Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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87 of 97 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
No sophomore jinx for these guys, January 24, 2004
Look, I saw Television live in the seventies (as well as the nineties and in 2001), caught Iggy Pop, the Buzzcocks, the Feelies, Eleventh Dream Day, the Mekons, the Replacements, the Pixies, the dB's, Pere Ubu, Yo La Tenga, and a host of other indie, alternative, and punk acts at their peak. Although I didn't catch them live, I discovered Big Star a lot earlier than most, and the same with Richard Thompson (who I have seen often in the past twenty years). I think my indie credibility is intact. I am baffled by the negative reactions that these guys inexplicably generate. I personally consider them to be the best band to come out of New York since Television (qualification: on record; though they weren't a good studio band, the Feelies were as good live as anyone I have ever seen). No, they aren't as good and are definitely not as brilliant as Tom Verlaine and Co., but they are still one of the most gripping new bands of the past few years in my opinion. So why do so many people hate the Strokes? I think the explanation is simple: they were overhyped. Or if not overhyped, hyped to a degree that many people found objectionable. I only gave their first album a listen after being put off by the absurd overreaction to their debut. Once I gave them a try, however, I was stunned and delighted at what a delightful and exciting band they were. I liked this second album an awful lot even on first listen, but upon repeated listenings, I have come to like it as much as the first album. It starts off great with some enormously catchy songs in "What Ever Happened?" and "Reptilia," but then does something extraordinary: it gets better! "12:51" and "You Talk Way Too Much" are among the best songs they have ever done, and "Under Control" (with its Television-like guitar lines) and "The End Has No End" later on are just as good. I love the tightness of the band, and the delightful guitar work that adorns each cut. I have never seen the Strokes live, so I don't know who of the two guitarists is responsible for what, but there is some truly superb guitar work on this album, with the guitars often playing their own gorgeous melodies in contrast to the central vocals. No, the guitar work isn't as breathtaking as when Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd would battle it out in Television, but it is still quite superb. I think it is great to be discriminating. And it is important to resist mere record company hype. But it is also important to give a band its due, and this is a crackerjack band, with great songs and tight musicianship. And now, after a great sophomore effort, I'm definitely looking forward to their third album.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best albums ever!, August 26, 2004
Let me start off by saying I am a HUGE Strokes fan, so this is way biased. Also, if you hate The Strokes, than this album won't change your opinion, because it's vintage Strokes. The best way to review for me is to break it down, so here it is:
Whatever Happened?: Great opener, the short guitar riff sounds like an instant classic, it has that timeless quality that makes you think it's been around forever. You wonder why somebody didn't come up wit it earlier.
Reptilia: One of the best songs they've ever done. It's a pure energy track that will get you pumped. This is the Definition of rock and roll. 2nd favorite song.
Automatic Stop: The sleeper track. It is really an awesome track. This is the first track we hear Nick's synth-guitar sound, and luckily not the last. See next track.
12:51: The best song on here, and that's saying something. Nick's synth-guitar hook is the catchiest thing you'll ever hear. It stil hasn't left my head, and I'm glad.
You Talk Way Too Much: This sounds the most like something off their first album, and you can't go wrong there. Julian's vocals are really good.
Between Love and Hate: Upon first listen of this album, this track stood out. It doesn't have as much depth than the other songs, but it's catchy and fun. You won't find me skipping over this track. (or any of them for that matter)
Meet Me in the Bathroom: One of my favorite songs. The sad guitar hook is emotional, like a feeling of loneliness. Like I said, it's one of my favorite tracks.
Under Control: This song gets a lot of attention, and there's a reason. It has the best lyrics Julian's ever written. The words to this somewhat ballad reek of failure in a relationship, and simply put is one of the best/saddest songs they've ever done. Wow is all I can say.
The Way it Is: Sounds like nothing else on the album. This is maybe the weakest track, but it is still awesome. This song should not be overlooked or taken lightly, it would be the best song on most other albums out there.
The End Has No End: They pick up where they left off here, what a great song. The hook during the chorus reminds me strongly of Sweet Child O' Mine. It's their third and final single off of the album, and no one can argue with that decision.
I Can't Win: Maybe the other sleeper. This is probably my 3rd favorite song behind "12:51" and "Reptilia". It's also the perfect way to end an incredible album. Everyday I am on the edge of my seat waiting for their third album, and I don't know how much longer I can stand it.
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15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
ROOM ON FIRE PROVES THE STROKES ARE ON FIRE!, October 29, 2003
When I heard "Is This It?" for the first time, I knew that The Strokes were something special. What I didn't know, is that their second offering, "Room On Fire," could be so much better. The new CD has all of the great elements of the old one: great lyrics, catchy guitar riffs, and songs that are short, sweet, and get to the point without boring the listener. Each song is around three minutes which is a perfect length, compared to all the other bands these days that drag all of their songs out. Another great thing about the CD, is that all of the instruments sound great together.Because there are no standouts on this CD, I will rate each individual song in my opinion... 1. What Ever Happened? (10/10)- This song could easily be the best Strokes song of all time. Has great lyrics and a catchy tempo to it. Great song!
2. Reptilia (8.5/10)- Good song, but gets a little repetative towards the end. Still better than most songs out there right now.
3. Automatic Stop (9.5/10)- Catchiest lyrics on the whole CD. Guitars have a reggae feel to them.
4. 12:51 (7/10)- This song is the first single off of the CD and is easily the worst song. Very boring and repetative.
5. You talk way too much (8.5/10)- The lyrics are repetative throughout the whole song, but a strong chorus and a great solo make this song a winner.
6. Between Love and Hate (8/10)- This song used to be called "Ze Newie" when The Strokes were touring, but they changed the name for the album. They also changed a lot of the lyrics as well as the pace of the song. I preferred the live version.
7. Meet Me in the Bathroom (10/10)- This was the other song that the Strokes performed quite often on tour last year, and is one of their best songs. Great guitar and great lyrics by Julian. I also love the synthetic drums. If you liked the track "Hard to Explain" on the old album, you'll love this song.
8. Under Control (7.5/10)- This was The Strokes attempt at a ballad, but in my opinion they failed. Stick to what you know guys.
9. The Way It Is (9/10)- This song is the most radio friendly song next to "12:51," and will probably be the next single. It's faster paced than the rest of the songs and has great distorted vocals by Mr. Casablancas.
10. The End Has No End (10/10)- This song is simply amazing! It would crush the rest of the CD if it weren't for "What Ever Happened." Best chorus on the CD and easily the best guitar on the CD.
11. I Can't Win (9/10)- Great way to end the CD. Lyrics are amusing and creative, and the instruments sound great together. A final approval stamp on the rest of the CD. Overall, this CD is easily the best release of 2003, and no one should be deprived of hearing it. If you liked "Is This It," then you will love this album. If you've never listened to The Strokes before, please give them a shot. I promise you won't be dissapointed.
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