Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
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Free Music Notes for Favourite Worst Nightmare
Free Music Review: Monkey Chill
Hit: 4 Stars
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.
Free Music Review: This time is even bolder!!!
Hit: 4 Stars
Arctic monkeys exploded on the during December 2005, when their first single climbed to the top of the English charts, thanks in no small part to their cult following that the Sheffield lads developed via their my space page.
Now little over a year after their debut effort, are defiantly in the difficult second album territory with "Favourite Worst Nightmare"
The album gets off to a blistering start with the guitars blasting the listeners ear drums, and what a cracking start to the album, and even though it was released as the albums first single, its not an obvious choice as a single, which is what makes this such an inspired choice for a lead single.
The album shows that since the first record that they have both become more competent as musicians, Alex has become a sharper songwriter, more confident as a performer, this has been in no small part to the fact that their debut was the fastest selling albums of all time.
On first listen it sounds like the album shows no sign of progression, but on further inspection this is not the case, there is a stronger sense of funk, there is a dark feel to the lyrics.
The Arctic's even mange to mellow their sound out a bit, in the shape of only ones that know, which, is by far the weakest song on the album, and it really ought to have been left off the album proper, they should have included the song "Temptation Greats You Like A Naughty Friend", which was a b-side.
That is the only weak link, in what is other a very strong chain, this is quick and fast, and in releasing so quickly after its debut, it didn't allow for the lads to become to self indulgent, and this is a definite contender for album of the year, that is for sure.
Free Music Review: Remember When He Used to Be a Rascal
Hit: 4 Stars
Nobody in recent years had a bigger buzz leading up to the release of their album than Arctic Monkeys. Then the album was released and they were met with general indifference. Yeah, not even the Beatles could have lived up to that kind of hype, but Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not was a good album (that landed at number 14 on my 50 Best Albums of 2006). Who know why the band was ignored, my guess is that, even though most people lose their accents when singing, Alex Turner's vocals still sounds very British.
And if the British thing is what kept Americans from jumping on the bandwagon for the first album, it's doubtful the second will change their mind, right down to the extra British "U" in the album's title, Favourite Worst Nightmare. The disk may even be less palatable to the general audience here as the disk is distinctly harder and faster as evident with the album opener first single, Brianstorm, a jarring sound of guitars that will command your attention right from the start.
But much like on the last album, the band is at its best when it goes into the mid-tempo area with quirky lyrics that cleverly rhyme and nowhere on Favourite Worst Nightmare is that displayed than of Florescent Adolescent a song about a girl gone wild who is wild no more as she, "used to get it in your fishnets now you only get it in your nightdress." With two good albums in as many years, the Arctic Monkeys may be providing those who like real music for years to come, long after the current crop of dudes wearing eyeliner are resigned to VH1 reality shows.
Free Music Review: Great second album... Not sure I understand the UK sales stratosphere
Hit: 4 Stars
Arctic Monkeys are a UK phenomenon, with last year's debut album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" selling more than any other debut album, EVER, in UK chart history. It was a great album, no question. Now, only a year later, comes the follow-up album.
"Farvourite Worst Nightmare" (12 tracks, 37 min.) shows the band maturing. While there are still many hard charging songs, such as the lead-off track (and irresistable first single) "Brianstorm", there is a darker side to this album as well. The album is neatly divided into two 6 song cycles, recalling the good ol' vinyl album days. On the first half, in addition to the previously mentioned "Brianstorm", highlights include the urgent "Teddy Picker", the reggae-flavored "Fluorescent Adolescent" and the pensive "Only Ones Who Know". On the second half, my personal favorites are "This House Is a Circus", "If You Were There, Beware" (with great guitar licks,even a solo), and the closer, a misleading 'ballad' "505". In all, quite a satisfying album. I enjoyed it from start to finish and at 37 min. it clips by in no time.
I'm still not sure I understand the UK frenzy over this. I read that the album sold close to 100,000 there on the first day of the release earlier this week. Say what? That said, Arctic Monkeys bring great music, and this album confirms it. I will see them live at Coachella this coming weekend and I can't wait to check them out live to see what the UK hype is all about.
Free Music Review: Not My Favourite, but Still Great Music
Hit: 4 Stars
This is my second Arctic Monkeys album, the first being Humbug. I bought Humbug out of impulse and I was largely rewarded. I absolutely love that album and I needed more of the drumming punky brits. Favourite Worst Nightmare, in my opinion, is not as developed and creative as Humbug, but it holds a lot of the core essence and talent of Arctic Monkeys. Both albums feel like concept albums. Humbug is a slow dreary concept, while this album is a little more playful. Songs I connect with are Teddy Picker, Balaclava, Fluorescent Adolescent, Old Yellow Bricks, and most importantly 505. "505" is definately one of my favorite monkey songs and it has the best exiting track in the history of music. Somehow cd's are plagued with bad closing songs, but this one closes softly and moves you in a deep manner.
If you bought either the first or last album and you wish to hear more, don't be afraid to try Favourite Worst Nightmare. While it may not be an instant classic such as Humbug, it's definately got great material. Arctic Monkeys are a one of a kind band with genre-bending talent. In fact when I listen to them I feel like they have created a new type of music. Music like this is hard to come by, so I'm happy to eat each of their albums up and take my time doing it. By the end of these two cd's Arctic Monkeys have raced their way to the top of my list of favorite artists.