The Walkmen - The Rat

[Postglobalism]

"the strokes" is better

[reddevil70]

@Postglobalism the walkman.... the rat............. pisses all over anything the strokes have done.  silly boy.

[agamedes]

@Postglobalism i love the strokes, in fact they are my favorite band, but your comment makes no sense, this song is brilliant in every fuckin possible way

[TheMachRider]

1:37 to 2:00 is a great section. Something about it makes it feel really emotional to me. Perfect section to ride my motorcycle in.

[JoycePinto16]

This songs energy is CRAZY =) makes me want to dance my heart out

[StickyRice43]

saw em live yesterday, they were opening for fleet foxes! :D but soo sad, cant find my fave. song by them :( something about moon river? O.o

[MannaKitty]

sickest band out there

[theindieitch]

go to reverbnation . com / thehumanorchestra

[alvarop1984]

the vocal is so full of passion and hate!!! anyone who has suffered for love knows what he is feeling ..

absolutely fucking great band!!

[MonkeyBoy00000000000]

@alvarop1984

You sir, are correct.

[elizmanandhar]

c'mon people... let's stop comparing. Both Interpol and The Walkmen are gr8 bands...

[slytown]

I just remembered on the Waklmen's old website they had some live tracks and one was a cover of an irish ballad. Does anyone remember the song or have the MP3? I wanna say it was the Dubliner's "On Ragland Road" but I just have a fond memory of them performing that song.

[SoberKennedy]

Goddammit, that drummer has the endurance of a horse!

[doggiesteigger]

And theyre not pretentious sellouts like lnterpol!!

[superbebop93]

@doggiesteigger Dude, c'mon that's not right. Just because Interpol can sign on to a major label doesn't make them sell outs. If the music suffers, then the band sucks. But Interpol's been consistently experimenting and writing without caring about who's going to like it.

[carlo88moe]

@doggiesteigger that's the oxford position on the matter, right??..pfff, dude, fuck off with those trite meaningless insults... u sound like sophomoric twat....interpol is still great band, i like WM but interpol are better and far from pretentious bc the intelligence is always there and always recognizable by anyone really savvy with music

[MrGutley]

This is much closer to Joy Division style and quality than Interpol ever got.

[nazbuk]

@MrGutley is stupid bring Interpol for here, i prefer more The Walkmen... if the rest of the songs was of this level song"the rat", but in the end a love the 2 bands

[lobotomypop1]

24 people are jealous of the drumming

[alliant]

drummer is A++++++++

[whatupenglishmusic]

3:07 is the one of the coolest little moments ever

[TheKa0ss]

NORMAN MUSIC FESTIVAL

[jmnoke]

@CindyVision

That's funny, cause when I listen to The Strokes all I can hear is The Walkmen. :D

[hans1811]

My all time favorite

[CindyVision]

All I hear is The Strokes.

[imjohnandyouare]

holy shit!!! this is pretty much exactly like the studio version.

[UnagiMonk]

DC REPPIN

[harrymuse]

The Walkmen aren't related with any kind of band I've seen before. They're absolutely unique.

[bilbomarks]

Everything about this was great except the bassist. What a lazy jerk. Droning guitar and spastic but steady drum beats are the perfect platform for melodic bass runs. This dude is hitting like 2 notes. I hate him.

[indiebandit1]

wow just stumbled upon this band, and i like

[AUfan34]

Saw them last night on Lettermann, and bought 3 of their albums 10 min later.

[bruzzy77]

LOL, the guy with the mic, that;s me jerking off :')

[sandrinh021]

THE BEST



[Henspert]

it is now 2pm and I just woke up. coffeee and the rat first thing! Now, what to do?

[iceee187]

what a joke,. 

[Tombazley]

Unique lyrics, unique notes.

[antoz1973]

billant band,,, great singer ... amazing drummer... this song is a punch in the stomach ... wooow :)

[nazbuk]

fucking great band

[rafaripstein]

i dont like the strokes...but this is a great great band--- and this is THE song.

[bentleychad81]

wtf

[7firerae7]

I love yoU!

[josiahsfire]

Is it just me or does the lead singer looks a lot like Eli Manning?

[IPinkZeppelin10]

Saw this band live yesterday right before The National at MFNW in Portland. It was really good. Looking forward to seeing them again eventually.

[stonedbeatle11]

@IPinkZeppelin10 fancy meeting you here... yeah ditto

[mnelker]

This band is corny as shit.

[Gatorade237]

Sounds like a young Rod Stewart on coke.

Actually, he's unique.

[poemsareactive]

@Gatorade237 i remember when this was on the Believer sampler, the liner notes compared his voice to "Rod Stewart with a gun to his head" or something along those lines.

[Rustymuffin1]

my fav walkmen song. cant wait to get their new album.

@5cot99 i do! idk why, they sound kinda similar in a way.

[teoferrazzi]

wow the letterman sound technician didn't drop the ball on this one

[happyclappers]

i dare you to air drum this.

[oneilexpress]

What a singer he is.

[5cot99]

Anyone else get a Strokes vibe coming from The Walkmen

[neevaroboto]

@5cot99sounds like juice box doesnt it?

[5cot99]

@neevaroboto dont get me wrong, i really like them but it just reminds me soo much of the Strokes

[moonmonsoon]

@5cot99 this is one of the only walkmen songs that sounds anything like the strokes.

[teoferrazzi]

@5cot99 shame on you. most of the members were around (and successful) before any member of the strokes got his driving licence. they sounded nothing like them before the rat, in the album where you can find the rat, or after. they change sound and their quality is consistent - neither of which you can say about the strokes, who always sound the same and get worse with time.

[paddyb303]

@neevaroboto Before Juicebox though

[neevaroboto]

@paddyb303 actually yeah...

[blueorchid38]

@5cot99 yeah that's exactly how I describe them to people--similar the Strokes

[TheJfunk91]

@5cot99 besides the lead singer im getting that vibe the guitars at least not the drums, im getting more of a killers meets frans ferndinand feeling, exspecially the way they play.

[zissoublue]

@TheJfunk91 cause you know the walkmen were around before the killers and frans ferdinand, so it's more like they sound like the walkmen lulzz

[TheJfunk91]

@zissoublue well you got me there, what do i know about the walkman anyways, im not a fan, i love this song though

[Kmartshopper34]

@5cot99 no the strokes aren't nearly as good

[bilbomarks]

@Kmartshopper34 Opinions opinions opinions.

[Deviantcookie]

fast drummer :D

[cubbies4e]

One of the best songs of the 00's by far. Soooo good.

[TheTeachingtheworld]

Awesome song. Simple and very effective!

[sonnyjimsonnjim]

so much emotion!!!

[Antho40plus2]

underrated is sometimes better :D

[Deviantcookie]

@Antho40plus2

I agree ;)

[TiCkToCkMaRiO1473]

This is such an underrated band. I don't think people realize how good this song is. It's the definition of good taste.

[flowbeewan1]

Dave got pwnd by The Walkmen.

[ivanAlara111]

is it me or does this seem a bit fast forwarded? lol

the drumming is so freaking rad!!

[judomouse]

Eh!? They're German??????

[bicpenusa]

@judomouse i think he said terrific

[pamnesiac]

best song everrrrrrrr to wake up to

[MrCeej9999]

"When I used to go out, I knew everyone I saw. Now I go out alone, if I go out at all".

Think everyone's been there after a bad break up. Sharing friends with partners sucks. Keep everything seperate!

[MrCeej9999]

Always find this a quite emotional song.

When a relationship goes wrong, and you lose all dignity, and find yourself a bit friendless and lonely for a few weeks!

Think he's basically singing about his friends deserting him, after he acted a bit like a dick after a break up

[cul8erinnovator]

Wow, looked these guys up due to them opening the Main Stage on Saturday of Reading 2010. Great stuff- comparisons to Interpol are obvious- but this is a great song, pleased to have discovered it!

[kakha1974]

Very nice song! In my opinion the best composition from the DiRT2 OST.

[carlo88moe]

1:07, lol, the bassist, that's me jerking off

[broskihanNBD]

@carlo88moe ahahahhahaha

[wibba]

@carlo88moe ok. this is the funniest comment i've ever read in my whole life.

[enzothebaker9]

@carlo88moe if he keeps playing with his bass like that he's going to go blind

[renedelgadofarrer]

@carlo88moe JJAJAJAJAJAJAJA ALA VERGA!

[Mewzickchannel]

@carlo88moe Omfg I rofled so hard ive got hiccups ahahahaha

[carlo88moe]

@Mewzickchannel haha, nice

[UnagiMonk]

@carlo88moe The drummer is me jerking off.

[carlo88moe]

@UnagiMonk then u must jerk urself raw then get hard applying the neosporin, lol

[UnagiMonk]

@carlo88moe ... is there another way to do it?

[rcrespo357]

@carlo88moe i just started crying after watching that like twenty times. thank you.

[8dkp]

my friend is better to live here oh and what are you saying ha? i can't hear it asshole

[8dkp]

and america isn't a corrupt shit?

[8dkp]

i'm pride that i'm hungary not a fat american pig like you my friend you can shut up really idiot maggot

[slasheh]

your mum called, she wants you to fuck her again.

[JBrrou]

my mom :(

[8dkp]

fuck you too you motherfucker not everyone like you

[slasheh]

hungary? when did anyone from hungary ever matter?

[8dkp]

you want a piece of me boy???

[slasheh]

hahahaha. is hungary even classed as a country anymore? not just a dumping ground of fail?

[jackofalltrades156]

What kind of cymbals and drive/fuzz sounds do they use?

[jonathanwing]

I've heard once that they use Vox Tonebender fuzz pedals (the original ones, of course), through original Fender Blackfaces.

As for the cymbals, well, being that the band does not seem to have a single thing younger than 1970, I'm going to guess these are vintage Zildjian Ks or the like. They have that dark characteristic about them.

[jewboyjwr]

@jonathanwing from how hard that drummer is banging... i doubt that his cymbals would be from the 70s unless he has a vault load of em... plus newer cymbals are more tits sounding.. zildj makes some crazy new shit all the time

[jonathanwing]

Right, that would make sense, but The Walkmen are definite patrons of ridiculously expensive and vintage gear. I'm saying that it's possible he does have a vault load of vintage cymbals!

But of course, it's possible that he plays newer stuff live; I'm just saying that I know for a fact he uses vintage cymbals on their records.

[jewboyjwr]

oh of course.. people bust out the most rare musical equipment to get that instruments distinct mysticism which is even harder to attempt to produce without such gear but yah for sure.. they bust out the a#1 gear for the recording.. its half the fun really

[deadzeppelin]

@jonathanwing I wouldn't doubt it. They have insane tone all over their recordings.

[danielledunsmore]

OMIGOD I found it. I have been looking for this song since it came out forever ago!!!!!!! Kept hearing it and could never hear who did it!!! Yay - song of the century!!!

[thearkantigers]

And the winner is!!!!!! itaiinc

[HDGTrailers]

Great!

[tom656]

this is immense

[aloneinthedark6667]

TRUE CRIME NEW YORK CITY PS2

[iamchino91]

that little guitar breakdown at 1.50 is like sonic youth and interpol had an orgasm baby

[thislittleblacksheep]

lol that description was epic

[laurie799]

@iamchino91 love that description haha

[38Highbury]

Saw this lot at The Cockpit years ago, excellent tune.

The bassist sweated like a dripping tap.

I can see the singer barfing up after this performance.

[puffalobill]

just discovered this band, top tune. another top tune on album is bows and arrows.

[Interpol017]

Matt Barrick is such a great drummer. 10-12 years ago the Wallkmen were Jonathan Fireater--largely the same band, different singer (there's YouTube clips). He killed it back then and still does. Crazy carnival martial rhythms.

[ulyssesmf]

It is shocking that there are still people who are openly homofobic these days!!!

[lucarana]

they are not openly homophobic... they think the Internet protects them from being identified... I doubt they would voice that opinion in public showing their sorry faces.

[kingny17]

when it comes to ignorance i'd rather the open ones than the closet ones. the closet ones are the scary ones. look how many racists there are on the internet, yet how many do you meet in real life.

[littletrigger]

@kingny17 Most people do it on the internet for effect, because its the lowest common demoninator for pissing someone off. Racism is built into the human brain just like all other prejudices, prejudices are just a defense mechanism, albeit an ugly one. Its recognising when you are doing it that counts. To think that you are not ignorant is ignorance in its most purest form. The man who thinks he lives without sin is the man who lives under its spell.

[wildhorse888]

i know a good song when i ear it, and this is a very very good one. period.

[TheNashjohnson]

itaiinc, maybe you should consider not commenting anymore because you are a fag. a big gay fag.

[gcccx]

jesus christ, the comments on this are gay

[phoenixicarus]

That drummer's a wildman.

[itaiinc]

I don't usually comment, but I just felt I had to say something:

Personally I don't like the music on this song though I like the genre (but that's subjective).

The sound on this video is bad (that's objective).

The drummer isn't good. Any beginner drummer can notice that by the way he hold the sticks (firm grip instead of loose) plus he isn't doing something really hard he's only overly-exerting himself , partlybecause of this grip. (that's objective too)

You really should explore music more.

[finalstraws]

Thats ridiculous, the sound on this video aint great, however that has nothing really do with the band, tis simply the crap sound on this low quality video.

If you think he's a bad drummer, go and do better yourself, your observation is meaningless and crazy

[itaiinc]

The sound on the video is bad - we agree on this (didn't say it was the band).

I also didn't say he's a bad drummer, I said he does not qualify as a good drummer. Saying he is a good drummer does not do justice to many many other drummers that are several leagues higher than this guy.

My observation is meaningless to you if you're view of things is totally subjective, which seem to be the case seeing how defensive your comment is.

(and btw - I do drum well enough to cover this song)

[angelo1201]

Stop posing as an authority. You're a guy who plays drums, dude. Congratulations, I play them too. It's good fun. Personally, I think this is an amazing performance by Matt. If you want to talk about why that is, then I'm game. Right now, though, you don't seem interested in discussion, and honestly your tone is a little childish and unneccessary. If you're going to be a dick, don't be surprised when people call you out on that. Peace.

[itaiinc]

Well I think you guys are way over-defensive. But if I came out somewhat authoritative or whatever than I'm sorry. (However I would like to say that this attitude of attacking the messenger is just a bit backwards)

I'll be glad to know why you think this is amazing, because as I was pointing out (and not for the sake of party pooping) - I think the only reason you think this is amazing is because you compare that to crappy drummers and if it so it never hurts to expand one's musical horizons.

[finalstraws]

Yeah because i don't listen to lots of music...

Oh and i forgot im comparing it to soo many crappy drummers, wow thats why i thought it was good, cheers for pointing that out. Clown

[itaiinc]

Well I guess I should thank you guys for being the typical douche youtube crowd for whenever I'll feel an urge of commenting an observation.

Just go ahead and attack anyone else with different views than your own without regarding the claim itself. I'm sure it'll go great for you. You're arguments shall rule the universe and your self esteem explode, I'm sure.

This is my final comment (for this video at least), so go ahead and bash me some more-don't worry about me, I'm sure I'll be fine. :)

[damonmoore33]

You may be a good enough drummer to cover this song itaiinc but are you a good enough drummer to write a bunch of songs (4 or 5 albums worth) this good. Then be in a band thats professional enough to be on Letterman? Do you even have a drum tech? Its shit you have no clue about that make a good drummer. Now go tape yr. hands and practice.

[sfcwarners]

@finalstraws

good point, but you don't have to be better than someone to constructively criticize them, it is futile to say that he should be better than the drummer to point out something about his technique

[ThePistolPedro]

Heard this on Dirt 2 and had to google it. What a song, love it. It's the first I've heard of them to be honest. Will be lookin them up!!

[boxheadhappypill]

god their drummer is fucking good.

[TomViolence12]

Sound isnt that great

[calypsotwenty]

I always thought that "going out alone" meant going out with people he didn't understand, my friends think its literal. Same message really but the latter is a little more dark, any thoughts?

[peleadeescrotos]

I don't know why but I've always thought the song was a conversation between two people who slit ways. The first part is one person confronting the other: "you got a nerve to be calling my number". And the "Going out alone" bit is the other person mentioning it's current living: "Now I go out alone, if I go out at all...". That's one of the saddest lines ever,...

[teoferrazzi]

@peleadeescrotos it's true! and how about that line in the title track from the same album, where he says " nothing's wrong.. " as if someone imaginary had asked him if there was something wrong.. that line kills me too.

[valerally]

dirt2!!!!

[sw0rd0fadvers1ty]

I wish they would've done the full intro with the drumming. I love the drumming on this song.

[goldwold]

I agree fully so sick!

[elmentadonumero1]

yeah, drummer is insanely good

[MBArkestra]

Yeah it just sounds kind of awkward without the intro. Still a good performance though.

[jstow01]

I think it was just edited out of the show. But yeah, the intro is so intense.

[shuuni19]

great song!

I like this band and looking forward to hearing their other songs.

[mattmallone]

gotta be one of the best songs ever!!!!

[chiso165wh]

On my birthday in 2004, The Walkmen performed this song on Conan. I bought myself Bows + Arrows the next day as a gift and played the shit out of The Rat.

Pitchfork's Top 500 Songs of 00's:

20. The Walkmen - The Rat

[feck yeah!]

[MarcelaLSD]

Grande banda!!

[jwbrown1968]

great vocal performance- pure venom

[twentyflights]

how is this song so good...i heard this the first time three years ago, and it's still as powerful now as it was back then. brilliant song.

and as a side note, another testament to Letterman in getting musical guests. he and (old) Conan could run the tables in getting the best indie bands out there. shame Conan had to shift demographics with his new time slot.

[greggyface151]

walkmen used to play with the strokes... they new eachother..

[illidanwashere772]

so u claim, there is no proof to that.

[Thom2509]

Awesome song, incredible drumming. This guy, The National's drummer, and Grizzly Bear's drummer are the best around in Indie Rock, in my humble opinion.

[thomyorkeisgod]

I would say Matthew Helders shits over both.

[Thom2509]

Matt Helders is great as well. Forgot to mention him. Also, I completely agree with your screen name.

[ryguylp13]

dude they do not sound like the strokes, god that's a terrible comparison

[WoodstocK6972]

I've been looking for this song for ages

[pugmasterguy]

theysound alot like the strokes

[olimann900]

I can definitely see the comparison between the two bands, but I think the walkmen have a better use of melody, not to mention a much better drummer haha

[adiofan87]

I have seen them twice at Pitchfork and they are AMAZING. Great vocals and just a great band in general.

[dman32]

man I loved the part from 1:09 - 1:19

[rru2]

Drums are so amazing they are so fast!!!1

[Spizike237]

I just saw The Walkmen last night (terrible, take-a-day-off hangover) at The Mad Hatter in Covington, KY, and it was a real treat to have my first live experience with these guys in such an intimate setting. I could reach out and high-5 Hamilton, and Matt Barrick rollicking on the kit was something to behold. For a man of such, how do I phrase this politely?, diminutive stature, he plays BIG. Kudos to the horn section, as well. :) Come back soon, guys!

[jeremythezombie]

haha i was at the mad hatter too. They put on a great show and i liked that first opening band too. The second opener sucked ass

[SolomonJonesIsBack]

I miss the driving rock songs.

[hdje39m8]

This is NYs anthem

[livelovelaugh320]

i love them. i first saw them on the oc.

[Lugak14]

drummer is insanely good.

[Arshcabach]

Really.

I saw them live and his was freaking out but he kept doing great on drums.

[samagram85]

i saw them in sf as well...awesome awesome awesome.