Games

Album: Angles (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lead singer Julian Casablancas told the NME: "We had guitars on it originally, but it just sounded better to me without them. It definitely has a different vibe for us. There's a lot of weird stuff on that song; most of the weird sounds are drums that have been messed around with."
  • The song's ending originates from a piece of music that The Strokes came up with around the turn of the century (once titled "E Minor Madness") and features guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. playing lines "inspired by Daft Punk's Veridis Quo."
  • Hammond described the song to NME as "cold, strange, new, unique and fascinating."
  • Nick Valensi, who co-wrote the track with his bandmates Casablancas and Hammond, was dismayed by the guitars being dropped in favor of synths. He told Rock & Folk in 2011: "I couldn't find the perfect guitar for it. I tried my hand on a few synths and then Albert threw out all the guitars and kept all my synths. They all loved it. Except me. I didn't want synths on a Strokes album! I thought it was crazy! But they convinced me. Let's try this Yamaha, bring on this Juno! and the Moog! and the Mellotron! Now how are we going to do this live? Play backs, loops? S--t like that? I hate this idea."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.