THE DROP
The Strokes dropped the video for “Going Shopping” — lead single off *Reality Awaits* (now delayed to July 24) * — and it’s a shot-for-shot homage to Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al” with Walton Goggins playing the Chevy Chase role opposite Julian Casablancas *. They flew to Tenerife in late May to shoot it because Goggins happened to be there already *†, and the whole thing includes a subplot about striking workers that feels very on-brand for 2026 Strokes †.
WHAT TO KNOW
- Director Johann Rashid shot the clip in the Canary Islands with Goggins lip-syncing and dancing alongside Casablancas, plus dancing clowns and messages flashing “Worker on strike! (but alas, the news won’t show it)” *†
- The video references Amazon warehouse conditions with a delivery driver returning with an “On Strike” sign — Casablancas wore a “Crime” shirt spoofing the Amazon Prime logo at Coachella in April †
- Nick Valensi doesn’t appear in the video and has been on an unexplained hiatus for the past month and a half; Casablancas said on Instagram he’ll be back soon and also missed the “Adults” video shoot *
- Goggins says he’s been listening to *Reality Awaits* since March and called it “so gatdamn special” *†
THE TAKE
A Paul Simon homage is a weird flex for a Strokes single in 2026, but the pro-labor messaging and Casablancas leaning into his weirdo-activist era at least gives it a point of view beyond nostalgia. Goggins geeking out over the album since March is either genuine enthusiasm or the most committed bit of the year.