The Strokes are probably the most hyped new band. American and British rock critics alike have dubbed themthe saviors of rock `n’ roll.
New York City is their home, and they all hover around the age of 21, according to most accounts.
What I cannot believe is that they are so hyped and so young. Their debut album, Is This It, is awesome. And rock critics are normally so out of touch.
Is This It sounds like it was recorded in the late 1970’s.
It reminds me of the Velvet Underground, Television, a little of the Stooges, and maybe eventhe MC5, all the cool old bands.
Some indie rock is also thrown in to the Strokes sound for good measure.
But the Strokes go beyond the comparisons.
In short, they are a great rock band, probably the most relevant new band to grace a major record labels roster (they’re on RCA in the U.S.).
Is This It has eleven songs mine is the UK version with the song New York City Cops, which was removed from the U.S. version of the album that was released Oct. 9.
The band chose to remove the song out of respect for the NYPD after the events of Sept. 11. Really, the song isn’t that negative.
My favorite song on the album is “Last Nite,” a total scream-along anthem. But the whole album inspires me to break all local noise ordinances. It’s so impressive that I can see myself becoming a huge Strokes collector geek.
Good Lord, the critics were right!