The Garage-Rock/New wave savior- How The Strokes revamped the New York City rock n roll scene

 At the beginning of the new millennium , rock n roll was at a crossroads. At this point in time, the rock landscape was dominated by Nu Metal bands like Limp Bizkit, 90's vets Korn, and Puddle Of Mudd were dominating the airways. Then in the fall of 2001, the rock scene was turned on its head and the garage rock/ new wave rock renaissance was born. Enter The Strokes. The Strokes formed in New York City in 1998 with frontman Julian Casablancas, guitarists Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr., bassist Nikolai Fraiture and drummer Fabrizio Moretti. Their debut LP Is This It? was released in September of 2001 and it became an instant success with critics and fans alike. Songs like "Last Nite",  and "Someday" are heavily influenced by the New York City legendary punk band Television and Indie rock pioneers The Velvet Underground which the band has stated in multiple interviews on how they were a key influence for their sound. "The Modern Age" is Casablancas's take on oddness on which is modern life and the hidden gem "Trying Your Luck " features killer guitar work from Valensi and Hammond while Casablancas sings melodic melancholic vocals. The band toured relentlessly traveling all over the world. For their North American leg of the tour they opened consistently for The Rolling Stones and even shared the stage with fellow legendary Detroit son  Jack White of The White Stripes. 

2003's Room On Fire was released in October of 2003 and was met with critical acclaim by critics despite it gaining success commercially . Room On Fire contains their hit single "Reptilia" and other songs that are often overlooked like the underrated gem "Meet Me In The Bathroom" and the rocking "You Talk Way Too Much." 

As of 2020, the band released their latest album The New Abnormal which was produced by studio guru Rick Rubin. Critics praised that the album is a return to form of the classic Strokes we have come to love . I really started getting into this band late last year and its safe to say I'm a huge fan. I really love their musicianship and its great to know that bands like The Velvet Underground and Television influenced them while in the process have paved the way for bands like Arctic Monkeys and The Killers. I recently acquired Room on Fire on vinyl and its ear candy. Next on the hunt; their debut of course.

I am a golden god!-Why Almost Famous is the pinnacle of music films

     My girlfriend and I recently sat down and watched Almost Famous together. It was her first time seeing it. I've seen the movie countless times so I decided to watch the movie through her point of view. That being, watching like it was my first time . Glad I did. Almost Famous is a comedy-drama and above all musical movie directed by former Rolling Stone writer and director Cameron Crowe. Prior to Almost Famous, Crowe directed the 80's classic Say Anything... and Jerry Maguire. Almost Famous can also be classified as semi-autobiographical because Crowe did tour with bands like The Eagles and many more. The movie follows  high school student William  Miller (Patrick Fugit) as his love for rock n roll becomes the focal point of his life while growing up in the 1960's (just like Crowe did). Despite his conservative mother Elaine , played by the great  Frances MacDormand , he continues to expand his love and knowledge of rock n roll largely due to his sister's record collection (listen to Tommy with a candle burning ). 

    After Willam meets with legendary music critic Lester Bangs, who is played brilliantly by  Phillip Seymour Hoffman, he finally gets to write his first true article for Rolling Stone magazine . He is sent to a Black Sabbath concert to write a review on the opening band Stillwater . From there , he meets the gypsy/roadie Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) and forms a strong bond with not only her but with Stillwater's guitarist Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup)

Aside for my love for music, my second greatest passion is movies. This movie is defiantly in my top 10 and for good reason. This film beautifully showcases the role a music critic has in shaping a bands legacy and following. There have been countless bands in rock n roll history that have been loved by fans, but despised by critics. Bands like Led Zeppelin , Grand Funk Railroad, and even AC/DC weren't well received by critics at the time. This movie proves that not all critics are the same because throughout the movie , we see William write his true feelings on Stillwater which are chronicled while being on tour with them and his own appreciation for them . This movie alone is the reason why I created this blog. 

The film also cleverly represents on how the majority of rock bands acted while on the road touring. It really puts the saying "sex and drugs and rock n roll" intro perspective. Russell Hammonds "I am a golden god!" scene showcases all of this perfectly.

Lastly , but certainly not least, the soundtrack . The soundtrack used for Almost Famous is flawless. The songs used compliment the scenery and mood perfectly . Simon and Garfunkel's "America" is used at the begging of the movie as Willam's sister Anita drives off with her boyfriend . That's a perfect song for not only the scene, but for the time period . Anita is part of the counter culture movement and with the rebellious action of her fleeting her home , "America" is a symbol for freedom .

The most famous use of the soundtrack comes with the band singing along to Elton John's classic "Tiny Dancer" on the tour bus . The scene is now considered iconic and in the process introduced John's classic to a whole new generation of fans . The scene is also powerful because prior to the scene, Stillwater had a heated argument between its members and even lashed out on William. With the band singing in unison to "Tiny Dancer" it proves that music truly brings society together and that music can heal. 

This movie is truly a masterpiece . If you haven't seen it, please do yourself a favor and get on it . It'll be worth it.