Is This It

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Album

Is This It · In 2001 the New York band had already put themselves on the map with the EP The Modern Age. After a bidding war they signed to RCA and began with producer Gil Norton, but the results sounded too clean and too pretentious and were thrown away. Gordon Raphael then recorded the debut in his basement studio Transporterraum in Manhattan, in six weeks in March and April. Singer Julian Casablancas wanted a sound like that of a band from the past who had travelled to the future in a time machine.

Most of the songs were recorded in a single take, with raw guitars and a tight rhythm. The lyrics describe the lives and relationships of young city dwellers. After the attacks of 11 September, New York City Cops was removed from the CD in the United States. Is This It received broad praise for its two-guitar interplay and is regarded as a turning point for guitar music in the new millennium.

Listening

• 
  Last Nite · The Strokes, 2001
  Apple Music ↗
• 
  Someday · The Strokes, 2001
  Apple Music ↗
• 
  Hard to Explain · The Strokes, 2001
  Apple Music ↗

Track list

1. 1Is This It2:31Apple Music ↗
2. 2The Modern Age3:28Apple Music ↗
3. 3Soma2:34Apple Music ↗
4. 4Barely Legal3:55Apple Music ↗
5. 5Someday3:04Apple Music ↗
6. 6Alone, Together3:09Apple Music ↗
7. 7Last Nite3:14Apple Music ↗
8. 8Hard To Explain3:44Apple Music ↗
9. 9New York City Cops3:31Apple Music ↗
10. 10Trying Your Luck3:23Apple Music ↗
11. 11Take It Or Leave It3:16Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

See also

• The Strokes
• The Velvet Underground