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July 14, 2009

Julian Casablancas Goes Solo With The Phrazes For The Young LP

thumbnail icon: Julian Casablancas Goes Solo With The Phrazes For The Young LP

Fab did it with Little Joy. Nickolai Fraiture did it with Nickel Eye. Albert Hammond Jr. did it with Albert Hammond Jr. And now after lending his voice to Homme and sneakers and authentic rappers, Strokes figurehead Julian Casablancas is officially and completely stepping out on his own with a debut solo full-length. The set spans eight songs, recorded in NYC, LA, and of course Nebraska, with production assists from Jason Lander and Mike Mogis. We're scraping for details here, so the best we can offer is there are songs titled "River Of Brake Lights," "Glass," and the L.E.S. referencing "Ludlow St." And that this album preview looks like a movie trailer, is anti-drinking, and is more cinematically synth-poppy than you expected.

There's gonna be a "special series of U.S. dates" followed by a proper solo tour later this year. Keep you posted. For now, keep your eyes on juliancasablancas.com.

Posted at 2:00 PM by amrit in
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61 Comments

Can't believe he's colaborating with Vangelis

Posted by: ikidikid at 07/14/09 2:15 PM | Reply
Score = 7 Vote up Vote down

The art there stands out compared to alot of things I see...I wish the video and music matched it...it might as well be Modern Guilt...

Posted by: Friction at 07/14/09 3:01 PM | Reply
Score = -13 Vote up Vote down

Modern Guilt stands out compared to a lot of music I hear

Posted by: HenryIV in reply to Friction's comment at 07/14/09 4:54 PM | Reply
Score = 10 Vote up Vote down
TrkyLym

I'm pretty excited. So far ALL of the other Strokes side projects have disappointed me immensely, lets hope this doesn't.

Posted by: TrkyLym profile link at 07/14/09 3:19 PM | Reply
Score = -18 Vote up Vote down

who?

Posted by: sam at 07/14/09 3:31 PM | Reply
Score = -13 Vote up Vote down

the music sounds a lot like something Ratatat would release. Still intrigued regardless.

Posted by: ryan at 07/14/09 3:35 PM | Reply
Score = 6 Vote up Vote down

Yeah hopefully it's one step closer to a collaboration between the two...his voice would fit their sound so well, I think that would be great for both artists respectfully

Posted by: EnchantingWizardofRhythm in reply to ryan's comment at 07/14/09 4:57 PM | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

I've been surprised at how much I've liked all of their solo stuff, particularly Little Joy.

I'm curious what this one will be like, e.g., how much distortion on his voice.

Posted by: Katie Camosy at 07/14/09 3:57 PM | Reply
Score = 7 Vote up Vote down
Mr_Blue_Angel_Dood

Mmm aside from Albert Hammond Jr. which I think did amazingly well, all their solo projects have been pretty good. But I don't know about this...I'd much rather see a Strokes album out.

Posted by: Mr_Blue_Angel_Dood profile link at 07/14/09 4:16 PM | Reply
Score = 10 Vote up Vote down
moonmaster

CITIES WILL RISE AND FALL. PEOPLE WILL LIVE AND LOVE. UNIVERSES WILL BE BORN AND DIE. THE FOUNDATION OF REALITY ITSELF WILL BE SHAKEN BY THESE GLIDING SYNTHS AND TRIUMPHANT BEATS. THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT WILL BE CHANGED FOREVER


BY THE JULIAN CASABLANCAS SOLO ALBUM.

Posted by: moonmaster profile link at 07/14/09 4:57 PM | Reply
Score = 14 Vote up Vote down
Paper Werewolf

Julian wakes and rises from his bed as he runs his left hand through his perfectly distressed hair while reaching for his cheetah print silk underwear. He feels the shag carpet in between his bare toes and smiles. Graciela raises her head from the pillow as he walks towards the solid gold dresser to grab his cigarettes and sunglasses. Out of the corner of his eye he catches his reflection in the full-length mirror and he whispers,

"Who do you think you are?"

He turns to Graciela as she brushes her hair and says,

"Julian Casablancas, bitch."

Posted by: Paper Werewolf profile link in reply to moonmaster's comment at 07/15/09 12:01 AM | Reply
Score = 20 Vote up Vote down
Nick Jonas (spy)

Better than the (500) Days of Summer trailer.

Posted by: Nick Jonas (spy) profile link at 07/14/09 5:11 PM | Reply
Score = 14 Vote up Vote down

holy crap moonmaster... B4-4!!!!!!! hahaha!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: sdafsdfasdf at 07/14/09 5:30 PM | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down
grover

8 songs qualifies as a "full length" these days, huh

Posted by: grover profile link at 07/14/09 6:36 PM | Reply
Score = -17 Vote up Vote down

wow you are either clueless or very young, LOTS of classic LPs have 7, 8, 9 songs max

Posted by: rgr_moore in reply to grover's comment at 07/14/09 9:02 PM | Reply
Score = 9 Vote up Vote down
grover

yeah or! they call it an ep

Posted by: grover profile link in reply to rgr_moore's comment at 07/14/09 10:51 PM | Reply
Score = -13 Vote up Vote down

Not to compare the two, but Led Zeppelin IV was 8 tracks and that turned out pretty well.
Remember, Quality not quantity.

Posted by: Matt in reply to grover's comment at 07/14/09 11:10 PM | Reply
Score = 15 Vote up Vote down
Paper Werewolf

An album isn't defined by the amount of tracks on it, but by it's running time.

Most LPs fall between 30-80 minutes, while an EP would generally be 15-30 minutes. There were a number of Krautrock and Prog albums in the 70's that were only three or four tracks but the tracks themselves would be over 20 minutes, making the albums pretty damn long. Look at at any mid-period Yes album for instance, or anything by Sunn O))).

Also, Wolf Parade's "At Mount Zoomer" was only 9 tracks but two of them were 6 minutes long and the last one was over 10.

Plus, it ruled.

My point is: Shut up.

Posted by: Paper Werewolf profile link in reply to grover's comment at 07/15/09 3:00 AM | Reply
Score = 11 Vote up Vote down

An album is definitely not defined by it's running time, either.

Posted by: Kazakstan in reply to Paper Werewolf's comment at 07/16/09 11:08 AM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I am optimistic! ... if only for the visuals.

Posted by: Books & Backpacks at 07/14/09 6:37 PM | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

I don't know...that really lacks a sense of something...the music clearly doesn't fit that cover...the "cinematic" lost in translation city of blinding light thing...

Posted by: Spiderman 3 at 07/14/09 6:50 PM | Reply
Score = -4 Vote up Vote down

Spiderman...spiderman...

Posted by: Arthur Miller in reply to Spiderman 3's comment at 07/15/09 12:39 AM | Reply
Score = -3 Vote up Vote down

The Nickel Eye side project is the best of the bunch, imo. These guys are so talented.

Posted by: Rook at 07/14/09 7:03 PM | Reply
Score = 5 Vote up Vote down

its got my attention...

Posted by: Andy Pants at 07/14/09 7:06 PM | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

I'd do him

Posted by: Cumbunzzz profile link at 07/14/09 7:55 PM | Reply
Score = 15 Vote up Vote down

I realize that he writes most of the strokes songs on keys and the such, but his voice was meant to be accompanied by a guitar... im not sure why hes doubting this.

Posted by: Lane at 07/14/09 8:24 PM | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down
SubSickAlien

Is this it?

Posted by: SubSickAlien profile link at 07/14/09 9:18 PM | Reply
Score = 29 Vote up Vote down

Interesting that he's coming out with a side-project, considering he keeps repeating that he's got "nothing to say".

Oh well, might as well milk the trend of the moment.

Posted by: d33r profile link at 07/14/09 9:25 PM | Reply
Score = -10 Vote up Vote down

the art is reminiscent of strokes' album booklets, esp for first impressions of earth. i love all the solo stuff, especially little joy, and i'm not holding my breath for another strokes record. it seems like they're all moving in different directions (besides fab and nick valensi) and have maybe outgrown each other

Posted by: sass at 07/14/09 11:23 PM | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

Fuck this guy, yeah you heard me.

Posted by: sukme at 07/14/09 11:27 PM | Reply
Score = -25 Vote up Vote down

I would happily fuck this guy.

Posted by: faith at 07/14/09 11:38 PM | Reply
Score = 19 Vote up Vote down
Snow White

let's see...your band debuts in 98 which makes all your fans 29 now. And you think they want to hear a solo album by your lead singer ten years later? what a joke.

Posted by: Snow White profile link at 07/14/09 11:46 PM | Reply
Score = -44 Vote up Vote down

Yeah, if a band has been around longer than 5-6 years in the public eye, they may as well fall off the face of the earth. Why would you want to show any loyalty and follow a band/artist longer than that? Why would someone want to make music after they are 30 anyway? I mean, I would rather listen to some Animal Collective, since it is hip to do so, and be the same person bashing them in a few years when it isn't hip to like them. Go AC!

Posted by: steve in reply to Snow White's comment at 07/15/09 10:10 AM | Reply
Score = 14 Vote up Vote down
Snow White

let's face it, the strokes should never have been famous in the first place.
JULIAN CASABLANCAS IS THE NEW AXL ROSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Snow White profile link in reply to steve's comment at 07/15/09 11:02 AM | Reply
Score = -33 Vote up Vote down

I don't even like The Strokes, or Julian Casablanca. I really don't think he is that talented at all. I was just commenting that it is ok to like a band or an artist, even if it isn't trendy, and It is ok to grow with them even if not deemed socially acceptable to do so (hello all you Pitchfork readers!) Oh, and how is Julian like Axl Rose? He isn't putting out a solo record under the Strokes name, hasn't gone into hiding for several years, doesn't wear an awful wig with cornrows in it to cover up the fact he is bald... I don't get it.

Posted by: steve in reply to Snow White's comment at 07/15/09 12:13 PM | Reply
Score = 4 Vote up Vote down
Snow White

1. they both promote ridiculous products, Axl with Dr. Pepper and Julian with his Converse ads.
2. they are both nothing without their backing bands.
3. I don't really care. I just like seeing the hipsters getting emotional about their indie bands.

Posted by: Snow White profile link in reply to steve's comment at 07/15/09 5:57 PM | Reply
Score = -18 Vote up Vote down
donnytilla

you're so above it all
eat a dick, whoooooooooodie.

Posted by: donnytilla profile link in reply to Snow White's comment at 07/16/09 7:40 PM | Reply
Score = 5 Vote up Vote down

I have a bunch of friends in high school who also realize that Is This It? is a classic without playing all of its songs on Guitar Hero. The Strokes are still awesome.

Posted by: Lazy Sunday in reply to Snow White's comment at 07/19/09 10:19 AM | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

that's because the name "The Strokes" on the side of Guitar Hero would not help sell the game. No one would know who they are. Listen to the Velvet Underground or Iggy Pop or The Cars who are the originators, not the imitators.

Posted by: Billy Side in reply to Lazy Sunday's comment at 07/19/09 6:51 PM | Reply
Score = -5 Vote up Vote down

these guys have been stringing us along for too long, why can't they jus get together and make a freaking album already or break up? I used to be obsessed with these guy's music, now they're just a faded horny teenager memory for me.

Posted by: Joker's Lady at 07/15/09 12:20 AM | Reply
Score = -3 Vote up Vote down

The Strokes were a cool band that put out 2 good albums what seems like many years ago. They were at the forefront of a back to basics movement by mining 70's and 80's sounds. They were also in the right place at the right time.None of this would make me think any band member would be capable of putting out anything worthwhile on their own. And it looks loke none of them have.

Posted by: jjazznola at 07/15/09 1:54 AM | Reply
Score = -17 Vote up Vote down
Snow White

JULIAN CASABLANCAS IS THE NEW AXL ROSE!!!!!!!!
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!

Posted by: Snow White profile link at 07/15/09 11:04 AM | Reply
Score = -25 Vote up Vote down

Your opinion on the music aside, these comments are getting extremely annoying.

Posted by: cpb in reply to Snow White's comment at 07/18/09 6:16 PM | Reply
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thanks for commenting on how annoying comments are.

Posted by: billyside in reply to cpb's comment at 07/21/09 2:02 PM | Reply
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I think this is quite brilliant, mind you it's only a snippet, and no vocals, but I love the visuals, the concepts, and the sound - seems like some distant cousin to a lot of their album artwork, as someone already mentioned, and a lot like their Tron-inspired video for 12:51...very nice.

Posted by: Hit the Switch profile link at 07/15/09 11:11 AM | Reply
Score = 8 Vote up Vote down

wow...brotha got a ratatat record aye?

Posted by: marge at 07/15/09 2:24 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

julian is holding a 12-string guitar

Posted by: royal at 07/16/09 12:54 AM | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

Is This It? and Room on Fire are both classics. I challenge anyone to come up with another band from the early oughts that is still worth listening to. The Strokes were definitely in the right place at the right time but they also wrote great, catchy rock songs. So, eat it, haters.

Posted by: Ben at 07/16/09 11:06 AM | Reply
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People who don't like "Is This It" don't like Rock 'N Roll.

Posted by: The Teenage head at 07/16/09 5:16 PM | Reply
Score = 12 Vote up Vote down

since when was Stereogum about rock 'n roll?

Posted by: Billy Side in reply to The Teenage head's comment at 07/19/09 6:47 PM | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

You're right. It isn't and never was. And that's unfortunate.

Posted by: The Teenage Head in reply to Billy Side's comment at 07/19/09 11:46 PM | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

sorry, but the album title is TERRIBLE

Posted by: mighty undies at 07/16/09 5:37 PM | Reply
Score = -3 Vote up Vote down

It's cool to like The Strokes again? I can't keep up with this shit, I keep missing the memos :/
Anyway I'm excited!

Posted by: 12 :51 profile link at 07/16/09 9:38 PM | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

This is exactly what I have been preaching about. Who gives a flying fuck if it is "cool" or not to like someone? Make up your own fucking minds Pitchfork Nation!!!!!

Posted by: steve in reply to 12 :51's comment at 07/17/09 12:23 PM | Reply
Score = 5 Vote up Vote down

Ditty Mao!

Posted by: destijl profile link at 07/17/09 10:07 PM | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

How about you just give us some new tunes instead of bazaar faux-movie previews everyone will forget about in a few a days, Mr. Casablancas?

Posted by: lostbikes at 07/18/09 12:44 AM | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

Has anyone ever wondered what the music would sound like if Julian Casablancas, Nikolai from Nickle Eye, Fab Moretti of Little Joy, Albert Hammond, Jr. and another guy with a name equally as cool as the others' got together in a studio? Crazy idea, I know. And unfortunately it doesn't look like it will happen anytime soon either!
Joking aside, however, this project looks like it's going to be awesome.

Posted by: Coj at 07/18/09 11:47 PM | Reply
Score = 4 Vote up Vote down

this is easily the coolest thing ive heard in a while, well, besides this.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fY3b9r4b5w and like you always say, if you arent listening with headphones, well then...

Posted by: easy at 07/19/09 9:31 PM | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Julian from the Strokes doing a solo record would be an interesting news item, if the year was 2002.

Posted by: Seymour Butts at 07/20/09 10:45 AM | Reply
Score = -5 Vote up Vote down

that sounded fucking AMAZING.
i cant wait for this to come out.
wow.

Posted by: caroline at 07/20/09 3:29 PM | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

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