Arctic Monkeys

I've written a few music reviews, and I've come to a great realization. They are useless! Everybody is the same when it comes to music. And that similarity is that no two people have the exact same taste. What we all write here should have no influence whatsoever on whether or not these guys are 'good.' Go sample them and decide for yourself! Personally, I like them. They are upbeat, have a british charm, and some humorous lyrics.

I thought it would be hard to follow up the fastest, fiercest and most enjoyable punk rock album, but the Arctic Monkeys' sophomore album is a great expansion of their ferocious sound.

In the Arctic Monkeys' first album, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," they set the British punk scene on fire with a speedy flurry of virtuoso guitar riffs and drum beating. The second album, "Favourite Worst Nightmare," continues their virtuoso performances, but with a more streamlined expansion of their surf-guitar sound.

The first single, "Brianstorm," demonstrates that sound with a killer opening riff that resembles that opening to the film "Pulp Fiction." I love Jamie Cook and Alex Turner's killer staccato guitar blasts accompanying Matt Helder's fast-tempo drum beat. And unlike the singer in Bloc Party (no offense, mate), Turner has a taste for blood, blurting out, "Brian, top marks for not trying/So I'd like you to bless us with your effortlessness/we'd wait for and so trained and comforted." Obviously Turner hates working for the man.

And the Arctic Monkeys also hate the mindless drift into commercialism these days. Alex Turner is very blunt in his criticism in the smashing song "This House is a Circus," singing "This house is a circus/berserk as f***/We tend to see that as a perk though/look what it's done to your friends/their memories are pretend." The Arctic Monkeys appropriately switch to a deep echoing guitar to add creepy Halloween sounds. Of course, sooner or later the Monkeys switch to smashing the haunting mood with crashing cymbals and loud guitars.

Overall, this album is more a concept album that criticizes social oppression. But "Favourite Worst Nightmare" is a great concept album, where the Arctic Monkeys literally smash the hell out of punk with unconventional dissonant guitar blasts and spooky echoing riffs. While there are slow and quiet moments, this is a wonderful combination of surf and punk rock. Arctic Monkeys are at the top of their game, contributing two great albums of wonderful punk rock.

The Arctic Monkeys delivered an audacious and brash debut, actually bearing up to their hype when Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not hit American shores. It was low-fi teenage rock and sounded it, but the sheer manic thrill carried the album. But now that they are stars, that low-key charm is was what many were looking for in the follow-up.

"Favourite Worst Nightmare" is basically, a more mature version of the debut, produced more cleanly, with stronger recording skills and a better budget, by a band that is road-tested and better because of it. "Brainstorm" is the kind of jagged guitar pop-rock that you would expect, and sounds as good as anything on the debut. The almost funky "Fluorescent Adolescent," about a former party girl who is dealing with growing up. The album zips by at a breath-taking 37 minutes, fast enough that the generally repetitive nature of the remaining songs might not wear you down.

The songs are still rocking and will get you pumped. Just that, strung together, the effect can become tiring. Arctic Monkeys can blast out zingers like "Old Yellow Brick" and "505," but there isn't any sign of artistic progress here. I'd even go as far as to say that "Favourite Worst Nightmare" could even be a better album than the debut in terms of consistently and craft, but misses the thrill of discovery and the adrenal rush of kids discovering rock. Like sophomore efforts from Franz Ferdinand or The Vines, they may find themselves melting away from the spotlight sooner than they deserve to.

It is like Franz Ferdinand's self titled album but with more brithish insight and awsome lyrics.

Artic Monkeys have a great sound, however, in my opinion the song "Florescent Adolescent" is much, much better than many other songs on the album. If they had more with this type of sound, I would easily recommend it to others. For now, I would just recommend a few of the songs.

Yes I am, I'm 40! Thank you. I am not new to the AM's but have watched the media hype and listened to the album, and guess what. Its good. Ok, it doesn't brake any musical moulds but what it is, is this. Its a collection of good songs, with intelligent lyrics and played with aplomb and energy. Twenty year old kids (and students) are of course well known for thinking that they know everything but in fact they know nothing at all.

The AM's don't try and sing songs about Faustian themes and Daniel Beddingfield "love me or I'll jump off this bridge" type anthems, but rather songs that would have been just as relevant to me as a "know-nothing student" 20 years ago, because when you are that age, what is important to you is getting laid and partying. I have no idea why someone would want to be a student in a culture where you couldn't drink until you were 21,that would constitute a waste of the entire University experience. Hell, if I had actually had to pay fees to go to University, I would have expected table service during lectures.

These songs address the important issues of songs about how difficult it is to tap off with birds in nightclubs, the logistical and semantic issues regarding attempting to persuade the driver of a late night vehicle licensed for the conveyance of paying members of the public (a taxi) to allow the carriage of 6 members rather than the usual 5, added to which the additional complication of the possession of kebabs causes. If you are British, you will be aware that the food that the Am's are referring to are kebabs as these are the "industry standard" for wandering around with at night when the clubs kick out. And of course we have all tried the changing jumpers and rejoining the back of the line scenario depicted in "From the Ritz to the Rubble" when denied entry by over-zealous door staff.

These lads are not pretending to be the stars of "Dawsons Creek" (if any teens had tried talking and acting like that where I came from, they would have (rightly) received a good kicking) but they merely (and cleverly) are writing about what they know, and performing it with an energy and precision that is refreshing.

In these times where musical dross in manufactured by the shovel full by mediocrity factories like "X-Factor" and "(insert name)s got talent", its not surprising that these lads generated some hype. Fair play to em. Mind you, Britney's on the comeback trail so this might be an example of something some reviewers might prefer to get excited about. Consider my scorn well and truly poured.

Amazing album, they are a great band...honestly, just buy this, you won't be disappointed, and this is not some fangirl from the UK...(its a fangirl from the US)...but nevertheless, I think everyone will enjoy this music.

I love this group! This album is clean and straightforward. You get all of the rock with none of the BS. It is fresh and contemporary and just plain fun. Buy it now!

These guys are quickly becoming one of my all time favorite bands. This album has a punk influence and catchy lyrics that make you want to rock out. The lyrics give away the age of these guys since the album is primarily about partying and picking up girls, but it does make you nostalgic for your single college years.

one of the better new albums i've gotten recently. a couple of the riffs in these songs sound hugely familiar, but i can't place what i think they're similar to. i hear a bit of Franz Ferdinand in here, and a few other things as well, but if their sound isn't entirely unique it is quite good: catchy, rough-edged, solid, and i do have to say i love the singer's voice.

I couldn't help but think this EP was really just thrown together to take advantage of the Arctic Monkey's sudden popularity. But that said, I still enjoyed it. The title song is the best on the album. Some nice, slower paced songs as well, but overall it pales in comparison to their debut album masterpiece.

"And there's a couple of hundred / Think they're Christopher Columbus / But the settlers had already settled" It's genius ***s that get booted a lot in the industry, and Alex Turne is one of those "genius ***s". Think about it; his lyrics are out of this world, this delivery matches anything Johnny Rebel could cook up baked, and his style touches a certain nerve or the UK. "Who the *** are the Arctic Monkeys" is no exception to those qualities of this young guitarist, and his four-some band.

The disk is based on an idea that could go wrong or right, depending on you perceive it. They're singing about success and fame, and the pressures the lifestyle brings to the table. It won't work most of the time, unless you have your style down to the grime. The Arctic Monkeys, once again delivering the fresh stereo sound, make this puppy work!

You want to know the reason? Pop hooks. Alex Turne knows how to grind a hook into any song. He finds the melody in two bar tunes that no one else could, and he then works around it, slowly piecing together the song. By the time the tune is stitched up, the audience is on their feet or dancing their asses off, or (more likely) both.

So, Turne does what he does best on the disk. However, here's the part where the album perhaps falls "flat" - if you call half decent songs that. Honestly, sometimes, we the people don't give a *** about the life on the road. We want to here the life on the street. Give us the low and dirty! We'll scream. It's when Turne tries to grind a pop hook into something that doesn't fit with the album, the original, "brilliant" idea falters.

But the songs themselves forgive any of the tense collapses we have about the content. They're just so bloody dirty. Most already know "The View from the Afternoon"; trust me, it's hot no matter which album it leads!

The band keeps the songs down and dirty, with a steady melody line to keep the listener tuned in. Check "Cigarette Smoker Fiona" for the rundown on how a cracking rock and roll song is made. Mixed in are two different melodies, both cringing for the dance floor - "Her brother's gone off to the stripper / to make up for all the lost time" - could you get more in tune with the street savvy people? Doubt it.

"Despair in the Departure Lounge" keeps up with the underground, dirty feel of this album. You're either going to love it or hate it, and that depends on how real the Arctic Monkeys portray it. But it is one of the songs that flaunt the idea of making a disk about fortune and fame - this one about leaving your girl at home while you're out touring. The track also shows Turne trying to connect to his inner hippie, trying out mellow lines that he's had down for a while now. It demonstrates the feel of the album brilliantly - a steady stream of words and phrases, some that make sense, and others that just sound 'bout right.

Most of those phrases are in "No Buses", a track that'll grow with you if you let it. The back beat is hot and cracking, because it relies on voice and not too much on other instruments. I can't figure out how Turne does it so nicely, but he sure knows how to paste a thousand words into a loop and make it fit like a puzzle piece.

But none of the tracks on this disk demonstrates the melody and rhythms that the Arctic Monkeys were hoping to get across than the title track. "Who the *** are the Arctic Monkeys" has a melody that carries out through the whole song. It shows Turne taking risks with his style, incorporating a kicking base line that'll drive you into the ground. It also shows the band really trying to hammer home a feeling with the audience. They know what it is. They've been doing it all through the mini masterpiece; you can hit us, but we'll keep on coming back up. You'll have to listen to it a bit more to catch it.

Originally reviewed for Sputnikmusic Reviews.

just like everything these guys have released, simply put, its tight, its clean, it definitly shows signs of these guys maturing not only with their playing, but their lyrics. theres a pretty big change from the "town life" feel of w.p.s.i.a.t.w.i.n., who the F*** are arctic monkeys shows the bands feelings after hitting so big, dealing with critics and fans alike. cig. smoker fionna is an old song cig smoke re-recorded with fresh new lyrics, probably showing their biggest sign of lyrically growing. despair and no buses are slower, a bit of a change other than riot van, showing the monkeys can play slower mellow songs as well as if not better than the usual british indie. fantastic, not to mention it has view from the afternoon, probably one of the top 3 songs on the first album. definitly worth the money, these lads have some major things happening for them, if this is a sign of their second album to come, we are in for something very special
cheers

Yes, Brianstorm rocks but Temptation Greets You Like... is also a gem. They have definitely taken a heavier path. Hope these guys stay around for a long time and continue evolving.

Also, seek out the B-Side to Bet You Look Good...: Bigger Boys and Stolen Sweathearts. Fantastic...

Yes I am, I'm 40! Thank you. I am not new to the AM's but have watched the media hype and listened to the album, and guess what. Its good. Ok, it doesn't brake any musical moulds but what it is, is this. Its a collection of good songs, with intelligent lyrics and played with aplomb and energy. Twenty year old kids (and students) are of course well known for thinking that they know everything but in fact they know nothing at all.

The AM's don't try and sing songs about Faustian themes and Daniel Beddingfield "love me or I'll jump off this bridge" type anthems, but rather songs that would have been just as relevant to me as a "know-nothing student" 20 years ago, because when you are that age, what is important to you is getting laid and partying. I have no idea why someone would want to be a student in a culture where you couldn't drink until you were 21,that would constitute a waste of the entire University experience. Hell, if I had actually had to pay fees to go to University, I would have expected table service during lectures.

These songs address the important issues of songs about how difficult it is to tap off with birds in nightclubs, the logistical and semantic issues regarding attempting to persuade the driver of a late night vehicle licensed for the conveyance of paying members of the public (a taxi) to allow the carriage of 6 members rather than the usual 5, added to which the additional complication of the possession of kebabs causes. If you are British, you will be aware that the food that the Am's are referring to are kebabs as these are the "industry standard" for wandering around with at night when the clubs kick out. And of course we have all tried the changing jumpers and rejoining the back of the line scenario depicted in "From the Ritz to the Rubble" when denied entry by over-zealous door staff.

These lads are not pretending to be the stars of "Dawsons Creek" (if any teens had tried talking and acting like that where I came from, they would have (rightly) received a good kicking) but they merely (and cleverly) are writing about what they know, and performing it with an energy and precision that is refreshing.

In these times where musical dross in manufactured by the shovel full by mediocrity factories like "X-Factor" and "(insert name)s got talent", its not surprising that these lads generated some hype. Fair play to em. Mind you, Britney's on the comeback trail so this might be an example of something some reviewers might prefer to get excited about. Consider my scorn well and truly poured.

Amazing album, they are a great band...honestly, just buy this, you won't be disappointed, and this is not some fangirl from the UK...(its a fangirl from the US)...but nevertheless, I think everyone will enjoy this music.

I love this group! This album is clean and straightforward. You get all of the rock with none of the BS. It is fresh and contemporary and just plain fun. Buy it now!

These guys are quickly becoming one of my all time favorite bands. This album has a punk influence and catchy lyrics that make you want to rock out. The lyrics give away the age of these guys since the album is primarily about partying and picking up girls, but it does make you nostalgic for your single college years.

one of the better new albums i've gotten recently. a couple of the riffs in these songs sound hugely familiar, but i can't place what i think they're similar to. i hear a bit of Franz Ferdinand in here, and a few other things as well, but if their sound isn't entirely unique it is quite good: catchy, rough-edged, solid, and i do have to say i love the singer's voice.

The first song is a subpop hit. If not for dancefloor, this song would have been it. Then next song is a fast "vampires" like tune with the refrain "put your dukes up John" a fight song.
the last song is an early beatles like love song which, when sung through the head of Alex Turner, makes any Monkeys fan swoon.

the title track is one of their best songs, and i don't know why they left it off their debut. the rest of the songs just shows their versitility and what they can do with different musical styles, but all in all good album, but great song.

Amazing new songs! All three of these songs are great in their own respective ways, but the whole product is not worth such a price. I highly recommend getting these songs, including "Baby I'm Yours" (which is a great cover), but go buy these songs off iTunes and save yourself a few dollars.

it really a good song!!! plus the two b-sides are way nice and worth it!!! but come on the video could have been added on at least as a bonus track (maybe a us exclusive) cause the price kind of leans on (not worth the extra p) but good song plus to see video (kate ashfield :shaun of the dead: is on it!!!) you can view at their site

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Bigger Boys and Stolen Sweathearts is one of their all time best songs. It should have been on the album. The other b-side is pretty good, the opening line of which is stuck in my head...

Saw them in Atlanta in 06 and they were great. I surely hope they stick around for awhile and don't lose the magic.

These are three great tracks, but it is way too pricey for anyone but a collector. You can buy it on iTunes for only $3 or download live versions of these songs for free off of www.mardy-bum.com. But anyways, 4 stars for the great tracks and go buy the entire album!

I was first introduced to this record by a friend.. who was talking so much about this band. Then I download the full album, and I was really pleased.. Yes, it is in the mood of a lot of the recent bands (eaning: bloc party, franz ferdinand, we are scientists, etc). However, it also has a special indie vibe, very english style of singing!. The first 4 songs really rocks!, you can't hear them without start headbanging and moving ur feet.. If u want to download a song to start hearing about the I recommend "The view from the afternoon" and the live performance they had on KCRW podcast@itunes. And yes be prepared to hear about them for the rest of the year, to appear of the NME,Spin, and rolling stone covers all around the world....

I haven't heard the Arctic Monkeys' debut album yet, but judging by the quality of the b-sides, this band may actually justify the hype. "Bigger Boys and Stolen Sweethearts" is an absolute gem, with Alex Turner playing the wry outsider in the grand lyrical tradition of Ray Davies and Paul Weller. Maybe even better than "Dancefloor," but in a completely different gear. "Chun Li's Spinning Bird Kick" is a fun (love the geeky Street Fighter reference), tossed-off instrumental. Pick this up for the stellar first two tracks. The album's right around the corner!

i put this single on my annual 'best of' mix i give to all my friends for xmas because let's face it, this songs kicks trash--pounding drums, what grabs you more than anything is the sheer energy, enthusiasm, and unabashed exuberance. yeah, it's loud. yeah, it's a bit ramshackled. yeah, but it's still got a great melody, a great hook, and clever lyrics and wordplay. i'm sure this one's going to be a staple at danceclubs -- it's just so much FUN. it makes you wanna jump on your bed, throw your hands in the air, play air guitar and air drums, do the splits, etc (and it doesn't hurt to drop montague and capulet references).

i heard the 'official' single on XM the other day and I have to confess, i didn't care for it as much as the demo version i, ahem, 'downloaded' a few months back. if you can find the original, i think you might prefer it a tad to the 'official' single version. it's got more energy and passion, less polished production.

the artic monkeys will probably break big this year, as well they should. get the cd now so you can say 'artic monkeys? i've been listening to them for ages.' you'll impress your friends.

with any luck, in 2006 we'll all be bopping like robots from 1984.