Members
Julian Casablancas (vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar), Albert Hammond Jr. (guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass), and Fabrizio Moretti (drums)
Formation
The founding process of The Strokes was a serendipitous convergence of childhood connections and a shared musical vision. Julian Casablancas, Fabrizio Moretti, and Nick Valensi, childhood friends with varying musical experiences, came together in the late '90s. The trio's dynamic was enriched with the addition of guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. and bassist Nikolai Fraiture. Bonded by a mutual love for garage rock, punk, and new wave, the quintet officially formed The Strokes in 1998, embarking on a journey to synthesize their diverse influences into a sound that would later redefine the indie rock landscape. The amalgamation of their individual talents and shared passion for music set the stage for The Strokes' rise to prominence in the early 2000s.
Is This It (2001)
"Is This It" The Strokes" debut album released in 2001 under the reputable record label RCA, is an electrifying sonic manifesto that not only redefined the landscape of indie rock but also garnered widespread critical acclaim. Infused with a raw and unfiltered energy, the album became an instant classic, hailed for its gritty exploration of New York City's underground music scene. Featuring iconic tracks like "Last Nite" and "Someday," Julian Casablancas' charismatic vocals, Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr.'s guitar interplay, and the band's overall swagger made "Is This It" a timeless masterpiece. Its critical acclaim propelled The Strokes to the forefront of the early 2000s indie rock revival, cementing their status as trailblazers in the genre.
Room On Fire (2003)
"Room On Fire" the sophomore album by The Strokes released in 2003, seamlessly follows the success of their groundbreaking debut, "Is This It" The Strokes" (2001). While "Is This It" The Strokes" quickly became a cultural touchstone and achieved widespread acclaim, "Room On Fire" faced the challenge of living up to its predecessor's legacy.
From the rhythmic urgency of "12:51" to the infectious guitar riffs of "Reptilia," each track on "Room On Fire" showcases The Strokes' continued commitment to crafting catchy, yet substantive, rock anthems. While not eclipsing the commercial success of their debut, the album solidified The Strokes' standing as stalwarts of the early 2000s rock revival, demonstrating their artistic growth and ability to sustain their unique sound.
Juicebox and First Impressions Of Earth (2005 - 2006)
"Juicebox" by The Strokes, released as a single on November 14, 2005, ahead of their album "First Impressions of Earth," faced an early online leak, adding to the anticipation. Despite this, the track's bold guitar riffs and Julian Casablancas' charismatic vocals contributed to its positive reception, marking a significant moment in The Strokes' musical journey. They also released a catchy B-side "Hawaii".
"First Impressions Of Earth" The Strokes' third studio album released in January 2006, received a mix of reviews. Critics praised the album's experimental departure from the band's earlier sound, commending Julian Casablancas' introspective lyrics, dynamic guitar work, and rhythmic innovation. Standout tracks like "Juicebox" and "You Only Live Once" showcased The Strokes' ability to evolve while retaining their signature coolness. Despite differing opinions, the album marked a bold exploration of new musical territories and sparked conversations about the band's artistic evolution within the indie rock landscape.
Angles (2011)
"Angles" released by The Strokes in 2011, is a pivotal album in the band's journey, receiving a mix of reviews. Critics lauded its experimentation and collaborative nature, showcasing a departure from their previous works. Standout tracks like "Under Cover of Darkness" and "Machu Picchu" received praise for blending The Strokes' signature sound with fresh influences. While some critics found the album's diversity refreshing, others felt it lacked cohesion. Despite mixed reviews, "Angles" signaled The Strokes' return with a revitalized energy, sparking conversations about their evolving musical direction.
Comedown Machine (2013)
"Comedown Machine" released by The Strokes in 2013, is a unique entry in their discography. The album showcases a departure from their traditional sound, embracing a more synth-driven and experimental approach. Tracks like "One Way Trigger" and "Tap Out" demonstrate The Strokes' willingness to evolve, dividing critics but still affirming their capacity for sonic exploration. "Comedown Machine" adds another layer to The Strokes' musical evolution, inviting listeners into a realm of unexpected sounds and creative divergence. The Strokes adopted a media blackout strategy, refraining from interviews and traditional promotional activities. This intentional approach added an air of mystery to the album's release, sparking curiosity and discussions about the band's creative intentions.
Future Present Past EP (2016)
"Future Present Past" is a 2016 EP by The Strokes, featuring tracks like "Drag Queen", "OBLIVIOUS" and "Threat Of Joy" offering a glimpse into the band's evolving sound during the period between their albums "Comedown Machine" and "The New Abnormal".
The New Abnormal (2020)
Produced by legendary music producer Rick Rubin, "The New Abnormal" is The Strokes' sixth studio album, released in 2020 after a seven-year hiatus. The album represents a return to the spotlight for the band and showcases a blend of their signature rock sound with fresh and contemporary elements. Notable tracks include "The Adults Are Talking" and "Selfless". "The New Abnormal" received critical acclaim for its maturity, experimentation, and the band's ability to evolve while staying true to their distinctive style. The album's release was a highly anticipated moment for fans, marking a successful comeback for The Strokes after their extended hiatus.
Albert Hammond Jr. confirmed, that The Strokes are working on a new album, a follow-up to the succesful "The New Abnormal".
Here are the band members' side projects along with their released albums:
Julian Casablancas:
Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young (2009).The Voidz - Tyranny (2014), Virtue (2018).
Albert Hammond Jr.
Albert Hammond Jr. - Yours To Keep (2006), Como Te Llama? (2008), Momentary Masters (2016), Francis Trouble (2018).
Nick Valensi
CRX - New Skin (2016), Peek (2018).
Fabrizio Moretti
Little Joy - Little Joy (2008).machinegum - Conduit (2019).
Nikolai Fraiture
Nickel Eye - The Time Of The Assassins (2008).SUMMER MOON - With You Tonight (2017), Casino Days (2023).
Ask Me Anithyng
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Someday it will come to you
Hostile indians
We named our summer camp for you
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I'm in utter dismay
I've got nothing to say
Harmless children
We named our soldiers after you
Don't be a coconut
God is trying to talk to you
We could drag it out
But that's for other bands to do
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
But I will fight to survive
I've got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
I'd like to watch
I'd like to read
I'd like a part
I'd like the lead
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
But I'll kill to survive
I've got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
The lyrics of The Strokes' "Ask Me Anything" are characterized by disconnected thoughts and ideas that seem to have no apparent structure or sequence. The first verse is about naming a summer camp and naming soldiers, perhaps as an indication of the inventiveness of language and the arbitrary ways that names signify identity. The reference to "hostile Indians" in the summer camp context can be read as a nod to the Land O'Lakes butter packaging icon, which similarly depicts a Native American girl. The second verse makes an unrelated mention of "coconuts," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for unwillingness to communicate or being closed off, perhaps in the context of spirituality as suggested by the reference to "God trying to talk to you." The line "We could drag it out, but that's for other bands to do" can be seen as a dig at other musicians who might resort to filler material or repetitive choruses. Through all of this, the chorus brings a consistent refrain of the singer having "nothing to say" and also nothing to offer or live for, yet remaining alive and fighting to survive.
Overall, the song can be seen as a reflection on the existential malaise of contemporary life, where meaning and purpose are elusive, and communication seems to be breaking down. The lyrics actively resist any attempt to extract a coherent meaning, instead reveling in their own disconnectedness and playfulness. The repetition of "I've got nothing to say" can suggest a sense of futility, but it can also be interpreted as a way of pushing back against the compulsive urge to fill silence with meaningless talk.
Line by Line Meaning
Right, wrong, what to do?
Life presents us with difficult decisions and we must determine what the right choice is
Someday it will come to you
Eventually, you will find the solution to the problem
Hostile indians
We honor the indigenous people who once lived on this land
We named our summer camp for you
We pay tribute to the Native American culture by naming something in their honor
I've got nothing to say
I am speechless, I have no opinion or response to the situation
I'm in utter dismay
I am completely disappointed and disheartened by the circumstances
Harmless children
We remember the innocent youth who were affected by war or other atrocities
We named our soldiers after you
We recognize the bravery and sacrifice of those who died for our country
Don't be a coconut
Don't be closed off and uncommunicative, be open to hearing what others have to say
God is trying to talk to you
There may be a higher power or spiritual force trying to communicate with you
We could drag it out, But that's for other bands to do
We could prolong this conversation, but that's not our style, that's for other people to do
I've got nothing to give, Got no reason to live, But I will fight to survive
I have nothing to offer in this world, no purpose to live, but I will continue to persevere and overcome obstacles
Wish I wasn't so shy
I wish I could be more outgoing and confident in social situations
I'd like to watch, I'd like to read, I'd like a part, I'd like the lead
I am interested in observing, learning, participating, and leading in different aspects of life
I'll kill to survive
I will do whatever it takes to stay alive and persevere
I've got nothing to hide
I am an open book and have no secrets to keep
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JULIAN CASABLANCAS, NICK VALENSI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alan Ismael Chavez
Lyrics:
~Right, Wrong, what to do?
Some day it will come to you
Hostile Indians
We named a summer camp for you
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I'm in utter dismay
I've got nothing to say
Harmless children
We named our soldiers after you
Don't be a coconut
God is trying to talk to you
We could drag it out
But that's for other bands to do
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
And I will fight to survive
I got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
I'd like to watch
I'd like to read
I'd like a part
I'd like the lead
But I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
I will kill to survive
I got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
Aidan, Brickbob
Lyrics
Right, Wrong, what to do?
Some day it will come to you
Hostile Indians
We named a summer camp for you
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I'm in utter dismay
I've got nothing to say
Harmless children
We named our soldiers after you
Don't be a coconut
God is trying to talk to you
We could drag it out
But that's for other bands to do
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
And I will fight to survive
I got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
I'd like to watch
I'd like to read
I'd like a part
I'd like the lead
But I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
I will kill to survive
I got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
Il Nintenditore
Lyrics:
Right, wrong, what to do
Someday it will come to you
Hostile Indians, we named a summer camp for you
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I'm in utter dismay
I've got nothing to say
Harmless children, we named our soldiers after you
Don't be a coconut, God is trying to talk to you
We could drag it out but that's for other bands to do
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
But I will fight to survive
I've got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
I'd like to watch
I'd like to read
I'd like a part
I'd like the lead
But I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
Oh, I'll kill to survive
I've got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
Деннис Ритчи
Right, wrong, what to do
Someday it will come to you
Hostile Indians, we named a summer camp for you
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I'm in utter dismay
I've got nothing to say
Harmless children, we named our soldiers after you
Don't be a coconut, God is trying to talk to you
We could drag it out but that's for other bands to do
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
But I will fight to survive
I've got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
I'd like to watch
I'd like to read
I'd like a part
I'd like the lead
But I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
Oh, I'll kill to survive
I've got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
Jacknight
lyrics:
Right, wrong, what to do
Someday it will come to you
Hostile Indians, we named a summer camp for you
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I'm in utter dismay
I've got nothing to say
Harmless children, we named our soldiers after you
Don't be a coconut, God is trying to talk to you
We could drag it out but that's for other bands to do
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
But I will fight to survive
I've got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
I'd like to watch
I'd like to read
I'd like a part
I'd like the lead
But I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to say
I've got nothing to give
Got no reason to live
Oh, I'll kill to survive
I've got nothing to hide
Wish I wasn't so shy
Anshuuu
Never thought "I've got nothing to say" could sound this beautiful
Onions
Look up this hidden secret indie song :(( Faceless humming by The Impures)
emily
but yes this album is a masterpiece
Kaio Fragoso
Agreed. Every instrument is a whole world in this album...
Satria Agung Kalirasa
@Kaio Fragoso Bro the production is way to clear I think
Kaio Fragoso
@Satria Agung Kalirasa it may be.. but it has a unique style I think... no other band made a sound close to this, its very original
Satria Agung Kalirasa
@Kaio Fragoso yep I know what you think. Their debut and second album are have a unique garage-sound. The distorted vocal and simple guitar riffs. But they're change a lot different in the third album. More harder to play and more to modern rock.
ChristiaanWatchesMovies
@Satria Agung Kalirasa You're trying to tell me FIOE doesn't have a unique sound? There isn't a single album you can name that sounds like this. You need to be more open to change if you think it's not good because it doesn't sound like the first two.
deeds
This is pretty well written for having nothing to say
Emilio Martinez
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