Date Set for New Strokes... For True

Did you catch Strokes' bassist Nikolai Fraiture on BBC Radio 1 the other day. If not, you may be pleased to know there is finally some concrete news out there about the new album. Fraiture said the still-unnamed record would be out in March (now verified as March 22), and he describes the band's fourth venture as "sonically... the album which should have been made between 'Room On Fire' and 'First Impressions Of Earth.'" He went on to say it's closer to the Strokes' "classic sound." Like many of you, I'm hoping for something more like 'This Is It." I still listen to that stellar debut quite often. Honestly, when was the last time you pulled out the second and third albums?

We know a few other tidbits about the upcoming 10-song LP. After the initial recordings with producer Joe Chiccarelli were abandoned, the fellas took control at guitarist Albert Hammond, Jr.'s studio. Based on the solo work of Hammond (especially his first album), this is a move that has me optimistic. The boys are in the mixing stage now, and the first single has been chosen. It should hit the airwaves next month, but Fraiture claims the song is still without a name. They may want to get on that soon. One more thing... and hopefully it's a joke. Yesterday, lead singer Julian Casablancas tweeted a picture with the words "Exclusive – check out the new Strokes album cover." I got this news today from NME, and you can see the photo here. Gulp.

Here are a couple of goodies to get you in the mood for one of the most anticipated releases of 2011. Cross your fingers.

The Strokes - Someday (Live in Iceland, 4/2/02) (mp3)
Albert Hammond, Jr. - 101 (Alternative Version) (mp3)