Resources:
Below you can find all my cherry picked YouTube videos/ article links related to The Strokes; including insightful interviews, iconic performances, appreciative album reviews, incredible covers and (if you’re interested) YouTube channels that focus on the music theory/ how to play your favourite Strokes songs.
Top 3 Insightful Interviews:
Lets kick off our pool of incredible strokes content with the top 3 strokes interviews in my opinion.
No. 1: Albert Hammond Jr. Guitar Moves Interview
I absolutely adore the above the interview as, I myself, play guitar. So it is refreshing to see one of the guitar players of the band talk specifically about, one of the aspects of the music I adore the most. While I began guitar shortly before discovering this band. My progress on it skyrocketed when I obsessively learnt all of the riffs and solos.
No. 2: Interview from The Face (2002) – Drunk Julian Interview
Here we have an interview captured during revealing mind state of Julian’s. Although a lot of it comes across as ramblings we get a glimpse of Julian’s innermost thoughts and insecurities as the drunk mind speaks sober thoughts. We can understand the outbursts in the interview as this was a young man being shot into fame with as much negative attention as positive. https://www.shesfixingherhair.co.uk/blog/interviews/interviews-the-face-2002
No.3 A Conversation With The Strokes
The video “A Conversation with The Strokes” stands as a testament to the band’s authentic and often chaotic dynamic. Unlike a formal interview, the unscripted format truly lets their personalities shine, capturing the kind of easy, natural banter that can only exist between lifelong friends. As they candidly discuss their songwriting process, influences, and the pressures of fame, it’s their fantastic chemistry and dry humor that makes the conversation so compelling. The video offers a genuine and unvarnished glimpse into the band’s inner circle, making it a favorite for fans who want to see the real personalities behind the music.
Top 3 Iconic Performances:
#1 Oxygen (2006)
The Strokes’ performance at Oxygen Festival on July 8, 2006, was nothing short of electrifying. Coming off the heels of their third album, First Impressions of Earth, the set was a powerful demonstration of their evolution. With the addition of new songs like “Ize of the World” and “Vision of Division,” the band’s energy was palpable, leaving a lasting impression on the crowd. It’s a performance that is still treasured and frequently revisited by fans, who cherish the raw, electric character of a band expanding its sound on stage.
#2 Lollapalooza – (2022)
The Strokes’ headline performance at Lollapalooza in March 2022 was an electrifying night that captured the essence of their live show. For those who watch the footage, the setlist offered a couple of truly memorable moments. Julian and the band extended the outro of “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus” into an incredible improv session, while an unforgettable fan interaction saw the entire crowd doing the “Ole Ole Ole” chant. The entire performance was a testament to the band’s enduring power and the audience’s passionate energy. If you weren’t there, you’ll sorely regret missing out on a night that was a powerful and dynamic reminder of the band’s live magic.
#3 MTV $2 Dollar Bill Concert (2002)
The Strokes’ 2002 “$2 Bill” concert was a special, professionally filmed performance for MTV, rather than a traditional live show. Directed by filmmaker Roman Coppola, the concert was recorded on February 2, 2002, at Hollywood Center Studios in Los Angeles.
The special is notable for its unique and meticulously crafted aesthetic, which perfectly captured the band’s cool, detached, and effortlessly stylish image. The show featured the band performing on different stylized sets, including a stage with the band’s name spelled out in light bulbs, adding to its iconic status.
The setlist was heavily focused on their debut album, Is This It, but also included early versions of songs from their upcoming album at the time, Room on Fire, such as “Meet Me in the Bathroom” and “Between Love & Hate.” The concert is widely considered one of the band’s most significant and influential performances, solidifying their status as a defining act of the early 2000s rock revival.