SISTA!!! Watch: The Strokes – “Taken For A Fool” Music Video

by Eric Van Dril on July 8, 2011 · 100 comments

in Angles,Videos

Eh. Where’s Warren Fu when you need him?

{ 100 comments… read them below or add one }

51 vmo July 8, 2011 at 10:54 am

Lol yall are idiots. They aren’t trying to impress anyone. Since when did you all become a critic that matters. Let it be, fuckers

52 Please reply me :D July 8, 2011 at 10:55 am

I can’t stand nick these days. And it’s not because he is bad guitarist and he is not even a terrible song writer but it’s just the way he looks so unsatisfied. And in interviews he always blame julian and every single time i just sit there and think how lucky he is that he met julian. For instance Taken is a good song but it’s not as good as any of the tracks from is this it. or ROF. Or phrazes. Still a good track though. And I mean Of course in the early days it wasn’t like julian did every little detail on the tracks, but he wrote it.
when it all comes down to dust. I think that they make julian better. But they are not even close to be legends without julian. Not that I think they are legends, but… Just my opinion. Respect that please. Anyone agree??

53 Joe July 8, 2011 at 11:15 am

lol. jules and his kurtis blow mannerisms.

the majority of them look happy at least.

54 tyler July 8, 2011 at 11:22 am

They dont even seem like a band to me anymore, just a bunch of dads jamming. They need to lose weight, albert needs his hair back, they need to get a little more ambitious.

55 eh July 8, 2011 at 11:36 am

its a fun video, simple in strokes style, like a more pumped up reptilia…

but

valensi, the sunglasses, the rockstar poses

julian and his crotch jeans

otherwise I’m pleased! haha

56 Jeff July 8, 2011 at 11:50 am

Nothing more pathetic than a 32 year old grown man wearing Skinny Jeans.

57 mmmhmm July 8, 2011 at 11:51 am

it’s a pretty cool video i think! aha it totally goes with the album….and even though its kind of boring…it kind of shows us that they still have their bromance going on un like all their other videos aha

58 The Peanut Butter Experiment July 8, 2011 at 11:55 am

Tits.

59 adele July 8, 2011 at 11:59 am

Video = Fantastic. Gets better with every view.

Migraine = Really, really bad. I should probably stop watching.

60 Eric Van Dril July 8, 2011 at 12:20 pm

@The PB Experiment — Indeed.

61 Ben July 8, 2011 at 12:25 pm

I’m the first to rip on the Strokes 3.0, but I actually really liked the video. I thought it was an interesting and fairly original concept that was pretty well executed. I might even go so far as to say it is one of the Strokes’ best — but then, the Strokes are not really known for their mind-blowing videos.

62 Sooz July 8, 2011 at 12:26 pm

@Jeff

So I guess you’d rather see them in khakis and polo shirts?

63 Olivia July 8, 2011 at 12:32 pm

I don’t necessarily think that this video is bad. It’s simple and more light hearted. It should of just been Julian doing the double instead of everyone at once, then each person gets a close up double in solos. (to not confuse people and give them a visual break.)

I did really like how it went around in a circle and Julian would pop up with a random facial expression and then would walk with the camera. That was nice.
Not their best but not their worst. Wish the quality of the video would be less choppy, or maybe it’s just my computer.

Julian look like he could care less on what the others feelings and moods are and just did whatever, which is cool; just his normal awkward who gives a shit self. His band mates were brought to life when he messed around with them.

NOW NICK… he needs to get over “trying to be better than everyone else” attitude and just go with it. I think he is way too uptight about everything and has a grudge, maybe not as much as the media plays it up, but he still has one. This is a fun video (yes headache prone) but light and fun, Nick needs to be like that.

Still love them and the video isn’t that bad. It just could of used some toning down.

64 huh? July 8, 2011 at 12:32 pm

I never comment here, but I have to know. Fuck you Tyler. Fuck you straight to hell. They need to lose weight? Wow, you are sincerely a fucking moron. FUCK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

65 huh? July 8, 2011 at 12:33 pm

*now

66 Ryan July 8, 2011 at 12:35 pm

These comments………………..you people need lives. You’re all dorks. Worst, most inane opinions I have ever heard. So stupid, you have me wasting my time. But someone needs to educate you. At least give you a fighting chance.

67 drawnout July 8, 2011 at 2:04 pm

I like it way better than the UCOD video. It’s tight as shit. one of the cooler music video’s i have seen in quite some time.

68 Yuko July 8, 2011 at 2:06 pm

MOTION SICKNESS!!!!

But I am still watching it…

69 adele July 8, 2011 at 2:09 pm

Hey Ryan – we don’t have lives, we have The Strokes! (Lol, and if you’re spending this much time on this site, well…)

This is a great video, mostly because it doesn’t try as hard *cough*…as UCoD…. The guys look great – everything from Nick’s horrible jacket to Jules’ fabulous kicks. Yes, Jules acts goofy, but that’s because Jules IS goofy. I really wish the rest of the guys were more animated, but the Julian/Nikolai embrace at the end more than makes up for that (Yes, I know it’s fake, but didn’t that make you smile?). And it might just be me, but those backgound visuals are bloody brilliant, especially towards the end of the video.
I like it. I like it a lot.
Screw motion sickness and headaches – I’m watching it again.

70 Molly St Clair July 8, 2011 at 2:16 pm

Is it possible this is a fake TFAF video? I wouldn’t put it past them to do such a thing, and that would be funny if true!

This reminds me of the music videos people can make at places like Universal Studios or Great America Theme parks, where they lip-sync in front of a green screen to a karaoke song.

I like that each Stroke gets his time to shine. I quite enjoy the song. I love Julian’s outfit.
However, the bright flashes of color mixing with the spinning could cause seizures.
(I’m kidding….kind of)

71 Mykel July 8, 2011 at 2:45 pm

@Jeff- Fuck off dude, there in their early 30′s and dressing like rock stars because they have the history and talent to back them up. It’s not like seeing Angus Young at 50 whatever dressing up like a schoolboy. When your still in your early 30′s and have talent like that you cab do whatever the hell you want.

72 pbandj July 8, 2011 at 3:17 pm

@Olivia
I agree about Nick. I noticed at about 1:58-1:59 of the video, the Nick clone on the left smiles and then cracks up laughing. I wish he showed more of that side in interviews and onstage.

73 Iasmine July 8, 2011 at 3:23 pm

Oh I hate the song and love the video. Damn.

74 Shayan July 8, 2011 at 4:36 pm

Julian did his dance move thing from when he performed you only live once live at 3:03.

75 Agueda July 8, 2011 at 4:52 pm

i liked it. and my favorite strokes vid is Hard to Explain.

and @ tyler: anyone in their 30s will tell you that it’s hard to keep your weight (in a healthy fashion) the way it was when you were in your early 20′s. metabolism doesn’t quite work the same as you get older.

76 Bobby July 8, 2011 at 9:18 pm

Nick looks like he belongs in a Spin Doctors video or something equally as bad.

77 EPIC July 8, 2011 at 10:13 pm

What the fuck are you talking about Warren Fu?

Warren Fu’s video was so fucking basic and plain. This video is wayyyy better. The UCOD video was slightly awkward. This one is more Strokes 3.0. Fits the music

78 Nat July 8, 2011 at 10:17 pm

Honestly, I really like the video. I think everyone (Nick excluded) looked kinda happy, which was pretty cool seeing how in UCOD, they seemed very distant. But, yeah, Julian looked especially happy and I really liked the end with him and Albert :)

79 Cara July 8, 2011 at 11:00 pm

I have mixed feeling towards the video, mainly because I was laughing the whole time. Julian is definitely having fun, which is always good, and I like that you can watch it a different way each time, but it was a little lacking. I love that their music videos are usually just them playing (too much plot distracts from the music).

80 KEVIN July 9, 2011 at 12:10 am

YOU GUYS ARE CRAZY. GREAT SONG. GREAT VIDEO. GREAT BAND.

81 Micke_J July 9, 2011 at 3:23 am

The hyper-sensetive probably a little younger and (a bit too) enthusiastic fans here with sore toes trying to “defend” this video from other fans who have taken The Strokes seriously for almost a decade… is funny.

They are NOT your local pub-band who you flatter no matter what, they are rock and roll icons who have inspired us time and time again. OF COURSE we expect the best from them, but the basic foundation is that we love every little 30 sec interview, picture or whatever we see of them together. That should be obvious, critisizm is just a part of being a more serious fan. Honestly, if I “hate” stuff which is a word that these little fanboys/girls have thrown around at us who thought TFAF video was a bust- you know what… I just shrug my shoulders and say MEH!

If you are a serious fan you will support them anytime buying their CD’s and hyping their releases up. But what are if we are just supposed to be non-thinking little ants to say everything they do is perfect?

Sounds veeeeery american to me! ;-)

F*ck m rant, and compare TFAF with the Arctic Monkeys latest video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1vYbHHhqYE

I feel its even simpler, has a more genuine “retro” feel and felt way more interesting. And I barely listen to them and always felt they were understudys to The Strokes so dont f*ck around now with me trying to sell them in! :-)

82 Brian Wallace July 9, 2011 at 4:42 am

I don’t think Julian looks fat in this video. He actually looks a bit slimmer than other recent pictures.

The reality of music videos in 2011 is that unless you sell a LOT of records/downloads/concert tickets and are a pop artist, the money just isn’t there to make a higher budget videos. Name another band like the Strokes that have high-budget, non-performance videos. I’m not even sure if The Arctic Monkeys could get something like “Fluorescent Adolescent” made today. Simple performance videos with a twist is about all you can ask for. A resourceful director may be able to stretch the budget but if you are looking for a Lady Gaga or Katy Perry type video from the Strokes you may be waiting a while.

I think the video is very cool. An army of Strokes! It’s like All Saints’ “Never Ever” video (US version) crossed with Megadeth’s “Sweating Bullets” video. Julian’s mugging like David Lee Roth.

Speaking of videos, since physical media is basically dead, it’s a shame The Strokes never got a chance to release a full-length video like Nirvana’s “Live! Tonight! Sold Out!” or even a straight ahead concert video like “Live at Reading.” The five members of the band are VERY creative and know a lot of VERY creative people. They could have come up with something cool. “In Transit” is cool but not many people have seen that. Imagine a full length video/film with some performances, celebrity friends, stuff like Albert’s “Call Me Back” video, etc. Could have been cool.

Brian

83 H July 9, 2011 at 6:48 am

Some of you guys take things waaay to seriously. I’m glad Jules and the band is having fun.

To answer the question posted earlier: My favorite video is a tie between Last Nite, Reptilia and You Only Live Once. Yep, they’re equally on the same rank in my book ;)

84 H July 9, 2011 at 6:54 am

@ Brian Wallace

I love your concert video idea! Mix stuff up between recording/ interview/ music video/ behind-the scenes/ touring experience and you’ve got yourself a must-have CD for every Strokes fan, aka In Transit Part 2- The Strokes Comeback Experience.

MR RYAN GENTLES ARE YOU READING THIS?

85 Vera July 9, 2011 at 9:19 am

Hey, I liked it. I don’t much care for Warren Fu’s direction; I think his style is self-conscious and heavy-handed.

This was fun, just like the song is fun. Nick doesn’t need to smile, guys, I’m sure he’s just acting like a snoot for the heck of it. Y’all need to relaxxx.

86 hillary July 9, 2011 at 10:00 am

@adele – win :) +1

87 OMG July 9, 2011 at 10:34 am

Will you idiots please stop saying that julian is fat. Wat da FUCK is the matter with you fuckers. Go straight to hell, no lifes.

88 DinkinFlicka July 9, 2011 at 3:55 pm

I like how he touched everyone but Nick in the video, which by the way was a bit disappointing, partially due to the hype and anxiousness of everyone else. It was 90% (just a ballpark figure) of everyone’s favourite song on the album after all.

89 DinkinFlicka July 9, 2011 at 3:59 pm

And you guys need to stop bitchin about Nick. I like him the least of all the members, but just because he looks like he doesn’t give a shit in the video or just about any of his performances, he has voiced a genuine concern about the band’s state numerous times. I think he just takes his swag a bit seriously.

90 Annie July 9, 2011 at 6:52 pm

@ Mike_J: “The hyper-sensetive probably a little younger and (a bit too) enthusiastic fans here with sore toes trying to “defend” this video from other fans who have taken The Strokes seriously for almost a decade… is funny.”

You sound like an entitled idiot. You are not a better fan for having “taken them seriously for almost a decade”. People are allowed to appreciate them unabashedly and however they please, just the same way you’re allowed to say you don’t like the video. Who are you to tell other people what to think or dictate what levels of enthusiasm is appropriate? Jesus. You’re the same guy who commented about Julian trying to live up to a persona. Sounds like you’re the one living in a fantasy world where the Strokes are forever in their early 20s and making videos like Reptilia.

91 Jul July 9, 2011 at 8:25 pm

I really like how they’re having fun in this video–well except for Nick, but maybe he just wanted to be different. I know it’s all about the music, but I can’t help but remember Julian’s comment about how he always worked hard to maintain the band’s image of camaraderie. But then again, everyone says weird things when they’re angry, so it seems that the band finally patched things up now for the most part and hopefully there isn’t as much tension between Nick and Julian anymore. Hopefully this time we won’t have to wait long for the next album to come out!

My fave videos were Hard To Explain, YOLO, and Last Nite. Yes, I couldn’t pick just one.

92 SharonGuitar500 July 9, 2011 at 9:31 pm

I don’t get why everyone keeps complaining about Nick in this video. He never gives a fuck about what he’s playing. His “I don’t give a crap” attitude has always been there, look at most of the performances he plays. He barely smiles and he’s always playing with that rockstar pose. Some of you guys are only just pointing it out because he’s been an asshole to Julian in interviews. I have a some friends that don’t know a thing about the tensions between Julian and Nick and they say Nick looks pretty cool because he looks like he doesn’t give a crap about what he’s playing and it still sounds awesome. Just because he looks like he doesn’t care doesn’t mean it’s true.

I liked the video for UCOD better. I really love that video. I’ve been trying to find a meaning for it.

93 Petra July 11, 2011 at 2:52 am

Well, I am a huge long time Strokes fan, probably like a lot of people in here. I was very pleased, when they released the new album and for about a week or two I was listening to it all the time. But then my excitement disappeared and I realised, that there are not even three songs, that I really like! Now I am not blinded by enthusiasm anymore and it seems to me like this is not a band I wolud like to listen, if the hadn’t released the previous albums. And this video is a proof of this! Albert looks very distracted, so does Nikolai. They are certainly not enjoying themselves. Julian tries really hard to look all cheerful and I don’t know why but I don’t really believe him to be sincere about that. But I at least appreciate the effort, others miss it entirely. And do I really need to say anything about Nick’s arrogant expression? I mean I want to kick his head of when I see his disgusted ‘I am a big rock star’ face. Overall the video is quite nicely done but lacks the idea and it’s too monotonous.

94 Rob July 11, 2011 at 9:05 am

Did anyone notice Nick around 1.58, he looks like he is smiling and laughing!

95 loli July 11, 2011 at 5:01 pm

Nick is pretty funny in this. I think they are all having a good time here and they look effin great!! Some people writing on here don’t understand the sarcasm, or how you can look good when your not justin bieber

96 loli July 11, 2011 at 5:12 pm

@ Petra if there are not any songs off Angles that you really like then, idk you should probably give up and start listening to the vaccines or the killers. i love Angles

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what does the song mean or talk about?

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