The Strokes — "One Way Trigger" (NEW TRACK)

Happy late Friday afternoon. Thought we were gone for the weekend, eh? Well, so did we, but guess what? The Strokes just dropped a new tune via their official website. It's in the vein of a lot of Angles material, but also a bit more classic than anything on that full-length. Including a quirky little synth line, some acoustic guitars, and Julian's killer falsetto, it's definitely worth a spin, or 100. Yum. Stream or grab the mp3 over at the band's official site.

UPDATE: MP3 Below!

mp3: The Strokes - One Way Trigger

The Strokes Drop New Video, "Taken For A Fool"

The Strokes' lastest, Angles, has been a slow burner for us. Not that we didn't like it at the start, but it's simply gotten better and better. While it's slightly more eclectic and disjointed than their other works, it also has a depth to it that makes even the more straight-ahead songs feel like the work of an obviously matured band.

Case in point: "Taken For A Fool". We loved the track from the get-go, and since then our love of it has only increased. On the surface it's a straight ahead rocker, and classic Strokes material. But under the covers, the melody and guitar layers offer up something that's just a little bit more solid, and demands repeat listens.

Our love of the track was only increased when the band was joined by Elvis Costello for a live version at Madison Square Garden, and now the band has gone and released a video as well. The clip (below), is probably our favorite official video from the band since those of their first record, and adopts a similar retro vibe. Amidst a hastily rendered cube of 3D shapes, multiple projections of the band crowd each other in a room, and seem to be enjoying themselves quite a bit. To be frank, for us, that's more than enough, and very, very good to see.

Update: Check out Some Kind Of Awesome for the single cover, and the stream of the B-Side: a soundboard recording of the live version with EC!!!

More Strokes Videos Than You Can Shake A Stick At

The Strokes at Outside Lands 2010, from the HAD Archive (Photo By Rick Audet)

Yes, we know it's been almost a week since The Strokes were on SNL, but we've had a busy week; give us a break! Now we're all caught up, and delivering you the goods. First up are two vids from the SNL performance: the single "Under Cover Of Darkness", and the new track "Life Is Simple In The Moonlight". Then come two more parts in the "making of Angles" EPK series. Finally, if you scour the internet, you may just be able to find leaked copies of "Machu Piccu" and "Taken For A Fool" - and you might just find them awesome.

Angles drops March 22nd, The Strokes play Madison Square Garden on April 1st.

The Strokes Drop New Video, B-Side

Yesterday saw the release of the "Under Cover Of Darkness" physical single from The Strokes, and along with it came some nice goodies. First off, the video for the track has been released, and it's fab. What can we say? We're giddy to see the band back in one room together and delivering rock and roll cool as only they can. It doesn't hurt that the track is completely awesome as well. Just make sure you set it to 1080p - it makes a difference.

On top of the vid, the band also released a b-side with the physical single, and it's quite a divergence. "You're So Right" is less of a throwback to the band's early days, and sounds more along the lines of the tracks that Julian Casablancas dropped for his solo record. That being said, the band doesn't let Julian steal the show, and the guitar and rhythm interplay is unquestionably all Strokes. Grab the track below.

mp3: The Strokes - You're So Right

The New Strokes Record Is Going To Blow Your Mind

The Strokes At Outside Lands 2010, from the HAD Archive. Photo By Rick Audet.

At least, that is, if the first single is any indicator. We gave you a taste on Monday, and now the full track is here. It far surpasses all of our expectations, and is a totally awesome mix of the garagey goodness of Is This It, combined with the searing guitars of First Impressions Of Earth. In other words, it's all the best bits of The Strokes mixed into one happy sum, and we love it. Enjoy.

mp3: The Strokes - Under Cover Of Darkness

First Taste Of The New Strokes Record Hits The Net

If you're anything like us, most of your web surfing happens during the week, and it's seldom that you spend a Saturday night catching up on the latest web leaks and music availability issues. That being said, when a friend emailed us that a sample of The Strokes first single in 5 years, "Under Cover Of Darkness", had hit the web, we threw on our headphones and ignored the party for the next 30 seconds.

30 seconds, that is, of bliss. Not only do the boys sound amazing, but the tune is a definite throwback to the first record. All of the manicured production of the third record is out the window (at least for the first 30 seconds), and is replaced by the return of the raw, jangly sound that we all fell in love with 10 years ago. It remains to be seen if this will hold true for the entirety of Angles, but for now, we're pretty damn pleased with what we've heard.

mp3: The Strokes - Under Cover Of Darkness (Clip)

Outside Lands 2010: Day 1 Part 2

Yesterday we eased you into Day 1 of Outside Lands 2010, and now here we are, back with more! The second half of Saturday offered some killer performances, and the weather held up well enough to let the fans seriously enjoy some rock and roll awesomeness. Also, we're not going to lie: THE STROKES!!!! Just sayin'. Check out all the coverage below, and come back tomorrow for Day 2!
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My Morning Jacket

It had been quite a while since we'd seen My Morning Jacket live, and we certainly weren't disappointed with their Outside Lands set. Ramping up for some dates opening for Tom Petty, the band delivered a set that was definitely a winner. A massive crowd gathered at the Lands End stage to see them play, and the scene was pretty crazy.

There was something about lead singer Jim James that seemed sort of majestic -- maybe it was his big hair, flowy scarf, and long coat -- whatever it was, he was fun to watch. Considering how much the band has played recently it was refreshing to see how stoked they all seemed to be on stage.

These guys are great performers and the crowd loved them. We've always been pretty surprised at how much energy and noise MMJ make on stage. For such a mellow band on record, they really rocked. Of course we were happy to hear some of our old favorites including 'I'm Amazed' and 'Golden'.
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Wolfmother

Outside Lands definitely does a good job at bringing a dose of musical diversity, and Wolfmother delivered one of the heaviest sets of the festival. Yielding a classic blues rock sound that landed the band somewhere between Zeppelin and Sabbath, the band really got into their show.

In fact, they got so into it that this stage was one of the few where we caught a glimpse of some real, true to life, crowd surfing. Ah, the nineties are no longer, but maybe the spirit's still there?!?!?

Regardless, they delivered a set that was unquestionably solid rock and roll. Their performance and stage presence, combined with a wild crowd, made for one of the most aggressive and balls-to-the-wall sets of the entire festival.
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Cat Power

Poor Chan Marshall: no one seemed too excited to see Cat Power play Outside Lands, and while we're old fans of hers, we were sort of surprised to see her on the line-up. There wasn't much of a crowd, which surprised us, and her mellow, quiet music just didn't really inspire the drunken crowd.

To add to the difficulties, it was cold when she got up there, and it was obvious people were killing time waiting to see The Strokes. We overheard someone later say "Could Cat Power have played any longer? That set went on way too long." Sadly, we kind of agreed.

She opened the set with 'Good Woman' which we were excited about, but her quiet covers after the first song bored us. Now that Cat Power can get through an entire set without freaking out, we think she's best seen at a smaller, more intimate venue, not a big outdoor festival like Outside Lands.
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Wild Beasts

Outside Lands was the last night of Wild Beasts' US tour. While we were lucky enough to catch them in New York last week, some SF fans who didn't make it to Golden Gate Park this past weekend were (understandably) a little disappointed the band didn't play another venue in the city before heading back to England.

The band played to a much drunker and colder crowd who were clearly ready to dance. Maybe we were getting tired at this point in the night, or maybe it was the festival vibe, but (unlike New York) their performance at Outside Lands didn't really hold a candle to their studio records.

We were clearly in the minority. Similar to the New York show, the crowd was filled with adoring, painfully enthusiastic fans. Maybe we're just getting old, but when the sound of the band is overwhelmed by the idiots next to you, we always get a little frustrated. Nonetheless, it was monster show for the band to close out their tour with, and we're happy to see them riding the wave of success.
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The Strokes

It seemed like everyone at Outside Lands was there to see The Strokes on Saturday night, and frankly, we were with them. For a band that hasn't had an album in 6 years, and just started touring again, we weren't sure what to expect. We should have known better: The Strokes were just as awesome as ever.

Featuring a notably close-trimmed-yet-bearded Albert Hammond Jr., the band were rock solid and bulletproof in their live incarnation as always. We were impressed with how complex their music sounded, and the intricacy of the later material really shown through. They've definitely come a long way from the Petty-aping chug of "Is This It".

They opened up with "New York City Cops" and gave the crowd a pretty solid set complete with a monstrous 6 encores. Julian Casablancas said he appreciated all of the love and then commented that "maybe it wasn't love, so much as drunken excitement, but he would take that too".

After the gray day it was really fun to see a show as epic as The Strokes, with a crowd that was ready to eat it up. It seemed like it was probably the biggest production of the day, although we didn't bother to see what was undoubtedly a pretty trippy light show happening for Further on the other side of the park.

The crowd seemed pleased with what The Strokes had brought to the show, and with good reason. The band is a charismatic on-stage unit, who only truly shine when they're all together. Sure, we love a lot of their solo work, but at the end of the day, this show at Outside Lands demonstrated perfectly why The Strokes are (and should continue to be) here to stay.

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Words By Christina Loff

Pictures By Rick Audet

Many, MANY, more photos at the HAD Archive

It's A Good Weekend For Festivals

It's the end of the summer, and we know you've already been to a lot of shows, but don't give up! There's still so many great bands to see, and this weekend marks notable options on both sides of the continent!

Here on the east coast, Wilco will be holding their first ever Solid Sound Festival in North Adams, MA. The fest promises to be a Wilco-centric celebration of music, with sets from the band as well as their numerous side projects. On top of that, they've created interactive elements to allow you to futz with the band members gear to your heart's content. Fun!

Outside Lands 2009, from the HAD Archive. Photo by Rick Audet

Meanwhile, on the west coast Outside Lands gets under way in Golden Gate park. We don't need to tell you that this bad boy is the bay area's biggest music festival. However, we will remind you that it means you get to the The Strokes reunite, and that, dear children, should be more than enough incentive. (Yes, there are a million other amazing bands there as well. Stop being silly).

Regardless, this should be more than enough to keep you entertained, so get your butt out the door!

The Return Of The Strokes As Venison

Okay, we'll admit, this is basically a complete repost from our Strokes-obsessed pal over at Music Induced Euphoria. That being said, we think it more than deserves it: The Strokes are in the UK for a number of planned festival-comeback appearances, but the comeback has now officially arrived.

In a 500 person room, The Strokes (under the name Venison) delivered a set that spans the entire length of their career, and gave little doubt that they are, most certainly, back. What can we say? Our fanboy hearts are aflutter. Yay.

Lots more vids on youtube, and the setlist here.

Julian Casablancas Drops First On-Camera Interview In Three Years (Video)

There's so much awesome going on here, it's tough to say what's the most exciting. Suffice it to say that with the prospect of Julian's solo album and The Strokes fourth record both on the horizon, we are very, very, excited blognerds. Check the video above for an incredibly solid interview with JC himself.

Julian Casablancas Solo Record On Tap For Later This Year

Well, you sorta knew it had to happen: all the other Strokes (save Nick) have released solo projects, and now frontman Julian Casablancas will do the same. We have to say that we sorta think that Julian is The Strokes "secret sauce", so this could prove to be the most monumental of the band's solo forays. You can check out a video above with some inspiring instrumental-previews, but other than that you'll just have to wait for the goodness to trickle down.

The album, entitled Phrazes For The Young, is apparently only eight tracks long, and will not interfere in any way with the much-anticipated fourth record from the full band. Translation: best of both worlds. We couldn't be happier, now just to sit back and wait.

Thanks to Music Induced Euphoria for the tip!

The Poll Is Back

Image Courtesy UN1SON

What can we say? It was here in the old days, it kind of drifted off, but we missed it. So, without further adieu: The HAD Poll Of The Week has returned! Move your eyes over to the right hand side of the page, and you can let your voice be heard as to where you fall on all of the pressing musical questions of the day. This weeks query?

Which is your favorite of The Strokes' side projects?

Of course we have opinions of our own, but we wouldn't want to spoil the fun by skewing the vote, now would we?

Want To See The Strokes Live? Well, How About One Stroke? Little Joy's Coming To Slim's!

In our continued rumblings about the status of The Strokes, you may recall that one of the many side projects is drummer Fabrizio Moretti's band Little Joy. The band's new record came out Tuesday, and they are heading out on a nationwide tour starting tomorrow.

To our ears, the record sounds a bit like Walkmen-infused Strokes, with a touch of reggae and folkiness put in for good measure. Sure, that sounds insane, but listen and see if you don't agree. What's more, we'd be lying if we said that Rodrigo Amarante didn't remind us a bit of one Julian Casablancas on his more croony days.

The band will be returning to their California home base at the beginning of December, and we have the honor of hosting the last show of the tour right here in San Francisco at Slim's! Tickets go on-sale Sunday at 10 AM - get em while they're hot. Thanks to Music Induced Euphoria for the tip.

Little Joy Tour Dates:
Nov 7 2008 Station 4 St. Paul, Minnesota
Nov 8 2008 Subterranean Chicago, Illinois
Nov 9 2008 Magic Stick Detroit, Michigan
Nov 11 2008 Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nov 12 2008 The Khyber Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nov 13 2008 Mercury Lounge New York, New York
Nov 14 2008 Maxwell’s Hoboken, New Jersey
Nov 15 2008 Wonder Bar Asbury Park, New Jersey
Nov 16 2008 TT the Bears Cambridge, Massachusetts
Nov 17 2008 Virgin Megastore (Union Square) In-Store Performance New York, New York
Nov 18 2008 Black Cat Backstage Washington D.C., Washington DC
Nov 20 2008 Atlanta Room at Smith’s Olde Bar Atlanta, Georgia
Nov 21 2008 Exit/In Nashville, Tennessee
Nov 22 2008 Duck Room at Blueberry Hill St. Louis, Missouri
Nov 24 2008 Jackpot Music Hall Lawrence, Kansas
Nov 25 2008 The Conservatory Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Nov 26 2008 The Lounge on Elm Street Dallas, Texas
Nov 28 2008 Warehouse Live Studio Houston, Texas
Nov 29 2008 The Parish Austin, Texas
Nov 30 2008 Cain’s Ballroom 2nd Stage Tulsa, Oklahoma
Dec 2 2008 Larimer Lounge Denver, Colorado
Dec 4 2008 Martini Ranch Scottsdale, Arizona
Dec 5 2008 House of Blues - 5th Street Side Stage San Diego, California
Dec 6 2008 Detroit Bar Costa Mesa, California
Dec 7 2008 Troubadour Los Angeles, California
Dec 9 2008 Slim’s San Francisco, California

Strokes: Fourth Album Recording Commences In February; In The Meantime There's Nickel Eye

According to a recent interview with the BBC, The Strokes will be back in the studio come February with the goal of "getting back to being a band again". While that's good news in the wake of band-stability doubts (ours included), it probably means we're looking at close to a year before we see anything from The Strokes as a unit.

In the meantime you can satiate your Stroktastic desire with the latest output from bassist Nikolai Fraiture: Nickel Eye. The new project kicked off with a bang at CMJ last week, and from what we've heard the tracks are sounding pretty damned sweet. The album drops January 27th, but you can check out tracks at the band's my space page. The first track (single?) "Brandy Of The Damned" is below - would it be remiss if we said it has some definite Paul Simenon "Guns Of Brixton" feel to it? Bassist's of the world unite!

Strokes Side Projects: What Exactly Does This Mean For A New Record?

It seems these days that being a Stroke doesn't mean being much of a team player. First, Albert Hammond Jr. had his solo records. Then Julian has his go 'round with Santogold and Pharrell. Now Nikolai has a movie and solo material, and Fab's joined a new band.

We don't exactly know what this means for the band, but supposedly that fourth album was in the works. We know 2007 was supposed to be a "year off", but it's almost the end of 2008. All this activity outside of band fun is a bit suspicious if you ask us. If Mr. Valensi starts a side project (besides making babies), well, we're really going to wonder...

New Albert Hammond Jr. Out Today

Despite the fact that there hasn't been a new Strokes record on the street in about two and a half years, that hasn't stopped Albert Hammond Jr. from keeping busy. One of the band's two guitarists, Hammond is a songwriter in his own right, and released a solo record (Yours To Keep) in the second half of 2006. The album was heavy on 70's rock influences, and on many fronts played out like a "soft" Strokes record. The signature guitar riffs were all there, but the vocals were smoother, and the production more fine tuned.

Fast forward two years, still no Strokes output, and Hammond has another record in the bins. Released today, Como Te Llama? is Hammond's latest. While the album still features Hammond's smooth vocals, the rest of the sound has drifted more towards Strokes-ville. The production is edgier and more guitar driven, and riffage is even more dominant. The songs are great, and there's no denying that Hammond is a huge contributor to the Strokes sound. That being said, we can't help but admit we wish Julian Casablancas was singing some of these tunes, instead of making shoe commercials with Pharell and Santogold. Ahem.

mp3: Albert Hammond Jr. - GfC
stream: Albert Hammond Jr. - Como Te Llama? (Complete Album, MySpace)

The Strokes Fourth Album In The Works

If you head over to the Strokes website, click band, then click Nicolai, you'll see an update from the band's bassist. Among other things, he mentions that he is "looking very forward to the fourth album release". He goes on to note that the past two years have been "a long break but much needed for us to remain together as a productive band". So, there you have it. We have to admit, with Albert Hammond Jr.'s second solo album on the way, we were questioning the stability of the Strokes camp, but it looks like all is well. Psyched.