10 years to the day, one of the most raw and influential albums emerged from New York City. The piss ridden streets that you love and loathe produced something so passionate and important- it was pretty hard to get your head around.

I was in secondary school when Is This It was released. I was listening to all kinds of music. I was obsessed with Aaliyah, Garbage, Silverchair, Wu Tang Clan and Morrissey whilst at school. I’d constantly have them on my mix cd I’d make for my cd Walkman. I had to hold the cd Walkman down with my hand as I walked because the songs would skip. Little things like this I miss. Nothing could touch me as I walked through the corridoor playing my favourite songs.

Someday was the first song I remember hearing. I was just blown away by the sound. Jules’ voice captivated my young mind. “In many ways, they’ll miss the good old days.” It’s just an utterly timeless song. Screw that, it’s just an utterly timeless album. So many “critics” have delcared it one of the greatest albums ever, and yes- they are correct. But it is the same words written about this album over and over again. It makes you wonder, are they actually listening to this album? Do they walk the streets listening to it and pretend they are in New York City? I’m not ashamed to say that I have done that, and still do.

I want to write thousands and thousands of words as to why this album is one of the most important records ever. I want to tell you how it’s been a massive part of my life. I love the album so much I have Is This It tattooed on my wrist. My reasoning? It was one of the albums that got me through a break-up and just made me feel better about everything. It gave me strength and courage. When I feel a bit hopeless, this album just makes me feel better. There’s something about it that just feels like a safety net. I can’t possibly put it into words. I’d just be throwing around words and odd descriptions of what the album does to me. It’s just played a massive part in my life.

10 years on and The Strokes are still one of my favourite bands ever. I love every single album. Yes, I even think First Impressions is a bloody brilliant album. They changed everything for me when I heard them 10 years ago. They changed the way I felt about everything and everyone. If music is about making you feel less alone and to make you feel okay with having certain feelings- then that’s exactly what Fab, Nick, Nikolai, Jules and Albert did then, and continue to do so.

“I say the right things, but act the wrong way. I like it right here, but I cannot stay.” There has never been a time where this one line doesn’t describe my life.

Cheers lads!