CORPORATE LINE: Musically, there are bits of The Stone Roses, “What’s The Story Morning Glory”, and “Nevermind”. As catchy as those reference points are, it’s the songwriting that has won the band a fiercely dedicated following; a mix of the observational storytelling of Davies and Weller crossed with the harsher documentary eye of Mike Skinner of The Streets and “Ghost Town” era Specials. Two #1 UK singles. Press already lined up with Rolling Stone, Spin, Entertainment Weekly, and Interview, to name a few. Three more US/Canadian tours planned for this year, including headlining Domino’s label showcase at SXSW.
THE GOOD:
“I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” – While singing about “dirty dance floors and dreams of naughtiness” Alex Turner sounds like David Bowie on speed.
“Riot Van” – Finally the Artic Monkeys slow down and get to work. This song about underage drinking and taking it “on the chin” is one of the best songs an the album.
“When The Sun Goes Down” – “He told Roxanne to put on her red light/It’s all infected, but he’ll be all right” gives a little Police flavor. It’s the rare track where the verses are interesting and the chorus equally so.
“A Certain Romance” – Give the Artic Monkeys props for making a song that is out of their punk element and attitude. Who would have guessed they had it in them?
THE AVERAGE:
“The View From The Afternoon” – The guitar hook will remind you of the White Stripes while the rest of the song tries hard to follow the brit-pop formula. Franz Ferdinand they are not.
“Fake Tales of San Francisco” – In order for Whatever to be a perfect album, as many Brit rags have proclaimed, every song would have to be great. This is far from great. The chorus of “I don’t want to hear/ kick me out, kick me out” sounds half-assed and the nice outro can’t make up for it.
“Still Take You Home” – Lacks any punch or a good hook.
THE BAD:
Nothing.
FRANKLY: The Artic Monkeys are over-hyped. NME magazine gave these guys a 10/10? I just want to know who sent them a check. Or maybe the Artic Monkeys have a naked photo or two of the reviewer. These guys don’t even boast one memorable single.
The more I listen to the Artic Monkeys the more questions that are raised. Like how this album was a smash in England? They aren’t nearly as good as Oasis or Blur. Hell Franz Ferdinand are twice the bandf. Either way the Artic Monkeys sound like a pop band that is stuck in fast forward. They are barely punk and not nearly as cool and definitely don’t deserve to have the swagger of Liam Gallagher or the 10/10 reviews. Frankly even the cartoon-caper Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.” is better than any song released by the Artic Monkeys.
If we the Artic Monkeys make a great second album we will eat our words. But right now we are sticking to our initial feelings—the Artic Monkeys are the most over-hyped band in years. Hell will freeze over before the Artic Monkeys become stars in America. Sorry chaps.
+ Rae Gun
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