12. The Strokes - Alone, Together
The MTV Special in which The Strokes Paid Tribute to Elvis: ’68 Comeback Special
Artwork by me: Enrique Seemann
In 2002, there was no band hotter than The Strokes. With their debut album ’Is This It’ released in 2001 to critical acclaim, they were at the forefront of New York’s rock & roll music scene. By then, The Strokes were dominating the UK charts with their new album. Noel Gallagher and Thom Yorke were attending their gigs, and the band had captured the zeitgeist of the UK. However, they still hadn't conquered America.
The MTV2 $2 Bill Concert
They were offered an MTV2 $2 Bill Special, a series of MTV concerts that hosted artists with the concept of inviting fans for the cost of 2 dollars. This special meant a lot of exposure for them, so they did what they had to do.
On 02/02/02, The Strokes gave a great concert that further popularized them and captured a global audience, practically bringing rock back to the mainstream and dominating the following years. This might have been the moment they changed the script and secured their place in rock history.
The Sound
This performance could be the best they ever had. They were coming off a year and a half of continuous touring, and their album, produced by Gordon Raphael, was made to sound as if it had been recorded live. ’Is This It’ is considered by many, including myself, as their best album and the peak of the band. These factors, combined with all the practice and live performance experience they had acquired, made this performance sound even better than the album. Their best album.
The Homage to Elvis The special was directed by Roman Coppola, whose family is well-known in Hollywood. His father directed The Godfather, his sister is Sofia Coppola, and Nicolas Cage is his cousin.
Roman and The Strokes got together and convinced MTV to essentially copy the set designs of Elvis’s '68 Comeback Special. Julian had recently watched it.
The homage to Elvis was reflected in two distinct sets. The small set had a red-bordered, light-up stage, surrounded by the audience on all sides, similar to the intimate feel of Elvis’s special. The large set featured bold, light-up lettering in all caps behind the band on a much larger stage, replicating the bold and striking style.
Even Albert Hammond Jr. had an outfit similar to Elvis'.
Highlight Song: "Alone, Together"
Of all the songs in the special, "Alone, Together" stands out for me because it has a series of elements that make it epic. First of all, it's a song that builds tension before the "explosion," which generates a lot of anticipation.
The best part is undoubtedly when everything explodes. Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr. go wild with their guitars. Roman Coppola plays with abrupt changes between shots, which convey a lot of energy. The close-ups of Julian and Albert, the low-angle shot of Nick that makes him look powerful, and the shots where you can see Nick and Albert playing back to back are aesthetically beautiful. Adding to this is Julian’s attitude, hitting on a girl from the stage and not caring when the mic stand falls on another girl. It’s just pure rock and roll performing. Truly great.
My personal thoughts
This performance is truly incredible. As I reflect on The Strokes' journey, it becomes evident that their early years, including the Room on Fire period, marked the pinnacle of their career. However, this particular performance stands out as one of their finest, if not their absolute best.
The timing couldn't have been more perfect. They were at the peak, ushering Rock and Roll back into the mainstream, and had just concluded an extensive touring period. The album's live sound lent an authenticity to their performances, resulting in renditions that were as captivating, if not better, than their recorded tracks.
Roman Coppola's artistic direction and the homage to Elvis elevate the performance into a truly remarkable artistic piece. It's a testament to The Strokes' influence and prowess as musicians, capturing the essence of their impact on the music industry.
Other The Strokes songs I’d recommend
1. The Adults are Talking
My favorite one from their latest album ‘The New Abnormal’, produced by Rick Rubin.
2. Reptilia
A Rock & Roll anthem. Must know.
3. Undercover of Darkness
Maybe the best song off 'Angles.'