the band used backing vocals prominently.
In short
- Hammond Jr prefers an earlier, rougher version of ‘Angles’.
- The album was repeatedly remade amid difficult sessions.
- Casablancas recorded much of his vocal work separately.
Explained simply
The Strokes are a rock band from New York whose first three albums established their reputation in the early 2000s. After a five-year gap, they returned with Angles in 2011, making it a significant release for the group and their fans.
The album was made during a difficult recording process, with the band trying several versions and working in different studios. Singer Julian Casablancas was often away touring and recorded his vocals separately, while the other members took a larger role in writing songs. These circumstances help explain why the album’s sound and production have become a subject of discussion.