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The
Strokes
Is This It
label: RCA
released: 10.09.01
our score: 4.5 out of 5.0
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One of the
hardest things for a band to overcome is a lot of undeserved hype
early in their career. What's even more difficult to overcome
is when this hype hits before your album actually does. It's easy
to dismiss a band as hype and nothing more - to ignore them for
as long as you can.
But this time,
believe the hype.
Is This
It marks the debut of New York City rockers, The Strokes.
It's an album of pure, rough rock 'n' roll ala 1970s Velvet Underground.
With clangy guitars reminiscient of rock heroes including The
Pixies (see the title track, then listen to the Pixies "Where
Is My Mind?" for proof) and the brawly, telephone-muted vocals
of lead singer Julian Casablancas (aka Lou Reed), Is This It
truly does bring back memories of the rock long considered dead.
For albums
which are basically a collection of edgy/raw pop songs, it's rare
that you find one solid through-and-through. It is rather unfortunate
that, in the wake of September 11, the song "New York City
Cops," one of their best tracks, had to be pulled from the
album (check for an import to find it). Yet, with tracks including
"Soma," "Someday," and the leading single
"Last Nite" this group of six spoiled kids from Manhattan
prove what is possible when you just simply love the good old
rock 'n' roll.
They've been
referred to as the Saviors of Rock 'n Roll. I wouldnt' go quite
that far... but if they just happen to be, you won't find any
complaints from this corner.
12-Feb-2002
5:30PM
If you
liked Is This It...
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Tracklist:
1.
Is This It
2. The Modern Age
3. Soma
4. Barely Legal
5. Someday
6. Alone, Together
7. Last Nite
8. Hard to Explain
9. When It Started
10. Trying Your Luck
11. Take It Or Leave It
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