https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOypSnKFHrE The Strokes emerged as a blisteringly fully formed unit but they seemed to come from nowhere. Their songs blatantly and brilliantly pilfered the New York CBGBs scene of the 70s and made it all their own. With their debut album Is this it? they told the story of being a young single buck around town. And despite fierce competition from virtually every other song on the record they didnt describe that story as perfectly as they did on Last Nite. This isnt a tale of happily ever after; its all about the moment. For hip young things such as The Strokes romantic love was transient. Hence their inherent dismissiveness, Oh, little girl, I don't care no more. I know this for sure, I'm walking out that door. And here Julian Casablancas pulled off something that few frontmen have achieved - Lou Reed and Morrissey spring to mind - the sound of his voice perfectly articulated the bands ideal. It had a strut and swagger that was both resigned and playful. The Strokes played the amazing trick of looking supremely bored whilst being besotted with music at the same time. Which of course made everyone fall in love with them and this is why Last Nite is a landmark song of the decade. Your friends they dont understand, your girlfriend she wont understand, and as for me, I aint never gonna understand. This was the isolation of the decade summed up in just over three minutes.
What makes music fantastic? Star quality, amazing music, breathtaking lyrics and the ability to bring something new to the table, even if that means a new take on the classics. That's what I love to listen to and write about.
As well as writing for What Culture, I occasionally write a blog http://tedney.blogspot.co.uk and sometimes use Twitter, but sparingly @TedneyNash