The landmark debut album from The Strokes, Is This It, has reached its significant 25th anniversary this year, a quarter-century milestone affirming its indelible impact on modern music. To commemorate this enduring legacy, boutique record label 22Twenty has announced the forthcoming release of Familiar Strangers Vol. 1: Is This It, a comprehensive tribute album featuring a diverse array of contemporary artists reinterpreting the seminal tracks. This compilation, slated for release on December 4th, marks the inaugural installment in what the label intends to be a series dedicated to iconic albums, offering a fresh perspective on a record widely regarded as a cornerstone of the 21st century’s musical landscape. A portion of the proceeds from the album will be dedicated to Sounds Of Saving, a youth mental health nonprofit that leverages music culture to foster well-being, underscoring a philanthropic dimension to this artistic endeavor.
The lead single from the compilation is a reimagined version of the deep cut "Trying Your Luck," performed by the acclaimed Philadelphia sibling duo Sam and Louise Sullivan. Known for their distinctive, quirky sound and ascendant presence in the indie scene, the Sullivans have transformed the original’s propulsive, almost mechanistic energy into a surprisingly dreamy and minimal rendition, recorded meticulously on a 4-track. This early preview offers a compelling glimpse into the interpretative depth and artistic diversity that defines the Familiar Strangers project.
The Enduring Legacy of "Is This It"
Released in July 2001 in Australia and August 2001 in the United Kingdom and the United States, Is This It by The Strokes was not merely an album; it was a cultural phenomenon that ignited the garage rock revival of the early 2000s and profoundly influenced a generation of musicians and listeners. Comprising Julian Casablancas (vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar), Albert Hammond Jr. (guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass), and Fabrizio Moretti (drums), The Strokes emerged from New York City with a sound that harked back to the raw, visceral energy of 1970s punk and new wave, filtered through a distinctly modern, detached cool. Their minimalist aesthetic, angular guitar riffs, laconic vocals, and tightly coiled rhythms created an immediate, visceral appeal that stood in stark contrast to the prevailing nu-metal and post-grunge sounds of the era.
Critically, Is This It was met with widespread acclaim. Publications like NME, Q, and Rolling Stone lauded its effortless cool and infectious melodies. It achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number two on the UK Albums Chart and earning platinum certification, while also making a notable impact on the Billboard 200 in the US. The album’s influence extended far beyond sales figures, inspiring countless bands to embrace a more stripped-down, guitar-driven sound. Tracks like "Last Nite," "Someday," and "Hard To Explain" became instant anthems, defining the sound of a new decade. Its enduring presence on "greatest albums of all time" lists—including Rolling Stone‘s 500 Greatest Albums, where it consistently ranks high—cements its status as a modern classic.
A Quarter-Century of Influence: A Brief Chronology
- 2001: Is This It is released to critical acclaim and commercial success, immediately establishing The Strokes as a pivotal band in the indie rock landscape. Its distinctive sound and aesthetic are credited with spearheading the garage rock revival.
- 2002-Present: The album continues to gather accolades, influencing a new wave of bands and consistently appearing on "best of" lists from major music publications, solidifying its position as a modern classic. Its tracks become staples on alternative radio and in popular culture.
- 2009: Stereogum, a prominent music blog, releases its own Is This It tribute compilation, Stroked: A Tribute to Is This It, featuring artists like The Morning Benders and The Drums. This demonstrates the album’s early and sustained appeal for reinterpretation.
- 2023 (or "this year" as per source): The 25th anniversary of Is This It is celebrated globally, prompting reflections on its enduring cultural significance and timeless appeal.
- Late 2023 / Early 2024 (Implied): Boutique label 22Twenty announces Familiar Strangers Vol. 1: Is This It, adding a new chapter to the album’s tribute history. The lead single, Sam and Louise Sullivan’s "Trying Your Luck," is released.
- December 4th: Familiar Strangers Vol. 1: Is This It is scheduled for official release, offering a contemporary homage to the album’s legacy.
It is also worth noting the specific history surrounding the album’s tracklist. The original US release notably omitted the track "New York City Cops" due to sensitivities following the September 11th attacks, replacing it with "When It Started." This alteration sparked a long-standing debate among fans regarding the definitive version of the album, highlighting the cultural and historical context surrounding its initial reception. Many purists argue that "New York City Cops" is integral to the album’s original artistic statement, a sentiment echoed by the playful, yet firm, assertion that listening without it is "not really listening to Is This It."
22Twenty’s Vision: "Familiar Strangers Vol. 1"
Boutique label 22Twenty positions itself at the intersection of artistic reverence and contemporary expression. In a statement regarding the project, a representative from 22Twenty elaborated on their motivation: "The Strokes’ Is This It isn’t just an album; it’s a generational touchstone. Its influence is palpable across countless artists, and its 25th anniversary felt like the perfect moment to honor that legacy. With Familiar Strangers Vol. 1, our aim was not to simply replicate the original, but to invite a new wave of talent to engage with these iconic songs, allowing their own artistic voices to shine through while paying homage to the source material. This is about showing how a truly great album can continue to inspire and evolve across different interpretations."
The choice of Is This It as the inaugural volume in the "Familiar Strangers" series speaks volumes about the label’s artistic philosophy. It suggests an appreciation for albums that possess both historical significance and an enduring, adaptable musical framework. The series concept itself implies a commitment to exploring the canon of modern music through the lens of emerging and established independent artists, fostering a dialogue between past and present. The selection of artists on the compilation reflects this vision, featuring a blend of diverse talents who bring their unique sonic signatures to The Strokes’ distinctive compositions.
Reimagining a Deep Cut: Sam and Louise Sullivan’s "Trying Your Luck"
The selection of "Trying Your Luck" as the lead single is a strategic choice, spotlighting one of Is This It‘s more introspective, yet equally compelling, tracks. Sam and Louise Sullivan, the sibling duo tasked with this interpretation, have garnered significant attention for their recent album Love & Devotion, which has been lauded by critics for its innovative sound and thoughtful lyricism, positioning them as significant voices in the contemporary indie landscape. Their approach to "Trying Your Luck" exemplifies the creative freedom encouraged by 22Twenty.
In an inferred statement, Sam and Louise Sullivan might have expressed their connection to the source material: "Covering a track from Is This It felt like both an immense honor and a thrilling challenge. The Strokes were such a formative band for us, and ‘Trying Your Luck’ has always resonated as a beautifully nuanced moment on an album full of anthems. We wanted to strip it down, to find its emotional core, and reinterpret it through our own lens, especially with our 4-track recording process. It was about capturing the essence of the original while allowing our own dreamy, minimalist tendencies to come through. We’re incredibly excited to be part of this project." Their decision to record on a 4-track machine further underscores their commitment to a lo-fi aesthetic, echoing the raw, unpolished charm that defined The Strokes’ early sound, yet recontextualized with a fresh sensibility. This approach allows for an intimate, almost vulnerable, rendition that stands apart from the original’s polished grit.
A Track-by-Track Homage: The Full Compilation
The full tracklist for Familiar Strangers Vol. 1: Is This It reveals a thoughtful curation of artists, each poised to offer their distinct take on The Strokes’ debut. The compilation promises a diverse sonic journey through the album’s eleven tracks:
- Jermango Dreaming – "Is This It": The album’s titular track, often praised for its immediate, understated cool, sets the tone. Jermango Dreaming’s interpretation will likely offer a fresh lens on this iconic opener.
- Tommy Oeffling – "The Modern Age": A driving, energetic track, "The Modern Age" is ripe for reinterpretation, allowing for either a faithful rendition or a radical departure.
- Rubber Band Gun – "Soma": Known for its intricate guitar interplay and melancholic mood, "Soma" provides an opportunity for nuanced artistic expression.
- Kaycie Satterfield – "Barely Legal": A track imbued with youthful angst and raw energy, "Barely Legal" could be transformed dramatically by Satterfield’s unique style.
- The Motor Show – "Someday": One of the album’s most beloved singles, "Someday" is instantly recognizable. The Motor Show’s challenge will be to offer a new perspective while retaining its classic charm.
- Budge – "Alone, Together": A track showcasing The Strokes’ ability to blend introspection with catchy hooks, Budge’s version could explore new emotional depths.
- Baseball Greg – "Last Nite" (Feat. Sleap-e): Perhaps the most iconic song from the album, "Last Nite" is a global anthem. Baseball Greg, with Sleap-e, faces the daunting task of re-imagining a track so deeply ingrained in popular culture.
- Son Of The Challenger – "Hard To Explain": Another fan favorite and a standout single, "Hard To Explain" demands a powerful and thoughtful rendition.
- Dejima – "When It Started": This track, which famously replaced "New York City Cops" on some versions, offers a chance for Dejima to highlight its own unique qualities.
- Sam And Louise Sullivan – "Trying Your Luck": As the lead single, their dreamy, minimal take on this deep cut has already set a high bar for creative reinterpretation.
- Cameraman Never Dies – "Take It Or Leave It": The album’s blistering closer, "Take It Or Leave It," requires an artist who can match its raw intensity and emotional urgency.
This diverse lineup promises a compilation that not only honors The Strokes but also serves as a showcase for the vibrant independent music scene.
Music for a Cause: Partnership with Sounds Of Saving
Beyond its artistic ambitions, Familiar Strangers Vol. 1: Is This It carries a significant charitable component. A portion of the proceeds from the album’s sales will benefit Sounds Of Saving (SoS), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering youth mental health through the power of music culture. SoS actively promotes conversations around mental health, provides resources, and creates community through music-centric initiatives, recognizing the profound therapeutic and connective potential of music.
An inferred statement from Sounds Of Saving might highlight the synergy between the project and their mission: "We are incredibly grateful for the partnership with 22Twenty and the Familiar Strangers project. Music has an unparalleled ability to connect with individuals, provide solace, and build community, all of which are crucial elements in supporting youth mental health. Proceeds from this album will directly fund our programs, helping us reach more young people and provide them with the tools and resources they need to navigate their mental health challenges. This collaboration is a powerful reminder that music can be a catalyst for positive change and a vital source of hope." This partnership not only elevates the project’s impact but also aligns with a growing trend in the music industry where artists and labels increasingly leverage their platforms for social good.
The Broader Implications: Legacy, New Talent, and Philanthropy
The release of Familiar Strangers Vol. 1: Is This It carries several significant implications for the music industry and cultural discourse. Firstly, it further solidifies the enduring legacy of The Strokes’ debut. Tribute albums, particularly those featuring contemporary artists, serve as cultural markers, reaffirming an album’s canonical status and demonstrating its continued relevance to new generations of musicians. It signifies that Is This It is not merely a relic of the past but a living, breathing work that continues to inspire and provoke creative responses.
Secondly, the compilation acts as a vital platform for the participating artists. For emerging talents like Sam and Louise Sullivan, being featured on a high-profile tribute album for such an iconic record can significantly boost their visibility and introduce their work to a broader audience. This reciprocal relationship—where new artists honor classics and, in turn, gain exposure—is crucial for the health and dynamism of the music ecosystem.
Finally, the philanthropic aspect, supporting Sounds Of Saving, exemplifies a commendable trend in the industry. It demonstrates how creative projects can extend their impact beyond artistic expression to contribute meaningfully to social causes. In an era where mental health awareness is paramount, aligning a cultural event with a non-profit dedicated to youth mental health underscores a commitment to societal well-being. This approach enhances the project’s ethical standing and potentially draws in a more socially conscious audience.
As Familiar Strangers Vol. 1: Is This It prepares for its December 4th release, it stands as more than just a collection of covers. It is a testament to the timeless power of Is This It, a vibrant showcase for contemporary talent, and a powerful statement on the intersection of art and social responsibility. It invites listeners to revisit a quarter-century-old masterpiece through fresh ears, reminding us why The Strokes’ debut continues to resonate so profoundly.
