In the early 2000s, the Strokes’s sleek sound and rock ’n’ roll attitude—bolstered by an acclaimed 2001 debut, “Is This It”—revived New York’s rock scene. The band’s ascent triggered a gold rush among music executives seeking to sign similar acts.

Several years later, however, the quintet’s album sales disappointed and its releases and concert appearances became more sporadic. Strokes leader Julian Casablancas released a solo album in 2009 in which he sought to give fans music he knew they’d like, something he now regrets.

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