Is This It - Strokes

The Strokes - Is This It Release Date: 2001 ** = denotes a single Track #1 - Is This It: The opening track to "This Is It" is a fairly poppy endeavour; the chord progressions and drum work is simplistic, although it is nevertheless in the tradition of the now-solidified "garage rock" genre that The Strokes were purported to have helmed. With its simplistic lyrics and aforementioned overall simplicity, it is certainly not one of the better songs on the album, yet it is a decent enough (and thankfully short) transition into the album's better songs, such as... Track #2 - The Modern Age: "The Modern ...  Read the complete review

One of the most well regarded debut albums of the last 20 years, the Strokes came from nowhere with their too cool for school look and gave modern rock/pop a little dig in the ribs, bands like the Kings of Leon and the Killers have very indirectly got a lot to thank these guys for, repackaging poppy rock and making it fashionable again. These New Yorkers created an album of unswerving catchiness, short and to the point with really interesting lyrics allied to punchy at times punky music. I think the biggest problem the band possibly had is that Julian Casablancas their singer is clearly the stand out performer, the music is decent in a Ramones kind ...  Read the complete review

In 2001, The Strokes burst onto the worldwide music scene riding a tidal wave of hype. The New York City outfit redefined popular views on music, and effectively created a new genre for an entire generation, with their garage rock/indie punk style. The clever riffs, unmistakeable vocals and infectious energy granted them huge success, and now, the best part of a decade after they arrived, they have one of the biggest followings of still-active bands across the globe. The debut album that laid the foudations for their monumental success was 'Is This It'. It would go on to be quoted as inspiration for masterpieces such as The Libertines' 'Up The Bracket', and is ...  Read the complete review

It’s tough to tell if there has been an album released in recent years that has divided opinions quite like New York rockers The Strokes 2001 debut Is This It. Indeed, The Strokes have become more famous for being fashionable and bringing about this ‘Garage Rock Revival’ which has morphed into the ‘New New Wave‘(thank god nobody calls it the ‘Nu Wave’) than they have for any of their music, and at times it’s almost forgotten that the band have, in the last 5 years, put out 3 albums, none of which are bad. Its almost hilarious how public attitudes towards the band differ. Upon their arrival on the scene, the band were championed as the ‘Saviours of Rock’, ...  Read the complete review

Morning Listening Early in the morning it’s problematic for me to determinate what type of music to listen to. I don’t desire to listen to something heavy, for it would be an overload of thundering audibles. Hard and loud music tends to irritate me and make for a bad combination with my morning time grogginess. Since it takes me a nice little space of time to adjust to the sun rising, strong vigorous music is not my morning cup of tea. Then, you have something that is easy listening. Since what I seek to do is to wake up rather than fall back into a coma, I don't think that would be very pleasant music. So with that in mind, my morning routine begins... ...  Read the complete review