Band: Julian Casablancas (The Strokes)
Label: Rough Trade
Release: November 3, 2009

1. “Out of the Blue” – 9.6
2. “Left & Right In The Dark” – 9.1
3. “11th Dimension” – 9.9
4. “4 Chords of the Apocalypse” – 8.8
5. “Ludlow St.” – 8.9
6. “River of Breaklights” – 9.2
7. “Glass” – 9.3
8. “Tourist” – 9.5

Comments: If I had my ways, I would wish every song on here would be as great as “11th Dimension.” That’s not the case, but what we have here is a very noteworthy effort from Casablancas. He loves his synths and drum beats and he sure loves changing things up from track to track. As for the Strokes comparisons…you’ll (obviously) hear it in his voice, but the instrumentation is very different for the most part. Overall, this should land in top 20 lists for ’09, but I’d be fooled to see it appear as one of the very best.

Grade: 9.3