Posts tagged rock and roll

The Strokes make a rocking comeback.

It seems like the music gods have finally delivered in response to the constant praying I’ve done. Now, don’t get my wrong — I was quite the fan of lead singer Julian Casablancas’ solo endeavor and found his performances full of spunk and eagerness…almost like a toddler going into the world for the first time.

But it seems redundant to say what a prominent figure the Strokes are as a collective unit. As a band. As the forefathers of indie-garage rock in the New York scene. Personally speaking, they were one of the first bands that got me into said scene, and encouraged me to be more excited to musically explore. And I digress with sappiness…

The Strokes banded together again last night for the first time in four years at a small club gig in London’s Dingwalls. Under the pseudonym “Venison,” they played a hearty catalog of hits for shocked fans and lovers of the five-piece. They performed tracks like “Reptilia,” “Last Night,” “New York City Cops,” and “12:51.” The secret show for less than 500 people is only the beginning for the group as they begin their venture on the festival circuit, including a headlining set at Lollapalooza.

“Holy shit-fuck,” Casablancas mumbled after concluding “Reptilia.” Well, yeah, that about covers it.

For decent videos of three of the performances, check out Rock it Out! Blog

As a fan of Aerosmith, I can’t help but feel I’m a victim of an abusive relationship. There’s been countless moments of mistreatment and abandonment, and yet, I can’t seem to keep away. I guess the same could be said for the members of Aerosmith, as they attempt reconciliation and a European tour.

After news of lead singer Steven Tyler’s departure and goals to work on “Brand Tyler,” there have been threats of replacing him and recently, threats from Tyler’s lawyer. To put it bluntly, it has been an extreme case of countless ego-trips. Who are the harder workers of the group? More importantly, who’s being mistreated and taken advantage of in the situation?

Tyler and the rest of Aerosmith need each other to survive. Sure, Joe Perry does a decent job of creating his own “brand”— the hot sauce, the solo blues gig. But to continue relevancy, Aerosmith will always be a unit. Fans will become hostile and pissed if the rest of Aerosmith tries to play off that it’s the same band without Tyler there. To some, Tyler IS the band. He’s the main creative force, he’s the stage-gymnast, he’s the asexual being that seems to hypnotize everyone with his raspy vocals, and more importantly, those lips.

It seems like Tyler, Perry and the rest of the guys have come to their egocentric senses because, according to a Youtube video on their site, the “rumors are true.” Aerosmith is slated to give a festival tour across seas. Tyler seems sadistic as ever, with his wily cackle, saying to the camera, “I just auditioned and I got the gig. We’re coming your way and rocking your world. Look out baby, ’cause here we go again!”

Potential front-men Billy Idol and Paul Rogers are okay, but let’s face it, nothing beats the look of lanky Tyler behind his scarved mic stand. Here’s hoping the 40-year-run of the blues/rock band can continue on, and the men can recharge as the creative unit they once were. We get it, you’re millionaires. But before that, you were musicians. Get back on track before everyone gets bitter and they won’t even listen to your Home Depot serenades.