No surprise, given the great UK bands breaking out these days, is the fact that this week's "In The Rotation" features a certain band of Brit boys taking the world by storm. Thanks to friends who love to spread the word, a copy of this album landed in my lap a bit before the US street date.
ARCTIC MONKEYS - "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not"
Everyone knows the story by now - teenage chart-toppers boasting the fastest selling (ironically titled) album in UK history (think about that for a second). F the hype. There's a reason for this cannonball-like splash out of Liverpool. Lead by now-worldwide single "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor," followed by "When The Sun Goes Down," "Fake Tales of San Francisco" and b-side "Bigger Boys And Stolen Sweethearts" (featured on Newsletter Worthy Volume VII), the Arctic Monkeys boast an unparalleled energy, tenacity, and power which might as well not need amps and microphones. As the recent New York Times article mentioned, this band, unlike many recent success stories, is not identically derivative of 80s pop. Their influence is more punk-driven, but with more charm and head-cocked style. Alex Turner's lyrics both eloquently and angrily rehash tales of young love, debauchery, and a high-spirited desire for change. Although I believe The Strokes' "First Impressions Of Earth" is an excellent album, many were waiting for the NYC hip-kings to bust out 12 tracks recreating the wreckless and invigorating youth of "Last Nite." Bad news for those fans is The Strokes didn't do it. Good news is....the Arctic Monkeys DID. And some would argue it's better that way.
