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The World is Going To Love This
Legendary music producer, Gordon Raphael has spent four decades working with musicians, performers and songwriters to create unique genre-defining sounds. His work with THE STROKES, REGINA SPEKTOR and THE LIBERTINES has made him one of the world’s most sought-after music producers. What’s his secret?
This book gives an insider’s view into how music is created and recorded, sharing insights into the artistic discoveries that happen when a group of talented musicians find the right studio, the right producer and the right sound.
Like sitting on the purple velvet couch at New York’s fabled Transporterraum Studio, this rock ‘n’ roll memoir gives an All Access Pass to the processes and techniques, the people and the performances.
It’s the early 2000s and, for the first time, young people who’ve grown up hating their parent's rock music, have found a reason in the songs of NYC newcomers THE STROKES to drop their electronica, house and techno for guitars, Converse, leather jackets—to form their own bands.
Focussing on the eight-year period from the demise of the Seattle grunge scene to the rebirth of a thrilling cultural shift in New York and London that reimagined rock 'n’ roll. Gordon Raphael shares his tales of musical glory and loss, creative triumphs and breakups.
It’s a bumpy ride with a killer soundtrack.
This book gives an insider’s view into how music is created and recorded, sharing insights into the artistic discoveries that happen when a group of talented musicians find the right studio, the right producer and the right sound.
Like sitting on the purple velvet couch at New York’s fabled Transporterraum Studio, this rock ‘n’ roll memoir gives an All Access Pass to the processes and techniques, the people and the performances.
It’s the early 2000s and, for the first time, young people who’ve grown up hating their parent's rock music, have found a reason in the songs of NYC newcomers THE STROKES to drop their electronica, house and techno for guitars, Converse, leather jackets—to form their own bands.
Focussing on the eight-year period from the demise of the Seattle grunge scene to the rebirth of a thrilling cultural shift in New York and London that reimagined rock 'n’ roll. Gordon Raphael shares his tales of musical glory and loss, creative triumphs and breakups.
It’s a bumpy ride with a killer soundtrack.
- GenresMusicNonfiction
300 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2022
6 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Raphael
4 books3 followersGordon Raphael is one of the world's leading music producers. Gordon produced The Strokes’ debut EP The Modern Age as well as their first album Is This It, from his basement studio Transporterraum NYC. Then followed two universally loved albums, Room On Fire by The Strokes and the magical Soviet Kitsch by Regina Spektor. As well as performing in his own bands and sharing the stage with The Psychedelic Furs amongst others, Gordon has produced songs with Sarah Maguire, Hinds, Skunk Anansie lead singer Skin and Mexico's top band, Fobia.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 20, 2025
Maya might say that I’m lacking in depth, but the cool music album that I listened to beginning to end more than any other cool album throughout the complete duration of high school was The Strokes’ Is This It, as produced by Gordon Raphael.
Most casual “rock n’ roll” fans are unaware that Julian Casablancas composed THE ENTIRE ALBUM BY HIMSELF on a Korg digital 8-Track recorder. Even the dude at Guitah Centah in Fenway had no idea.
“This sound needs to have its tie loosened.” (138/345)
“The whole drum set sounds like a yuppie, but the hi-hat is out begging for spare change.” (138/345)
“I hate this mic, I don’t even like the look of it- just get it away from me and bring the other one back!” (147/345)
At the dawn of the 21st Century, Albert Hammond Jr.’s handwritten phone number on a Kerri Black business card and a physical copy of $600 three song “demo” with a new coat of paint ending up in the hands of a top A&R man in London still had the magnetic ability to catch the attention of major music labels and launch a garage rock gang to superstardom. The Strokes cool cool live performance at the 2002 WBCN River Rave in Foxboro, Massachusetts remains cool.
https://poshmark.com/listing/Vintage-...
“If you tell me right now that you’re a better producer than him, then we’ll work with you on the album.” (127/345)
When it started, Gordotronic’s “secret sauce” was as follows:
-888/24 audio converter to record up to sixteen microphones at once (11 was the actual max).
-Bleeding amps and drums.
-No headphones during instrumental tracking like a rehearsal or real show except for the drummer who actually wanted a click track.
-Intentional placement of gear to at times emulate the sounds of a drum machine for certain songs [EQs for kick drum, snare, and hi-hat cocktail essentials] and a single overhead mic.
-Almost no plug-ins even in the final mix!
-Avalon preamp and Audio-Technica microphone for Jules’ vox.
-NO ECHO OR REVERB WHATSOEVER (thanks Moses…).
-Marijuana? Take it or leave it.
Polish:
-EQ and compression applied to the overall mix to make it louder than before, “while trying to preserve what was good about the song.” (155/345)
I don’t identify as a musician (or a they/them), but this was an excellent read.
Most casual “rock n’ roll” fans are unaware that Julian Casablancas composed THE ENTIRE ALBUM BY HIMSELF on a Korg digital 8-Track recorder. Even the dude at Guitah Centah in Fenway had no idea.
“This sound needs to have its tie loosened.” (138/345)
“The whole drum set sounds like a yuppie, but the hi-hat is out begging for spare change.” (138/345)
“I hate this mic, I don’t even like the look of it- just get it away from me and bring the other one back!” (147/345)
At the dawn of the 21st Century, Albert Hammond Jr.’s handwritten phone number on a Kerri Black business card and a physical copy of $600 three song “demo” with a new coat of paint ending up in the hands of a top A&R man in London still had the magnetic ability to catch the attention of major music labels and launch a garage rock gang to superstardom. The Strokes cool cool live performance at the 2002 WBCN River Rave in Foxboro, Massachusetts remains cool.
https://poshmark.com/listing/Vintage-...
“If you tell me right now that you’re a better producer than him, then we’ll work with you on the album.” (127/345)
When it started, Gordotronic’s “secret sauce” was as follows:
-888/24 audio converter to record up to sixteen microphones at once (11 was the actual max).
-Bleeding amps and drums.
-No headphones during instrumental tracking like a rehearsal or real show except for the drummer who actually wanted a click track.
-Intentional placement of gear to at times emulate the sounds of a drum machine for certain songs [EQs for kick drum, snare, and hi-hat cocktail essentials] and a single overhead mic.
-Almost no plug-ins even in the final mix!
-Avalon preamp and Audio-Technica microphone for Jules’ vox.
-NO ECHO OR REVERB WHATSOEVER (thanks Moses…).
-Marijuana? Take it or leave it.
Polish:
-EQ and compression applied to the overall mix to make it louder than before, “while trying to preserve what was good about the song.” (155/345)
I don’t identify as a musician (or a they/them), but this was an excellent read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2022
Gordon writes in such a way that it makes the book practically impossible to put down. It also helps that he has lived one hell of a life, full of stories from across the globe.
I can’t think of a bad word to say about it.
I can’t think of a bad word to say about it.
November 24, 2024
Such a natural way of storytelling on par with a character like Bourdain. Absolutely wonderful perspectives into the creation and world of some of my favorite bands. Enjoyed this much more than meet me in the bathroom.
August 8, 2022
he was right… the world IS going to love this… 🤩
i read for regina but stayed for gordon’s amazing stories and natural storytelling abilities!
i read for regina but stayed for gordon’s amazing stories and natural storytelling abilities!
March 7, 2023
Super fun read covering the reemergence of alt rock in the late-90s/early-00s. Gordon Raphael is a natural storyteller whose lack of formal experience as a writer makes his book feel more like a collection of wild stories you're hearing first-hand rather than a work of capital-L literature. That is to say, it feels personal and inviting.
As a lifelong Strokes-head, I loved hearing about the intricacies of production that went into crafting their first two legendary albums, and the little stories and details that breathe new life into these songs I know so well.
Other fun details include: Regina Spektor convincing anyone and everyone of her genius anytime she sits in front of a piano and plays; Damon Albarn showing up for like one page and coming off as a huuuuuge dick; and Gordon himself being a lovable scamp constantly smoking pot and never paying for it.
As a lifelong Strokes-head, I loved hearing about the intricacies of production that went into crafting their first two legendary albums, and the little stories and details that breathe new life into these songs I know so well.
Other fun details include: Regina Spektor convincing anyone and everyone of her genius anytime she sits in front of a piano and plays; Damon Albarn showing up for like one page and coming off as a huuuuuge dick; and Gordon himself being a lovable scamp constantly smoking pot and never paying for it.
July 7, 2023
Charming, honest, and truthfully told. So many parallels here with my own life, that time, and recording bands and music, although be it with much less popular bands for me. I read this in 2-3 sittings.
No social media, no smart phones, internet just getting started. However, all the while a very specific exciting time for people who love making music and with the progression of computers and technology enough so, that anyone could record 8-16 tracks at one time, but only if you had enough microphones.
How I begged, borrowed, and stole microphones just to have enough to record a full band. Microphones are expensive. Outboard gear even more expensive but mostly bypassed in favor of free software and plugins.
I like how the author highlights this scenario and other similar situations, as all the big recording studios were closing something was being lost, with age old wisdom, and something new, with some diy ethic was being gained.
I also felt I was in the middle of it. I too absolutely threw myself into it and it was ok if it killed me or made me homeless, so was my love for all things music. The dawn of digital meant so much freedom for new great music to be made. Wonderful read.
No social media, no smart phones, internet just getting started. However, all the while a very specific exciting time for people who love making music and with the progression of computers and technology enough so, that anyone could record 8-16 tracks at one time, but only if you had enough microphones.
How I begged, borrowed, and stole microphones just to have enough to record a full band. Microphones are expensive. Outboard gear even more expensive but mostly bypassed in favor of free software and plugins.
I like how the author highlights this scenario and other similar situations, as all the big recording studios were closing something was being lost, with age old wisdom, and something new, with some diy ethic was being gained.
I also felt I was in the middle of it. I too absolutely threw myself into it and it was ok if it killed me or made me homeless, so was my love for all things music. The dawn of digital meant so much freedom for new great music to be made. Wonderful read.
December 23, 2022
Couldn’t get enough of this book. A must read for anyone remotely interested in the music industry, particularly the London and New York scenes. Like countless other people, Is This It and Room on Fire were incredibly influential on me and to this day are some my favorite albums. Hearing from the man who produced The Strokes and their first album in his basement studio was so fun, it feels like you’re right there with them. His writing is so breezy and easy, the pages flew by.
I also have a newfound interest and appreciation for producers. I had no idea how much they can shape an album, and Gordon made it all so accessible for someone who knows nothing about it.
Shoutout to my cousin Molly for giving me these albums at a young age. The cool older cousin always knows best.
I also have a newfound interest and appreciation for producers. I had no idea how much they can shape an album, and Gordon made it all so accessible for someone who knows nothing about it.
Shoutout to my cousin Molly for giving me these albums at a young age. The cool older cousin always knows best.
October 8, 2024
Una lectura muy, pero muy de nicho. Si como yo, a) has tocado en bandas y b) el “Is this it” de The Strokes es un álbum fundamental en tu vida: léelo. Si no, déjalo pasar. El autor cae en el mismo lugar común de muchas memorias mal escritas: convierten su libro en el tío que se sienta a contar las vagancias que cometió en sus años de locura. El libro se salva por las minuciosas y claras descripciones que hace de sus procesos de grabación y producción y la verdad también por un personaje que aparece mucho menos de lo que pensé que aparecería, pero que tiene unos chispazos de genialidad increíbles: Julian Casablancas.
August 17, 2022
I enjoyed reading about Gordon’s whimsical adventures. Some parts of the book made me feel quite nostalgic about the way that life used to be in the early noughties; as many independent venues have since closed down and some music magazines have ceased to exist.
One thing that I particularly enjoyed about this book is that there were quite a few mentions of different musical equipment that Gordon used, as well as a few reflective segments about learning through trial, error and experimentation; as there is with any creative journey.
One thing that I particularly enjoyed about this book is that there were quite a few mentions of different musical equipment that Gordon used, as well as a few reflective segments about learning through trial, error and experimentation; as there is with any creative journey.
August 9, 2024
taught me a lot about how fast life moves inside the world of producing music.
a glimpse into rock in the 2000's and obviously the cultural contribution of the strokes.
strangely enough it feels alienating to read so much about seemingly nothing considering i don't know most of these bands. i would constantly look up names and realize maybe i'm not at fault for not knowing who this is? bands with like 1,000 monthly streams on spotify lol.
a glimpse into rock in the 2000's and obviously the cultural contribution of the strokes.
strangely enough it feels alienating to read so much about seemingly nothing considering i don't know most of these bands. i would constantly look up names and realize maybe i'm not at fault for not knowing who this is? bands with like 1,000 monthly streams on spotify lol.
September 14, 2024
Read this book on vacation. Such a fun easy read that made me obsessed with The Strokes again. Gordon, does a great job writing in a fun, friendly way that makes it feel like you’re in a recording studio in New York in the early 2000s, producing right there with him. Would recommend this to anyone a fan of indie, or DIY style music production that wanted a good, simple read.
Also, he talks about how he recorded the drums for hard to explain so my life is semi-complete.
Also, he talks about how he recorded the drums for hard to explain so my life is semi-complete.
December 14, 2023
As a huge fan of both The Strokes and Regina Spektor, I’ve enjoyed this book to its fullest potential. Probably the only book I’ll be going back to for the rest of my life. Gordon is definitely one of my favorite people from the music scene in Seattle and New York. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.
July 21, 2022
I could not put this down , a page turner indeed
November 27, 2022
so crazy
November 13, 2023
Can confirm as a member of the world (i loved it)
January 8, 2024
Phenomenal read into gordons production process and really neat insider knowledge on the early days of the strokes as well as just the general music scene of the era. Very inspiring stuff!
March 16, 2024
Gordan has lived one hell of a life. His stories are so interesting, it’s hard to put the book down
August 20, 2025
And he was soo right the world did love that…
August 20, 2022
Gordotronic is a great storyteller, this book could have gone on for another 500 pages and I would have loved it!
April 15, 2025
Gordon Raphael wrote tastefully of the Strokes. Anyone looking for juice on the Strokes, you won't find it here. He discusses the precision and devotion of each member to their craft. This book provides valuable knowledge on analog equipment and techniques. I choose to keep it, just for that fact.
Mr. Raphael uncovers his battles with addiction. There's a tenderness about Mr. Raphael. He tells the truth about himself without self-loathing. He provides a safe, loving space for others. He has nothing but love for the Strokes.
Mr. Raphael uncovers his battles with addiction. There's a tenderness about Mr. Raphael. He tells the truth about himself without self-loathing. He provides a safe, loving space for others. He has nothing but love for the Strokes.
April 1, 2023
Nice to finish another book; it's only been nine months.
I genuinely loved this, but I don't think that's much of a surprise considering how much I love The Strokes. It's nice to finally have a highly readable first-hand account from those early days, and who better to do it than Gordon.
I've done a chapter a night for the past few weeks before bed and it's really made me look forward to settling down for the evening. Some highly interesting anecdotes and entertaining reading all around.
I genuinely loved this, but I don't think that's much of a surprise considering how much I love The Strokes. It's nice to finally have a highly readable first-hand account from those early days, and who better to do it than Gordon.
I've done a chapter a night for the past few weeks before bed and it's really made me look forward to settling down for the evening. Some highly interesting anecdotes and entertaining reading all around.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews