Julian Casablancas to Release Box Set Edition of Solo Album
We're less than two weeks away from Phrazes for the Young, the first solo album from Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas. (It's due due November 2 in the UK via Rough Trade and November 3 in the U.S. via Cult/RCA.) But if you're willing to wait a little longer and drop $89.95, you can get yourself a whole lot more Julian, since he's also releasing a deluxe box set edition of the album.
The box, pictured above, includes a whole lot of stuff: the album on CD and 180-gram vinyl, a 48-page book autographed by Julian, a DVD with solo acoustic performances, a second CD with demo versions and B-sides, a double-sided poster, and a Cult Records pin. It'll all come in a fancy antique-styled box. Though the box set isn't out until December 18, you'll also get an immediate download of the album on the album's release date. Check out the details here.
In other Casablancas news, he recently gave an interview to The Sun in which he talked about the progress of the fourth Strokes album. (Via the Quietus) Casablancas said, "There is a disagreement as to whether the songs are ready. Some of the band think they are and others don't. I'm somewhere in the middle.
He added, "The problem is getting us together. We're scattered everywhere, and apart from when we're rehearsing we don't see each other. We're not like people who go to the movies together. It's weird with the band. A band is actually a great way to ruin a friendship."
Well, that's not very encouraging! Those of you holding your breaths waiting for another Strokes album are probably already long dead. But if you're still alive, you should go ahead and breathe; it looks like it'll be a while.
Posted by Tom Breihan on October 23, 2009 at 2:10 p.m.
Suprmallet
10-23-09, 08:03 PM
You'd have to pay me $89.95 just to go anywhere near music made by members of The Strokes.
Hollowgen
10-23-09, 08:37 PM
You'd have to pay me $89.95 just to go anywhere near music made by members of The Strokes.
i'm with you there!
but imagine how cool you'll be if you own this...
astrochimp
10-23-09, 08:46 PM
I love The Strokes and im certainly interested to hear Julian's solo record but i will settle for the more casual basic single cd version ;)
Turd Ferguson
10-23-09, 11:55 PM
Sounds like a great deal if overrated douchebags are your thing.
Boba Fett
10-24-09, 01:30 AM
Sounds like a great deal if overrated douchebags are your thing.
So it should go nicely on a shelf with John Lennon and U2?
j/k
TomOpus
10-24-09, 08:33 AM
a DVD with solo acoustic performances :whofart:
mcfly
10-24-09, 01:42 PM
I had no idea who Julian Casablancas was. I just remembered his name from "Boombox" on The Lonely Island's debut CD (best track on the album). Heh, I never put 2+2 together. I thought his voice sounded familiar.
This sounds like a terrible marketing strategy since buying physical $10 CDs seems like a chore by most of society nowadays. I don't know how he could expect fans to pay $89.95 for a solo box since The Strokes don't remotely have a following where their fans are like cult members.
Poink
10-24-09, 02:35 PM
$90 is a drop in the Atlantic when it comes to my trust fund. I'll have this on day of release.
Kidding. I do like the Strokes though; once I looked past the (over)hype and gave them a chance, I became addicted to their first two albums. Sort of a guilty pleasure, I guess.
While I might pick up the regular version of the album, this set is a bit ridiculous.
Dr Mabuse
10-24-09, 03:14 PM
The Pacific is much larger than the Atlantic, much larger.
Who the fuck are The Strokes?
Who the fuck is Julian Casablancas?
statcat
10-24-09, 03:37 PM
I had a chance to see the strokes at a festival in 2004, needless to say I left when they hit the stage. They got TOP BILLING over everyone- pretty things, big star, etc etc. it amazed the hell out of me. Lots of good bands only got like 10 minute sets while these overrated tools got an hour on stage.
mcfly
10-24-09, 03:46 PM
I had a chance to see the strokes at a festival in 2004, needless to say I left when they hit the stage. They got TOP BILLING over everyone- pretty things, big star, etc etc. it amazed the hell out of me. Lots of good bands only got like 10 minute sets while these overrated tools got an hour on stage.Because they were (or maybe are) more popular than those other bands.
I remember them being pretty big when I was in high school.
atlantamoi
10-24-09, 04:03 PM
I had a chance to see the strokes at a festival in 2004, needless to say I left when they hit the stage. They got TOP BILLING over everyone- pretty things, big star, etc etc. it amazed the hell out of me. Lots of good bands only got like 10 minute sets while these overrated tools got an hour on stage. I love Big Star. And I love the Strokes. They are a fine band.
statcat
10-24-09, 04:39 PM
So it should go nicely on a shelf with John Lennon and U2?
j/k
no need to joke I'd agree with that one! :thumbsup:
RagingBull80
10-24-09, 05:49 PM
no need to joke I'd agree with that one! :thumbsup:
Actually The Beatles/John Lennon are one of the only bands/artists I would argue for not being overrated. I get what you're saying but that man deserves every bit of acclaim that he recieves.
I don't think The Strokes are overrated because I don't think they are even rated that highly to begin with.
Cathepsin
10-24-09, 07:37 PM
For 89.95, he should have titled it "Is This It?"
Boba Fett
10-25-09, 01:22 AM
Actually The Beatles/John Lennon are one of the only bands/artists I would argue for not being overrated. I get what you're saying but that man deserves every bit of acclaim that he recieves.
I don't think The Strokes are overrated because I don't think they are even rated that highly to begin with.
I think The Beatles deserve every bit of praise they get; I do wonder how massive Lennon's ego would have grown if he hadn't been killed.
foofighters7
10-25-09, 01:34 AM
Ive noticed a lot of hatred towards the Strokes for quite awhile, yet I do not quite understand why.
I think they are a fine band, not great by any means but I don't think they deserve the beating they take by people who are jealous or simply don't like their type of music.
If you want to argue about bands and egos, your so far off its not even funny. Pretty much every band has at least a few within that have overblown egos, most artists do, it just happens sometimes.
Clearly not always, and when they don't get crazed then its all the better, but many if not most do get bloated in the head.
I do like the look of this set and although I only like, not love The Strokes or Julian, I might get it if its a numbered or limited run set, just cause.
UAIOE
10-25-09, 02:44 AM
For 89.95, he should have titled it "Is This It?"
:lol:
astrochimp
10-25-09, 10:14 AM
Ive noticed a lot of hatred towards the Strokes for quite awhile, yet I do not quite understand why.
You dont want to jump on the bandwagon? Cuz thats all it is.I guess people hear the name "Julian Casablancas" and just assume arrogance.
cungar
10-25-09, 10:30 AM
I do like the look of this set and although I only like, not love The Strokes or Julian, I might get it if its a numbered or limited run set, just cause.
Wish I had the disposable income to buy CDs because of the way they look, because they're limited editions or just "cause". I guess I have this weird thing about buying CDs because they actually contain good music.
foofighters7
10-25-09, 12:34 PM
Wish I had the disposable income to buy CDs because of the way they look, because they're limited editions or just "cause". I guess I have this weird thing about buying CDs because they actually contain good music.
hahaha
that just sounded foolish.
Becides the foolish talk, you have no idea what is on the CD, and have no possible ability to know if it is good or not.
I was saying that I might do a blind buy and if its good, great, if its not and is a LE- sell it off for a small profit.
I love how people do get on their little bandwagons, its quite funny, actually.
cungar
10-25-09, 01:34 PM
hahaha
that just sounded foolish.
Becides the foolish talk, you have no idea what is on the CD, and have no possible ability to know if it is good or not.
I was saying that I might do a blind buy and if its good, great, if its not and is a LE- sell it off for a small profit.
I love how people do get on their little bandwagons, its quite funny, actually.
Yeah and what you originally said about buying it because it looked cool and "just cause" didn't sound foolish.
Hokeyboy
10-25-09, 04:42 PM
Yeah and what you originally said about buying it because it looked cool and "just cause" didn't sound foolish.
I kinda liked the "becides", myself.
foofighters7
10-25-09, 07:08 PM
Yeah and what you originally said about buying it because it looked cool and "just cause" didn't sound foolish.
I'm certainly sorry I seem to have more money than you to spend on music.
I truly am a terrible monster for spending the money on his box set, I truly am.
I just wonder what type of person you are for complaining about the fact that I am willing to buy it? Seems like you might be either a jealous person who needs to quite complaining about people who want to spend their money on the set or simply a simpleton who has no life... not sure.
Maybe you are jealous of Julian? Your actions show your in terrible need of some help, but I'm simply not aware of what exactly is your issue.
Put down your bindle, get a job and stop being a hobo, then you too can afford to buy things "just cause".
Hokeyboy- screw off! haha I posted that getting ready to leave, and on top of that I do not spellchack, ever.
Getting back on issue, can one of you hate mongers please let me know why you dislike him or the band so?
I understand hating bands but what is your reason?
I'm quite interested in the reasoning.
Hiro11
10-25-09, 07:57 PM
The Strokes' first album is a straight up classic, everything else they've done basically blows. No thanks.
Hollowgen
10-25-09, 08:28 PM
The Strokes' first album is a straight up classic, everything else they've done basically blows. No thanks.
interestingly, the stuff i've read seems to indicate this might be an enjoyable album.
still, i'm not going to pay this douche $90.00 for it.
theflicker
10-26-09, 04:06 PM
Yeah, I won't be buying a $90 boxset, but I'll definitely check out the regular release. I like all three Strokes albums released so far.
MinLShaw
10-26-09, 11:22 PM
Okay, we've already played out the "overrated douche" debate. (For the record, this isn't my genre at all, so I have no informed opinion on the subject.) But, for the sake of it, I put it to you: Are there any artists for whom you might consider shelling out $90 to get a boxed set with similar content? And remember, we're not talking about some kind of best-of, career-spanning compilation--this would be all-new music you've never heard before.
Honestly, I think for a download, two CD's, a DVD, 180 gram vinyl and a book--autographed, no less--$90 isn't unreasonable at all. I'm more convinced of an "ego" issue by the notion that this guy has enough fans to justify this kind of deluxe treatment than I am by its SRP. But, hey, even though I'm not one of his fans is hardly evidence that he and his label have over-estimated how many fans might shell out that kind of cash for this release.
Hollowgen
10-27-09, 12:36 AM
I think the point isn't so much that I think he's a douche, but more that it takes a huge ego (or stupid record company) to think a solo debut is deserving of something over-bloated like this. I mean, what the hell? They may be able to get away with a Strokes release like this, but no one knows what this knob's solo work is like, right?
GenPion
10-27-09, 01:36 AM
I think the point isn't so much that I think he's a douche, but more that it takes a huge ego (or stupid record company) to think a solo debut is deserving of something over-bloated like this. I mean, what the hell? They may be able to get away with a Strokes release like this, but no one knows what this knob's solo work is like, right?
Agreed. Few can afford to spend $90 on a deluxe edition of a debut album from someone. I love the Strokes but have no idea what to expect from this album. In any case, I would settle for the regular CD anyway.
UAIOE
10-27-09, 04:31 AM
I think the point isn't so much that I think he's a douche, but more that it takes a huge ego (or stupid record company) to think a solo debut is deserving of something over-bloated like this. I mean, what the hell? They may be able to get away with a Strokes release like this, but no one knows what this knob's solo work is like, right?
This.
The Bus
10-27-09, 12:54 PM
So any musician that releases something that costs over $89 now has a big ego?
So, basically, almost every musician mentioned in this forum, I guess? :hscratch:
AnonomusBob15
10-27-09, 12:57 PM
Yeah, most artists are following the trend of releasing uber-sets for the die hards, which is who this set is for, not the casual fan.
I wouldn't consider myself a casual fan, not a die hard, but i've heard three tracks off the new disc and two of them are fucking great.
Regular release will be a day one purchase for sure. If the album ends up changing my life in unexpected ways (doubtful), i'll go back and get the massive set.
The solo dvd should be pretty cool.
auto
10-27-09, 01:05 PM
So any musician that releases something that costs over $89 now has a big ego?
So, basically, almost every musician mentioned in this forum, I guess? :hscratch:
Yeah, look at The Beatles! Their egos are bigger than Jesus!
SoSpacey
10-27-09, 04:58 PM
no need to joke I'd agree with that one!
Kids... :thumbsdown:
statcat
10-27-09, 06:36 PM
Kids... :thumbsdown:
-screwy-
Mike86
10-27-09, 06:37 PM
The Strokes are a pretty good band so I'm slightly interested in this, but I can't see spending $90 on a solo album. Might pick up the regular release though.
Hollowgen
10-28-09, 01:58 PM
So any musician that releases something that costs over $89 now has a big ego?
So, basically, almost every musician mentioned in this forum, I guess? :hscratch:
If they're a new artist, or it's their (solo, new band, whatever) debut, yes. That's what I'm thinking.
Regardless, I'm hearing more buzz that this album is actually decent, so I'll have to spring for it on release day.
The Bus
10-28-09, 02:40 PM
If they're a new artist, or it's their (solo, new band, whatever) debut, yes. That's what I'm thinking.
For a established band that has sold millions of albums worldwide, and whose debut album is one of the most acclaimed commercially successful albums of this decade?
It's not like Casablancas only released it at the $90 price point. And it's not like it's Lady Gaga. Last time I checked, Earth aside, The Strokes made pretty good music.
Matthew Chmiel
10-28-09, 03:47 PM
The first single from the album is pretty catchy. (http://hypem.com/track/908372/Julian+Casablancas+-+11th+Dimension)
What was not awesome is how I first heard this song this morning. Watching two of my co-workers (hipsters extreme) dancing around the office blasting this at full volume.
MinLShaw
10-28-09, 04:10 PM
Incidentally, per Amazon:
The CD standalone SRP is $9.98
The vinyl standalone SRP is $22.98
There are only eight songs on the album proper.
AnonomusBob15
10-28-09, 04:21 PM
For a established band that has sold millions of albums worldwide, and whose debut album is one of the most acclaimed commercially successful albums of this decade?
It's not like Casablancas only released it at the $90 price point. And it's not like it's Lady Gaga. Last time I checked, Earth aside, The Strokes made pretty good music.
Electrocityscape is one of my favorite Strokes tracks, but yeah, lame album.
I commend artists who do shit like this for the fans. Julian Casablancas has a huge fan base. The In Rainbows discbox was the only time i've fallen for this though. It was well worth it. Eighty bucks for the album, the vinyl, book, and assorted artsy shit, with a download. So, the fans do get the ol' bang for their buck.
Hollowgen
10-28-09, 10:02 PM
For a established band that has sold millions of albums worldwide, and whose debut album is one of the most acclaimed commercially successful albums of this decade?
It's not like Casablancas only released it at the $90 price point. And it's not like it's Lady Gaga. Last time I checked, Earth aside, The Strokes made pretty good music.
I hear what you're saying, and I totally see your point. I like The Strokes' music.
That doesn't change the fact that this isn't about The Strokes. It's about their singer's forthcoming solo album.
Not sure you can really say this. The Strokes last album sold pretty badly and a lot of people have moved on in the 3 years since it's release. This album could very easily go nowhere in today's marketplace.
The Bus
10-29-09, 04:27 PM
Not sure you can really say this. The Strokes last album sold pretty badly and a lot of people have moved on in the 3 years since it's release. This album could very easily go nowhere in today's marketplace.
It could be. But he's hardly an egoist for trying. He's certainly been relevant more recently than a lot of acts touring charging $100 (or more) for concert tickets.
statcat
10-29-09, 05:19 PM
It could be. But he's hardly an egoist for trying. He's certainly been relevant more recently than a lot of acts touring charging $100 (or more) for concert tickets.
somebody willing to pay $100 or more for a concert ticket is astounding to me. The most I ever spent was $50 and that seemed like a lot. People should really support small time clubs and bands where prices are like $10-$20 a show and that's for a lineup of a few bands most of the time.
MinLShaw
10-29-09, 05:35 PM
somebody willing to pay $100 or more for a concert ticket is astounding to me. The most I ever spent was $50 and that seemed like a lot. People should really support small time clubs and bands where prices are like $10-$20 a show and that's for a lineup of a few bands most of the time.
That's how it starts. But then, soon, more people become fans of those $10-$20 club acts and within a few years, they're the $100 arena act. Are club-era fans out of whack for continuing to follow the guy once he hits the big time? If club-era fans walk away and abandon the guy to the arena-era fans, isn't that the very kind of fickle behavior arena-era fans are often accused of?
The Bus
10-29-09, 05:48 PM
That's how it starts. But then, soon, more people become fans of those $10-$20 club acts and within a few years, they're the $100 arena act. Are club-era fans out of whack for continuing to follow the guy once he hits the big time? If club-era fans walk away and abandon the guy to the arena-era fans, isn't that the very kind of fickle behavior arena-era fans are often accused of?
You're actually safe because the average $20 club act never becomes a $100 arena act. Hell, Kings of Leon isn't a $100 arena act, and they played smaller clubs a few years back.
statcat
10-29-09, 08:43 PM
You're actually safe because the average $20 club act never becomes a $100 arena act. Hell, Kings of Leon isn't a $100 arena act, and they played smaller clubs a few years back.
you're right on this, I'd say most bands that play small clubs will never become huge. Besides the type of genre I like (garage, indie, punk) is guaranteed for pretty much no major success. Some have been doing it since the 80s well aware from the start that they weren't ever going to sell out arenas.
atlantamoi
10-30-09, 05:41 AM
Kings of Leon aren't charging $100 for their recent tour? I'm still amazed that band is playing arenas (that's not a positive comment).
I never cared at all about what kind of ego Julian had/has. I do know that his new album is pretty good.
A couple of clunkers, but a few solid songs that stray from The Strokes sound (which always seem to be the point with solo recordings).
Tarantino
10-30-09, 11:55 AM
Never knew there was a gang of hate for the Strokes. I love 'em.
I wouldn't pay $90 for a CD though.
Hollowgen
11-03-09, 11:17 PM
I'm pleased to report that the douche's album is quite good!
Nothing really stands up to the single, and it doesn't sound incredibly different than the last Strokes release, but it's definitely a good listen!
Buy: