00001 Arctic Monkeys

Well why not start with "A" And a band that has really shaken my core and keister for about a year now. Arctic Monkeys... when I first heard of these guys, I didn't think much of it. I was actually pretty anti - Monkeys at the time. And for some reason my brain drew a line between The Decemberists and Arctic for some reason and I imagined them to be of the same vein. Avoid it I did, and rather well.

That was until I stumbled upon the video for BRAINSTORM off of "Favourite Worst Nightmare"



Wow, I thought, girls booty dancing to a pretty rockin, somewhat heavy tune. I dug a little deeper but hardly scratched the surface. Mission Accomplished, as far as AM should be concerned as I stopped with my abrasive face whenever I heard there name.

Later, and much to my suprise I learned that their new record (at the time) would be produced by hands down my favorite contemporary artist / musician Joshua Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, Desert Sessions, Them Crooked Vultures, and Eagles of Death Metal Fame. Holy moses I thought, and I did some research. Found some quotes with Homme saying that he was going to "slap the sheffield out of this kids" and that they're one of the only bands doing intersting stuff these days. SOLD, INTRIGUED, and I just couldnt wait to hear what they did next.

HUMBUG (2009)
Finally, now this is why we're here. Upon first listen, Humbug didn't really rock my socks off, yet carried me into a dark and swarmy soundscape by the hand. Then as soon as the first few bars go through 'My Propeller" your hand is let go. And albeit a seemingly harmless thing, you can really get lost in the ride without the proper guidance.

Other songs rocked me right off the bat. Crying Lightning of course, the first single struck me the first time I heard it. Single material of course. Brilliant song. From there the only other song that I really fell in love with was "Pretty Visitors"

Upon later listens, I was able to decipher what was really going on. Is this a concept record? I tend to lean towards yes, without actually saying it. After a few listens and a few times with friends I began to see the lyrical imagery taking shape. My Propeller took on a whole new meaning. All of the pieces fell into place. And the carnival ride took form. I swayed and swaggered until I fell down. The sounds echoing through my open ears. This is an epic album with endless nooks and crannys to be explored and discovered. I highly recommend this one and I'd love to hear your similar experiences with this album and what you've been able to get out of it.