Events
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The Strokes Live
@ Hammerstein Ballroom – New York, NY 3/3/06
By David Wallace
The Strokes are the most over-hyped and underrated band on planet earth. That’s a strong statement, but one I will stand behind 100%. There’s so much talk about their origins, their alleged posturing and shit talking, their various wives and girlfriends, their good looks, their place in the Rock n Roll continuum, etc – but as often is the case, there’s a serious lack of debate about their music, or, more precisely, their ability to deliver it with amazing precision. Seeing them live is a revelation. They’re still not a particularly engaging band – Julian’s onstage banter is comparable to that of many a first time open mic participant- but, that being said, they absolutely destroy.
Playing to a sold out crowd on the second of three sold out night’s at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom the set was nearly two flawless hours long. Kicking things of with “The Modern Age” set the tone – there just aren’t many bands that can rock with the sort of effortless intensity that these guys can. Ripping through a fair assortment of all three records (though “First Impressions of Earth” and “Is This It” saw the most action), the crowd was treated to twenty plus songs of recent rock history.
The new material sounded much as it does on record – big, brash and loud. “Heart in a Cage”, “Juicebox”, “You Only Live Once” and “Red Light” showcased the strength of “First Impressions…”. “Ask Me Anything” was a highlight for me as well. Nick’s note perfect rendering of the mellotron (I think) part from the album and Julian’s confessional vocal were nothing short of moving. There are no mistakes made during a Strokes performance. Everything is in its right place. Nick and Albert’s dueling guitars are impeccable. Great tone – great playing – great parts. It’s the stuff of legend. Nikolai and Fab are the foundation from which all else flows. Julian’s voice sounded amazing – passionate, angry, charismatic. The guy has written some of the most memorable melodies of our time and there’s no better way to hear them than live in person.
The older material really benefits from the energy and volume of a live performance. “Is This It” and “Room on Fire” were self consciously low-fi affairs. But live, these songs are ferocious. With no garbage can drums or filtered vocals to be found, the songs have new life. “Reptilia”, “Last Night”, “Someday” and “Hard To Explain” give new credence to the early comparisons of The Ramones, Television and Velvet Underground.
The Strokes may not have become the “new Nirvana” as many had predicted, but when it’s all said and done, they will be known as one of the most important and skilled bands of the early 21st Century.
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