Albert Hammond Jr.'s 6 favorite classical songs

For a man whose claim to fame came from being the guitarist of The Strokes, the band that ruled the rock world in the early 2000s, it would be tempting to consider Albert Hammond Jr.'s solo album Momentary Masters a reference to the heyday of his career. It turns out to be nothing of the sort.

Momentary Masters is titled after a phrase in a famous passage from astronomer Carl Sagan's book Pale Blue Dot, in which Sagan emphasizes how tiny humans are in comparison to the vastness of the universe. Sagan's perspective on the universe "creates meaninglessness, so you can create your own meaning," Hammond Jr. told Stereogum. It was that philosophy that helped him get sober after struggling for years with addiction.

Momentary Masters, Hammond Jr.'s third solo album, is the guitarist's most self-assured work to date. Filled with tight guitar riffs and jaunty melodies, the album is a fresh spin on The Strokes' brand of streamlined rock and roll. As he sets off on a world tour, Hammond Jr. spoke to The Week via email about an unexpected passion: classical music. Below, six of his favorite pieces by the old masters:

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1. Various artists, Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould Soundtrack

"I had never heard of this man, this genius, but after seeing the movie I was so intrigued. Had I seen this earlier in my life, I might have strived to be him."

2. Beethoven, "Moonlight Sonata"

"This is the greatest song ever written. I used to get dressed listening to this song. It got me into character."

3. Mozart, "Rondo Alla Turca"

"Cartoons, baby."

4. Mozart, "Madamina, il catalogo é questo Part 1"

"The king of pop. Old school. Super old school. Like old old school."

5. Peter Thomas, "Shub-A-Dooe"

"Walk out music. My drummer, Jeremy Gustin, played this for me, and I thought it was clear and exciting."

6. Various artists, A Clockwork Orange Soundtrack

"A little bit of the ultra violence. Stanley Kubrick was able to give these classical songs a visual reference. I think this is when I started to get into Beethoven. My great love grew from this."

Momentary Masters is out now on Vagrant.

(This interview was condensed and edited by Samantha Rollins.)

Watch the video for Albert Hammond Jr.'s "Losing Touch" below:

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