The Johnsonian

Thanks to the British Press, The Strokes are hailed as the saving grace of rock music today. They've been tagged as shameless throw-backs to the 70s punk scenes and yet were blessed for it in the same breath by Time magazine. Emerging from the New York new-wave scene, they manage to set themselves apart from the pack. Their new full-length L.P. "Is This It" is a pure, clean rock-and-roll album. Even the best of the music presently available can have a cluttered sound, and that's where The Strokes' latest album strays from the norm.

"Is This It" was named the best Album of 2001 by Time magazine reporters. Rolling Stone critics listed the album as number eight on their top 10 picks of 2001. College Music Journal, New Musical Express magazine, Entertainment Weekly and New York Magazine also gave The Strokes the top spot in 2001. The radio play received in the U.K. has been fantastic for The Strokes, but they have yet to fully break through the barriers of major U.S. radio and video airplay.

The Strokes have the basics of what makes a great band and album. Even those who find it distasteful that their sound borrows heavily from such bands as The Velvet Underground, The Ramones and even Blondie have to admit that while they may be derivative, they're good at it. The album's importance to rock is being compared to the impact made on the industry by Oasis' "Definitely Maybe" amongst fans and critics alike. Its catchy riffs are more than enough to hook listeners.

Front man Julian Casablancas' voice ranges from deadpan to almost sarcastic, and in the song "Barely Legal," his voice might remind listeners of Rick Occasek of The Cars. The music of guitarists Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond, Jr., and bassist Nikolai Fraiture combine to give an almost conflicting sound to Casablancas' voice, and it works - beautifully. Fab Moretti plays drums as if his life depends upon it, and he still doesn't need to work that hard.

I enjoy the whole album, but some songs have haunted me since the day I first heard them. "Hard to Explain" is definitely number one on that list. Its funky opening beat sounds a little off for the album at first, but as soon as the guitars and bass join in, it becomes a song guaranteed to make heads bob like dashboard toys. As the song goes on, Casablancas' voice sets up a melody you just have to move to. I double-dog dare anyone to not even twitch during this song. It's incredibly catchy, which is more than likely why it is set to be the next single, according to their official Web site [http://www.thestrokes.com]

"Last Nite" is the first single off the full length album. Its collision sound is new to some, familiar to others. Casablancas flatly sings to the upbeat tempo. For those who are already fans or are interested, the video is actually a live version of the song; there are fun and sometimes subtle differences between what Casablancas sings in the two versions. The overall song has a great rock groove to it.

"Alone, Together" I love for its great melody, and for the line "Alone we stand/ together we fall apart..." The whole song takes a cynical view of life, and Casablancas laments so well you can almost see the dingy surroundings of a small New York apartment.

"Take it or Leave it" is a slightly hard-edged song. The tone follows the mood and attitude of most punk songs, one of rebellion and slight indifference sung with passion. As is present on the entire album, the guitar riffs on this track are great. I suggest listening to "Take it or Leave it" and "Hard to Explain" in a room all alone so you can cut loose. It's better that way ...trust me.

All in all, fans of punk, rock, new wave and/or smoky New York bars are going to love this album. And if you're not one of the above, you might be surprised. For those who like to have fun with lyrics, check out [http://www.azlyrics.com] Look for "Strokes" under the "S" artist listing. I'd tell you more about it, but I'm too busy sliding into my black leather jacket and developing a chain-smoking habit.



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