Jenny Holzer is a very special sort of superheroine. In her recognition of the English language as art, she has molded her decades-long career into a harrowing critique of modern society, itself. Her Inflammatory Essays were a selection of highly-idealized pop-political texts posted anonymously throughout the streets of New York between 1979 and 1982, and years later, their authority – and aggressive commentary on fascism, capitalism, and communism – still radiates. Even when divorced from the speaker, words have the ability to manipulate the submissive public like clay. The Inflammatory Essays, and their staying impact on our culture since their inception, are a testament to this very power. 

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In a continuing celebration of the 15th anniversary of The Strokes’ “Is This It”, Modern Girls brings you the original track-listing as viewed through The Inflammatory Essays. 

Is This It, The Strokes

The Modern Age, The Strokes

Soma, The Strokes

Barely Legal, The Strokes

Someday, The Strokes

Alone, Together, The Strokes

Last Nite, The Strokes

Hard to Explain, The Strokes

New York City Cops, The Strokes

Trying Your Luck, The Strokes

Take It Or Leave It, The Strokes

Feel free to leave a comment – or submit to us – your thoughts RE: Is This It. Seriously! We love to talk about The Strokes just as much as we love to listen to them. moderngirlsinfo@gmail.com

“The Inflammatory Essays” were created by Jenny Holzer and ‘remade’ by Megan. 

Buy the “The Strokes x Jenny Holzer” on Megan’s redbubble, here. 

The Strokes’ Is This It vinyl LP can be purchased via popmarket – do yourself a favor and snag a copy if, for some reason, you haven’t already.