The Be Rad Blog

by Fatma

I recently traveled to Chicago to see The Strokes at Lollapalooza. My elation over this fact cannot be stressed anymore. I’ve spent the last four years wondering when they would return. I’ve been teased with side projects and solo efforts that, although they may have delivered a pleasurable listen, were not the complete euphoric experience that is The Strokes. The Strokes’ performance was enough to make me weak at the knees. To top it off, I even met Julian Casablancas himself.

Because of Julian’s position, the lead singer and known main contributor to the music of The Strokes, it almost seems expected that his material would sound the best. I think it does. Phrazes For The Young is Julian Casablancas trying to be, and sound, equally as big as The Strokes without actually being The Strokes. Whether or not he surpassed them is questionable, but there is no denying the huge success of Mr. Casablancas. He went from a guy who’s got nothing to say, to one that has an almost omnipresent existence within the media. He was been very very busy promoting himself. I mean, BriTunes, really?

I’m not sure who put him up to that, but he has done a lot of really insightful interviews. I spoke a while ago about this interview and how Julian mentions 8 bit covers of his songs on Phrazes. The Necoism is the man, and 8 bit music is his game. He’s been diligent in his production, as he has remixed Phrazes nearly in it’s entirety – some bonus songs included. I love the way Julian’s music has been translated into 8 bit form as I am a huge Nintendo geek. The Necoism’s production is stellar.

Usually 8 bit music can sound too hyper, maybe even give you a headache, but The Necoism has perfected a sound that seems as if it was pulled directly from an old NES game: “Ludlow St.” would be the song for the opening cut scene that would play if you didn’t press any buttons, “River of Brakelights” makes you feel as if you should be battling some sort of boss, and “Tourist” is made to sound like an epic ending to an equally amazing game (Link’s Awakening anyone?).

The Necoism should be praised for his fine work in completely transforming Phrazes For The Young. Give the guy some love over on You Tube.

Julian Casablancas – Out Of The Blue (The Necoism 8 Bit Remix)

Julian Casablancas – Left & Right In The Dark (The Necoism 8 Bit Remix)

Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension (The Necoism 8 Bit Remix)

Julian Casablancas – Ludlow St. (The Necoism 8 Bit Remix)

Julian Casablancas – River of Brakelights (The Necoism 8 Bit Remix)

Julian Casablancas – Glass (The Necoism 8 Bit Remix)

Julian Casablancas – Tourist (The Necoism 8 Bit Remix)

Julian Casablancas – Old Hollywood (The Necoism 8 Bit Remix)

Julian Casablancas – 30 Minute Boyfriend (The Necoism 8 Bit Remix)

zip file

Be Rad. Enjoy.