I'm a bit late to get on the "Arctic Monkeys are fucking great" bandwagon but now I am I suggest anyone else that isn't do so.
A band of lads playing stories with great wit and talent sung in their northern tongue which adds a nice touch. If I had to try, I'd describe them as an oft ska influenced northern jam/clash hybrid with better lyrics (edit) and a tiny hint of Morrissey.
See personal fav,
Bigger Boys & Stolen Sweethearts for the lines
He might be one of those boys
That's all pretty and vain
Likes to go on the sunbed
And stays out of the rain
So that he don't get his hair wet
'Cause you wouldn't want that
At least he hasn't got a Nova
Or a Burberry hat
They've got engaged
No intention of a wedding
He's pinched your bird
And he'd probably kick your head in
A torrent of demos and recordings can be found
here.
(hopefully that link'll work)
Posted by
clash-22, around 29th September 2005:
I'm also very excited about the Arctic Monkeys but I cannot read the words "clash...with better lyrics" without saying "...no." and wondering if you've ever listened to The Clash and their sublime lyrics. From all that I've seen of the Arctic Monkeys their lyrics can be clever and inciteful but only in a purely descriptive sense and only when referring to incidents in nightclubs etc. in their own narrow lives. The Clash (i.e. mainly Joe Strummer) had the rare talent of penetrating the depths of human emotion, social conditions and politics, thus going a little beyond the superficiality of describing some guy with a Burberry hat who'll kick your head in. I'm sure if you compare your extract to almost any Clash song you'll see what I mean. The Arctic Monkeys could be big but it's way too early to start seriously comparing them with The Clash and I very much doubt they're lyrics will ever be comparible with those of the late great Joe Strummer, one of the finest lyricists of all time.
surely Strummer is a guitarist?
Posted by
Sul_DUPE1, around 29th September 2005:
Well. There you go. I'm wrong again. Or are you? To be clear though, I wasnt comparing them to the Clash directly - it would be stupid of me to do so. I was just making a point on the sound. And the better lyrics comment was purely a personal opinion and your rebuttal equally so. You are saying my opinion is wrong. Which is your opinion, well done for having one, but it's wrong in every way the same way as mine is as long as there is someone to conflict it. Geddit?
Posted by
Brock, around 29th September 2005:
Yeah. And another thing...
/me waves his fist
Okay lads you got £20 and a goodie bag to post positive comments on this band didn't you?
Posted by
Sul_DUPE1, around 29th January 2006:
Awww. My 20 quid cock firewall seems to have failed already. :(
Damn them monkeys.