Heck, everyone else is writing about the Strokes, so I figured I would too. First, we need to get something straight: THERE IS NOTHING ORIGINAL ABOUT THE STROKES, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT ALL.

Well, that's out of the way, so let me add that "Is This It?" is loads of fun, filled with catchy hooks and peppy swagger. Sure, the never-ending trail of one-stringed guitar lines and solos are pure Buzzcocks, but they were a good band too. And there's undeniably nothing shocking or unique about a NYC 'tude, I compared a picture of the Strokes with a picture of Blondie on the back cover of their debut album, and they were nearly identical. Yeah, the Strokes are cuter and younger, but the rugged, ratty clothing, the "I don't give a flying f***" scowls -- indistinguishable. Actually, pictures of the Strokes remind me more of early Suede than anything else. Whereas the Ramones, Blondie, Television et al appeared as if they couldn't be arsed to pose for a picture, the Strokes convey more than a hint of "Who us? Don't hate us cuz we're beautiful"-esque glamour that Brett Anderson was pouting throughout all of 1992.

But hey, fine tunes, strong debut album, catch them while they're hot.