is this it

The Strokes invigorated rock and roll with the gritty retro riffs and exuberant power pop punk attitude of their debut album. Their Rough Trade EP 'The Modern Age' made serious waves in the UK and led to sold out tours and bidding wars. After signing with RCA, they recorded 'Is This It' with Gordon Raphael at his Transporterraum basement studio in New York City, where they had recorded their EP. Most of the songs were recorded once, to pursue a raw live sound; and the low-fidelity vocals were produced with a small practice amp. Released first in Australia to capitalize on a recent tour, it peaked at number five there. In the UK, it debuted at number two. The American release was delayed by the attacks of September 11, and the album cover and track listing were changed to avoid controversy. It only made it to number thirty three on the US album chart; but it had a powerful effect on the recording industry, giving alternative guitar bands a new commercial credibility.








http://thestrokes.com/

The sleepy groove of 'Is This It' pokes fun at the hype surrounding the band.

"Can't you see I'm trying

I don't even like it. I just lied to

Get to your apartment, now I'm staying

Here just for a while.

I can't think 'cause I'm just way too tired."

'Hard To Explain' was the first single. It peaked at number twenty seven on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and at number sixteen in the UK.

"I missed the last bus

I take the next train

I try, but you see

It's hard to explain

I say the right things

But act the wrong way

I like it right here

But I cannot stay

I watch the tv

Forget what I'm told

Well I am too young

And they are too old

The joke is on you

Cos this is a zoo

You're right, it's true"

'Someday' was the third single, peaking at seventeen on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and number twenty seven in the UK.

"My ex says i'm lacking in depth

I will do my best

You say you want to stay by my side

Darling your head's not right

I see alone we stand, together we fall apart

Yeah I think i'll be alright

I'm working so I won't have to try so hard

Tables they turn sometimes"

'The Modern Age' clearly shows the influence of the Velvet Underground.

"Up on a hill, that's where we begin

This little story, a long time ago.

Start to pretend, stop pretending

It seems this game is simply never-ending

Oh, in the sun, sun having fun

It's in my blood.

I just can't help it,

Don't want you here right now,

Let me go

Let me a go-go-go-go-go-go-go-go."

'Barely Legal' tells a story of first experiences and pregnancy scares.

"And all together it went well

We made pretend we were best friends

And then she said Oh I can wait

They ordered me to make mistakes

Together again like the beginning

It all works somehow in the end

The things we did the things you hide

For the record it's between you and I "

'Last Nite' was the second single and became their biggest song (so far) in the US, peaking at number five on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.

"Last night she said

Oh baby I feel so down

Way to turn me off

When I feel left out

So I, I walked out

Oh baby don't care no more

I know this for sure

I'm walking out that door"

'Is This It' 
full album:


All tracks written by Julian Casablancas.

1. Is This It - 0:00
2. The Modern Age - 2:33
3. Soma - 6:06
4. Barely Legal - 8:44
5. Someday - 12:41
6. Alone, Together - 15:48
7. Last Nite - 19:00
8. Hard to Explain - 22:18
9. New York City Cops - 26:07
10. Trying Your Luck - 29:40
11. Take It or Leave It - 33:09
12. When It Started - 36:24




00:00 - Is This It 
02:32 - The Modern Age
06:00 - Soma
08:33 - Barely Legal
12:28 - Someday
15:32 - Alone, Together
18:40 - Last Nite
21:54 - Hard To Explain
25:39 - New York City Cops
29:12 - Trying Your Luck
32:35 - Take It or Leave It
35:51 - When It Started