Strokes guitarist thrilled to release solo album

Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. finally released his first solo album, titled Yours To Keep, in the U.S. yesterday (Tuesday, March 6th). The disc has been available in the U.K., Europe and Japan since last October. Although it's taken some time to get the record out in America, Hammond said that the experience of making his own album has been very satisfying: "It's been amazing, you know. Since I was, I guess, 15 or 16, I've thought about writing songs and making a record that I could just like. So just to be able to have one coming out feels thrilling."

Guests on Yours To Keep include Strokes singer Julian Casablancas, Sean Lennon and Fountains Of Wayne guitarist Jody Porter.

The North American version of the album contains two exclusive bonus tracks, covers of Buddy Holly's "Well...All Right" and Guided by Voices' "Postal Blowfish."

Hammond recently opened for Incubus and is currently headlining his own shows. He will give an in-store performance tonight (Wednesday, March 7th) at Amoeba Records in Los Angeles.

After his headlining run ends on March 21st, Hammond will support Bloc Party for a few shows, beginning on the 23rd in Chicago. He's also scheduled to perform on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on April 6th.

The Strokes are currently taking a break after being on the road for most of 2006 and have "no plans at the moment" to begin work on their fourth album.