User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 732 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 668 out of 732
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Mixed: 22 out of 732
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Negative: 42 out of 732
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Mar 3, 2011"is this it?" is fantastic. truly a landmark album of our generation. its so nonchalant but somehow through the apathy true brilliance is found. yes each song has a similar sound, but they are not the same. additionally, why would you change up the sound when it is good to begin with
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Jun 19, 2012
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ZachFOct 30, 2006The best album of the decade, hands down.
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Sep 7, 2010The Strokes may not have been able to really follow up this wonderful debut, but thats not a terrible thing. Ensuing efforts have been nice but inferior; Is This It is where the boys could do no wrong.
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Nov 15, 2011The beggining of this century brought this pearl that revived indie-rock again. We see the genious Julian Casablancas working with power songs, lyrics, and even better stylish for the rock of this time. The indie bands should get more along with this kind of rock, one of the bests. Marvelous.
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Jul 21, 2012The Strokes' debut album is amazing! Jules Casablanca (lead vocals) provides a natural Lo-Fi sound, which is addictive to listen to. I can't think of a single track from the album I don't thoroughly enjoy. Recommend! Favorite tracks: Hard to Explain, Take It or Leave It, Barely Legal (yet every song has its singularity and fantastic element about it)
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Dec 23, 2012
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Oct 23, 2010Nothing bad can be said about this album. The Strokes helped revive garage rock and brought back utter coolness to the genre. Catchy song one after another, with Julian Casablancas' pure rock voice combined with Albert Hammond Jr.'s excellent guitar playing.
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Sep 18, 2010An album for the ages. A thoroughly enjoyable album to listen through, mellow vibes issue from the speakers and deep lyricism interplays with masterful guitar solos and solid melody as you drift into the zone.
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Jan 3, 2018
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zacht.Dec 24, 2008A pretty bland album, nothing special or unique at all. It's not horrible album by any means but the scores it recieved do not represent what it really is. Beware if you are going to buy.
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DavidJun 11, 2006Thank Bob this terrible trend is over. Rock revival? Whatever.
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Feb 13, 2012
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JeffDFeb 4, 2005Please, Julian, stop it. Do you use the vocal processor when ordering Starbucks or dismissing groupies? Monotonous, repetitive, derivative...there's just no real emotion on this disc. Sure, they can play...but there's nothing on here that I really want to hear over and over, nothing that sticks in my head. Completely overhyped.
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JimminyB.Nov 9, 2007A case of Emperor's New Clothes if ever there was one. Repetitive, single-note 2/4 monotony by a talentless bunch of no-hopers. Accidentally hyped by NME before discovering they only had one idea. Now everyone has to pretend they see the genius.
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JackC,Feb 4, 2008The Strokes are the new Bay City Rollers.
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[Anonymous]Jun 30, 2002worst retro shit ever. perfect for nme readers
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cwkAug 11, 2005pretty much garbage. People who think this is "rock" have never heard rock, apparently. the guy who said "almost emotionless" is right. These guys are total frauds and a glut of similar bands are the reason I can hardly listen to rock today. Thankfully there are still a handful of creative, original artists out there.
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S.GoldJan 3, 2006Boring, same song and style over and over. How can people call this interesting?
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adams.Oct 26, 2007Am I the only one who thinks that the strokes are the most overrated band in the world? Kudos to their marketing team to create a buzz before this release, it certainly suckered a lot of people. Their tunes are catchy but ultimately sounds like a bunch of bored rich kids with nothing better to do. There's not much here to be excited about.
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MattSep 27, 2004Ignore the hype - rip away the layers of this, what you get is background music. If you want something unassuming and unambitious that won't grab your attention too much, this is it. But if you're looking for something to grab you, the question "Is This It?", the answer is almost certainly no, though you may well ask yourself the same question.
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AndrewGJun 29, 2006Desperately over-rated. Mostly forgettable and suprisingly dull. This album really isnt worth all the fuss that surrounds it. However there are several quality tracks on it such as the now classic Last Night and the brilliant Someday. At its best it shines. At its worse it drowns in repetative overproduction
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DanielAApr 17, 2009The fact that it's been 8 years since this album was released and so far The Strokes haven't lived up to the hype the music press created around them, proves that all of those calling this album "overrated" were right.
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AndrewRNov 21, 2003Catchy enough, I suppose, but Is This It? begs the question that its title poses-- that is, 11 tracks after the fact, there's little that sticks in the brain, except for maybe the Strokes's uncanny ability to make Television boring. For me, only "Trying Your Luck" really left an impression.
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Apr 15, 2020This album played a large part in the revival of indie rock and there is no way someone can understate its importance. Is This It? has withstood the test of time and remains one of the best albums the genre has to offer.
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Jul 10, 2013
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Oct 23, 2020This is the best album of the 00s. The album is fun and catchy as hell, eleven perfect tracks. The strokes best record for sure.
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bobbybNov 3, 2001absolutely incredible
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RichardBApr 4, 2010
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JeremyGJan 4, 2004A band confident enough to bask in the hype lavished upon them, and ballsy enough to actually live up to ridiculous expectations. Taut, fast, catchy rock songs fill this album. Easily enjoyable, even after multiple listens.
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SAVAGETOASTAug 4, 2006In my opinion the best albums since 2000 are 1. Is This It? by The Strokes 2. Kid A by Radiohead 3. The Moon & Antarctica by Modest Mouse 4. Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand 5. Turn On The Bright Lights by Interpol
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NancyM.Nov 14, 2001best album of 2001 hot rocker boys
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SalC.Oct 15, 2001The simple fact is that the best songs on the record are the (5) that had already been released on their (2) Rough Trade singles. As I had both them both months ago, the rest was dissapointing. If you have neither single, but my rating to an (8).
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JerryA.Oct 2, 2001One of the best albums of all time. I wouldn't be surprised if this kicks off the next wave of good music in the mainstream. It has that landmark feel..like Nevermind 10 years ago.
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AaronL.Oct 7, 2002I can't figure it out. I've read the glowing reviews and listened to the disc many times, and I just can't understand the fuss. Although they have their good moments, I'm supposed to believe that these guys are the new gods of rock 'n roll? I don't think so. In either case, there is a lot riding on their next release - glad it's not me that has to do it!
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EdithF.Feb 19, 2002I'm not not saying this as an obsessive idiot, I'm saying it as an opinionated music-lover. This is an excellent album which deserves all of the good reviews it gets. Not because it's bringing back old trends or whatever critics are labeling them as, just because it's damn good music and these guys have a load of talent.
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AlD.Aug 27, 2002A+++
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TrixieJan 10, 2003loved it, totally different and different from what's out there right now
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ElliottJan 14, 2006Enough time has passed to solidify this as one of the greatest rock albums ever made.
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FletcherbJan 5, 2006this is one of the most deeply rewarding discs ever made. 10 just isn't enough.
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HendraSJun 4, 2006salute for the strokes!!!! I gave you 10 pts for all your songs.
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AudreyAJan 2, 2007
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KickerTomFeb 14, 2007Great album. Possibly one of the greatest.
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GiacomoPFeb 15, 2007Very good album
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MithyusApr 5, 2007Is This It? is a strong addition to The Strokes' history, and brings Indie Rock to a new level.
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NickBApr 7, 2007This is the best album of our time. Pure brilliance, every track.
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marcybJul 2, 2007good stuff
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matthews.Oct 22, 2008Almost every song is perfect. Very stripped down, and yet large in sound
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EinarJ,Apr 30, 2008God, how overhyped, overrated and overplayed can you get ? Last Nite and Someday are the only songs worth mentioning, working as anthems of our time.
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BenF.Feb 14, 2009Teriffic. I loved it since I was nine. They bring some classic rock feel into this. One of my favorite music of all time.
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jenFeb 8, 2009
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SebastianF.May 2, 2009Pure bliss to listen to.
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DougGAug 24, 2009Stunning Debut
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mistereelsOct 14, 2001Rock music like old people said it used to be, a classic debut album with more hooks than an amputee convention.
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AlexF.Oct 14, 2001Most hyped band this year. Their music is ok but quite insubstantial. VU did this much better more than 30 years ago.
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AlexF.Oct 14, 2001Most hyped band this year. Their music is ok but quite insubstantial. VU did this much better more than 30 years ago.
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NickK.Oct 17, 2001This album kicks like the Stones during the Exile on Mainstreet era. It leaves every other rock album of the year seem tame.
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SuzanneDec 3, 2001If I could give this album an even higher rating I would. It's totally got me obsessed. It made me go see them play just a week after i bought the thing, and they were even more amazing live. This is now my favorite band. Trust me this is good music.
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JayR.Oct 23, 2001Julian Casablancas does such a phenomenal job of channeling the spirit of Lou Reed circa 1967. I don't think album would have been all that great if the The Strokes were from Duluth, MN. But by being New Yorkers they revive that old New York garage band sound earnestly. These song have a definite charisma that pop music has been lacking in a long time. Good things will come from this album.
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JoeyK.Mar 30, 2010Is this it, the debut album of the Strokes, is a testament to its time, still probably the greatest "indie" album to be created (for what its worth, it still has major influence) in all major venues of the alternative music industry, and to that "Is This It." receives the 10 it deserves.
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SiA.Sep 27, 2001This has to be the best album of the year, by lightyears
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BrettB.Jan 13, 2002Finally Rock and Roll gets a much needed kick in the ass.
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RobertS.Jan 8, 2002great music. some of the best stuff i have heard in a while. just keep it comming
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MikeC.Mar 11, 2002Finally a real rock group. with all the crap that is out ,this is cool.
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AndrewISep 16, 2002Very good album for those too young to know how recycled it is.
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RyanT.Sep 28, 2002When I first heard the album I was not very impressed. But once you listen for a while you'll realize this is a great simple rock record and one of the best albums of the year.
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BethOct 6, 2003
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ReneTApr 30, 2003you know what? if you don't like THE STROKES then, FUCK YOU!!! These guys will rock forever!!!
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davemJun 6, 2003This album gets better with each listening, unlike the ridiculously overhyped White Stripes album. The first few times you hear it may not be overly impressive but it will grow on you.
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JackWAug 28, 2003
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TomHAug 6, 2003Mediocre at best. So simple it's sickening, but no horrible in it's own right
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andiehJan 22, 2004I Love This CD... J...ust, Just Great!
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JoannelAug 7, 2004this is brilliant it makes you laugh and dance and fell like a total fukcing idiot... if ANYONE would give it less than a 9 u are fucking crazy..( and they are the ebst lookign band by FAR
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TonyGDec 3, 2005Everybody's been talking in extremes about this album, but to me, it simply did the job. It stuck to the bare-knuckled essentials of rock, created raw emotion and energy from simplistic music, and provided an enjoyable thirty minutes. Definately nothing incredible, but definately nothing terrible.
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BooneJul 23, 2005
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FredthefriendAug 13, 2005absolutely genius music. my god- how can you NOT see this as rock? more importantly so, how can you not at least give it credit for not being a band that sounds as homogenized as just about every other rock album out there?
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macmnJan 15, 2006this album is simply amazing. the fast pace style keeps you wanting more
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MCDec 12, 2006If you don't like it, I suggest you listen to it more than just once. You also shouldn't judge any album on hype. This album is the definiton of pop-edged rock. They do what they do very well.
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joshJan 5, 2006The strokes are the greatest band to come out of any musice scene/genre in the past 15 years. Seminal.
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LeahKFeb 12, 2006Many people said this was a bad second album, but the songs were catchy and full of the rock n roll sound i was looking for. kickass album.
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NiallCApr 8, 2006Amazing debut. One of the greatest albums ever.
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samfMay 4, 2006I've had this album for almost a year, and I'm still waiting for the time that I go more than a couple days without a listen.
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sandiehMay 8, 2006Perfect.
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MarshManJul 17, 2006amazing..... it's almost perfect pop-rock.
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TimSDec 4, 2007The best CD I've ever listened to.
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EddieEinarMrtnsnNDec 9, 2007The best album of 2001. It's that simply when a band as the Strokes pulled out this excellent debut. Their street-smartness is greatly conceived through singer/songwriter Jules Casablancas' early-matured songwriting as he and the band swaggers throughout the 11 songs. They make the classic rock & roll cliche vital again; hey, just give Someday and Last Nite a listen dude.
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PilarSJan 8, 2007
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MichelleKApr 13, 2007Probably one of the best albums i own. Its absolutely awesome. EVERYONE should have it
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OligamiMay 20, 2007Bah! It's great shiny pop and you know it. And it does stick in your head. The US cover art and replacement track are better than the UK versions, so buy the former.
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michaelk.Jul 13, 2007This album is amazing
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nickfiJul 15, 2007you know any good album takes a few listens to get used to and anyone who didn't give this a ten obviously did not give it the time of day. this is a breathtakingly simple and absolutely amazing album. possibly the best album of the new millennium. this is an absolutely essential album for anyone who is not deaf
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BlahB,Jan 22, 2008Three reasons why this album is a masterpiece: Not an ounce of filler on here. Resurrected indie for the masses. Ages well.
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thegameMay 7, 2009The album is purely amazing. sure it may not be the "definining" or music changing album that the media puts it out to be, but its regardless an extremely good album. Don't hate over the strokes over the hype- its not like they planned it all out?
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nasnouJun 22, 2009The strokes neither started nor flaunted the hype, so why would it be their fault if they were hyped by the press? it still doesn't change that this album is solid, powerful and one of the greatest albums of the 2000's.
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KyleB.Aug 15, 2009Amazing first album for a band. The guitar playing the drumming, and the singing was excellent. Cheers Strokes and good luck on many more amazing albums.
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MichaelH.Aug 19, 2009Considering Is This It? is the debut album from hard indie rockers The Strokes, it's is absolutly amazing and incresdibly done. There isn't one song of the album that is dull or boring, each song is individual and yet works together beautifully to create a piece of exceptional music.
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AnnaH.Nov 11, 2001Very original I love this band.
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RogerE.Nov 2, 2001I don't mind if VU, Television, The Cars or Stooges did this more than 25 years ago. We're in 2001 and a few bands right now sound as fresh, arrogant, mellodicaly stunning and vital like Casablancas and pals. ¿Hey! check out The Soudtrack of Our Lives and tell me Pink Floyd did this 30 years ago. ¿So what?
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CharleneL.Nov 27, 2001
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KurdtCobainOct 15, 2001The bandwagon is off and running. This album is hardly groundbreaking nor nearly as catchy as Nevermind. It will not appeal to middle America at all. That said, for fans of the VU and Television, the album is a treat. Good songs.
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Awards & Rankings
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Apr 24, 2013Simply put, Strokes have every quality rock'n'roll requires from its finest exponents and Is This It is where they come together.
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Able to make the timeworn themes of sex, drugs, and rock & roll and the basic guitars-drum-bass lineup seem new and vital again, the Strokes may or may not be completely arty and calculated, but that doesn't prevent Is This It? from being an exciting, compulsively listenable debut...
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Their album is little more than thirty minutes and eleven versions of the same song. But damn if that one song isn't a good one.