Another one out of many unknown bands that lots of different people know and praise, that should be brought to attention, would be none other than The Strokes. Like most people, you may know them for their song "Reptilia" which was on Guitar Hero at a time. Believe it or not, the first time I recognized the strokes was when I played Guitar Hero with my brother, in CO-OP mode of course, we never got to finishing the song because I would always start cracking up and losing focus from the way the song moved me, he, in the end, gave up on me and I don't remember the last time we played it again. I didn't really get into them since then because the 8th grade was being a bitch, until I got their album "Room On Fire" out of the library during mid-September. I instantly fell in love with all of their songs off that album. Not many artists have a different sound/flow/style, in each of their songs, that's why I love The Strokes.
But, I do have something to say about songs and the videos that go with them. Usually when some bands or artists (pop rock/pop overall) make a music video, they just show themselves walking around some environment meeting up with someone and kissing and whatnot, and in their next music video? the same thing, different lyrics different beat, different place, same people. Then you got every other rock band jamming on some rooftop with high quality and lighting, either that or running after a girl in a subway.What I like about The Strokes and any other Indie Rock band, is that they carry a unique style and theme, but I personally think that watching the video before the song (vice versa), can change the way you experience that song. For example, their song "Last Night" introduces a calm tune at the start of the song and maintains the feeling throughout it as well; It almost sounds like "Are you gonna be my girl" since it builds up a beat in the beginning and explodes later on. The video for it expresses a nostalgic 80's theme, which is clear once you see their hairstyles and apparel. Their song Juicebox which became an instant hit when it was released, uses the theme to Peter Gunn in the bass but in a more dark and moody tone; the guitar keeps you on path while the drums support the suspense and of course the singer leads. I saw the video for it first which takes place at a radio station with a slightly obscure radio host, then later shows a porno developing on top of a building where a couple's cab stops at. The scenes in the video are pretty confusing or can mis-interpret the message that's trying to get told, but all and all the scenes actually do co-incide with the song's beat which was very effective.
As I said before The Strokes are recognized by many as a very raw, reflecting band as most Indie Rock bands. The Strokes caught attention for their 2001 debut album, which was comprised of many reflective and bass-ic songs; such as my personal favorites Someday, Last Night, Is This It, and Hard To Explain. They later put more sound and spirit into their second album, "Room On Fire" which was released in 2003, and which in my opinion, is their best; songs like Automatic Stop, 12:51, Meet Me In The Bathroom, I cant Win, The End has No End, Reptilia, and Whatever Happened are proof that they've established their own style of music. They're third album to date is still pretty good, and I feel they put a thought into it. Released in early 2006, they instantly went gold with Juicebox, You Only Live Once, and Heart In A Cage. It got fair reviews, but 3 stars, 4 stars, 5 stars, they're all the same to me. If you don't like a song, I'd advise you listen to it a couple of times because the first time's always the hardest (this doesn't count for Aerosmith's "Rock In A Hard Place" XD).
Remember that annoying, god-awful sneaker commercial for Cherake or something that had paper-cut-outs of people sliding across everywhere? that lasted 30 to 60 secs at a time and took up every other commercial break last summer? What's ironic is that the singer to The Strokes, Julian Casablancas, was featured as one of those people (cut-outs). Plus, he said earlier this year that they've already started working on their next album which is probably gonna come out by the end of this year or early next year :DDDDD. If you want to go see them live, I'd suggest you book a seat for New York because they can get pretty epic on their own turf, I've heard.
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Your writing is very raw, and you have times where that works for you. Your second paragraph is a good example. While the paragraph itself seems a bit out of place--like a digression from the thoughts established in the introduction--you write with such passion that it's very engaging. While some transitions could make the paragraph flow better, I'm drawn along because the video issue is clearly one that inspires you to write passionately.
ReplyDeleteThe best parts of this are when you let your writing illuminate your cynical, sarcastic personality. The line about Aerosmith is great!
One thing to lose are the pseudo-emoticons you use. Let your writing speak for itself, and let your audience respond accordingly.
The Strokes saved rock and roll basically, right when it was getting dull.
ReplyDeleteAre you sure I'm not being TOOO passionate?, because usually when I find something I can rant about I really get into it, but sometimes give more than enough commentary a little too much. But I'm catching up so-far, and working on some blogs as well. Apparently the only thing that motivates me right now is listening to music, until summer of course :D.