The Strokes: Is This It (2001)

Swaggering and slightly trashy, fist-tight pop-rock. It appealed to older critics who were there for the Velvet Underground and those who missed Lou Reed’s reductive New York street vibe because they were too young. The Strokes filled the gap between them with familiar NYC rock, skinny ties and attitude to burn which delivered them an audience, a hit album and fashion models. Further proof, if needed, that rock’n’roll isn’t a bad job.

Next: The Velvet Underground, The Velvet Underground & Nico and White Light White Heat; Lou Reed, Transformer and Rock’n’Roll Animal

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