'' Is This It '' is the debut studio album by American rock band the Strokes , released on July 30 , 2001 , by RCA Records . It was recorded at Transporterraum in New York City with producer Gordon Raphael from March to April 2001 . For their debut , the band strived to capture a simple sound that was not significantly enhanced in the studio . Building on their 2001 EP '' The Modern Age '' , the band members molded compositions largely through live takes during recording sessions , while songwriter and lead singer Julian Casablancas continued to detail the lives and relationships of urban youth . Following its completion , the Strokes embarked on a promotional world tour before its release . The album 's original cover photograph caused controversy for being too sexually explicit , and was replaced for the US market . The American track listing on the compact disc version was also amended in light of the September 11 attacks ; however , the American vinyl release still includes the track " New York City Cops " as a result of its release falling on September 11 , 2001
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Is This It