Little Joy is the side project of Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti, his girlfriend Binki Shapiro, and Los Hermanos frontman Rodrigo Amarante. Yes it is another member of The Strokes doing something else while you are impatiently waiting for a new Strokes album. I know, I am dying to hear a new record from the Strokes. But in the meantime, don’t let Little Joy pass you by. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I popped the album in…What I got was an absolute delight. It doesn’t sound anything like The Strokes, and that is a good thing for these guys.
Little Joy’s self titled debut presents a relaxed listen that I honestly needed. The album isn’t anything overdone or pretentious. It is a simple, straightforward album that is irresistible. It features fantastic songs like “The Next Time Around” where it is virtually impossible not to smile with delight. “Brand New Start” has a grand melody that begs you for a lazy singalong. You gotta wonder how much better this album would have sounded during the summer.
Moretti and the band don’t try to do anything too special or be anything that they are not. The album’s greatest advantage is that they are not trying too hard. It a smooth guitar album that will have you coming back to it far more often than you ever expected. Some songs are After one listen to “Don’t Watch Me Dancing” you will see why this works so good. The multi-instrumentation, shared vocals of all three bands members provide the band with the best sound possible. There is a fair share of upbeat songs to compliment the slower melodic songs that make up this album.
While The Strokes are off until 2009, we have Moretti and Hammond rocking out to the sun. And right now, it may just be what we need. This is an enjoyable album that you can listen to at anytime of day. Start now:
[MP3] : Little Joy – Brand New Start
[MP3] : Little Joy – Next Time Around
[MP3] : Little Joy – Don’t Watch Me Dancing
Myspace | Buy Little Joy’s Debut Album
Cissa — 25 Nov 08
I discovered Little Joy a couple of weeks ago and I just loved it. Completely agree with your review!
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[...] these songs like this. Each song has it’s own feel, reminding me off the light hearted fun of Little Joy. These versions have space to breath, becoming breathtaking all over [...]