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The Strokes, The New Abnormal [Photo Credit: RCA]

The Strokes spice up Mad Monday with “The Adults Are Talking,” the quick, energetic, and potent opener from The New Abnormal.

Mad Monday serves as a marvelous means to start off a hectic, work week for many.  Monday is among the more hated days of the week, so let’s spice it up with some music, shall we? Today’s Mad Monday (April 20, 2020), arrives courtesy of The Strokes with “The Adults Are Talking,” the opener from The New Abnormal, their sixth studio album overall and first new album in seven years.

“The Adults Are Talking” is quick, energetic, and incredibly potent.  This indie-rock record possesses a fun, danceable sensibility. Julian Casablancas gives a muted, even-keel vocal performance for the most part, ascending into a sweet falsetto within the final two minutes. Don’t let this deceive about its MAD implications.  The performance makes sense, given the messaging – the inability for a subordinate’s voice to be heard. This alone is a great reason why “The Adults Are Talking” is the perfect fit for MAD MONDAY.

“They will blame us, crucify and shame us
We can’t help it if we are a problem
We are tryin’ hard to get your attention
I’m climbin’ up your wall.”

Besides the social and political aspects of “The Adults Are Talking,” there are also references to a relationship, which is pretty intriguing.


The Strokes • The New Abnormal • RCA • 2020
Mad Monday No. 4: The Strokes, “The Adults Are Talking” [Photo Credits: Alexis, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Pixabay, Robin Higgins, RCA, taniarose, Tumisu]


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.