Comedown Machine [180 Gram Vinyl] (LP)


The Strokes

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Amoeba Review

03/25/2013

The aptly named Comedown Machine finds The Strokes reclaiming some of the ground they lost on their previous two albums, recalling their first two classics in spirit and energy. They toss the metal riffs and MOR rock of the last two albums in favor of dong what they do best: amping up sexy, taut grooves, sneaking in clever guitar interplay and making the robot-rock concept pioneered by the likes of David Bowie and Wire dancefloor-ready. “Tapout” begins with ugly guitar noise that quickly fades to reveal a pulsing jammer that successfully reintroduces the strokes as an agreeable new millennium pop band still willing to fuck with their guitars while delivering smooth jams. “All the Time” is classic Strokes, building nice tension to release at the chorus with familiar, if welcome chord structure from the band — in fact, it’s a nice return to form. Similarly, “One Way Trigger” traverses familiar territory melodically with some nice updates: a Michael Jackson-style falsetto from Julian Casablancas and actual synths, played stacatto as if they were guitars (a reversal of previous songs like “The End Has No End,” in which they ran their guitars warm and gooey like synthesizers). “Welcome to Japan” oozes effortless cool, despite its goofy title, and “80’s Comedown Machine” achieves the sort of sweet yet mechanical power-ballad they previously attempted on songs like “Ask Me Anything” — here, perhaps age and wisdom have rendered it more convincing. Comedown Machine suffers a bit from low-stakes ambition, particularly on its second half, but lacking arena eyes, it also offers more subtle rewards, and like the best material from The Strokes, it grows on you with time. For anyone who came of age loving The Strokes, Comedown Machine is a sweet reminder of the power their music can possess.

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Track Listing



Side A Titles
Artist
Length
1.
Tap Out 		The Strokes 03:42
2.
All The Time 		The Strokes 03:01
3.
One Way Trigger 		The Strokes 04:02
4.
Welcome To Japan 		The Strokes 03:50
5.
80's Comedown Machine 		The Strokes 04:58


Side B Titles
Artist
Length
1.
50/50 		The Strokes 02:43
2.
Slow Animals 		The Strokes 04:20
3.
Partners In Crime 		The Strokes 03:21
4.
Chances 		The Strokes 03:36
5.
Happy Endings 		The Strokes 02:52
6.
Call It Fate, Call It Karma 		The Strokes 03:24

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SHIPS FREE in U.S.

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