Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not [Digipak] - Arctic Monkeys > Reviews > These Guys Aren't So Chilly

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	The novelty and truth of the lyrics
Disadvantages:	Just one weak track that bores me .  .  !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The Arctic Monkeys seem to have captured the hearts of the country (or at least some of it.) The Sheffield lads provided one of the most played songs of 2006 and one of the finest British albums of the past few years in my opinion. One of the funniest things about this album is the story behind the artwork. A friend of the band apparently offered his services, so with some cash he took to the pub and returned a little drunker than before and had his photo taken for the bands artwork..!

Formed in 2002, it was not too long before this group of guys began performing to small audiences, their first gig being with 'The Grapes' in Sheffield. Then in 2005 the guys came together and recorded their first EP, featuring some of the tracks actually released on their debut album, one of these being 'From the Ritz to Rubble.' Not to long after the release of 'I Bet You Look Good on the Dance floor,' in 2006 saw their rise to stardom so quickly I don't think even they expected it..!

Then began the squabble for the record label, so many companies wanted to sign this phenomenal new band, that they ended up being fought over but ended up signing with independent label Domino and began work on their debut album. Little did they know it would go on to whip the title of, fastest selling debut album from under oasis's noses, by selling 363,735 in the first week; or walk away with so many accredited awards, winning the mercury music prize and a Brit award in 2007 for Best British Album.

The quartet at the moment is made up of;
Alex Turner on vocals,
Jamie Cook on guitar,
Matt Helders on drums and backing vocals,
Nick O'Malley on bass.

The album is 40.56 minutes in total length.

~~ The View from the Afternoon ~~
3.38 minutes long.
As an opening track it sets the tone of the tracks for the rest of this award inning album. Compares to the quartets previous pre-album release., it is a little different. A song that has a much stronger guitar influence although still melodically enough to already show variation in the Sheffield boys. The lyrics are very catchy and so float around you head for a time, but this song is a great opening to a fabulous album. The video is also strangely good, with a lone character bashing away at his drum kit, with some visitors every now and again, ultimately ending up on his own in the dark with his drums.

~ I Bet You Look Good on the Dance floor ~
2.53 minutes long.
The arctic monkeys first releases track, that had been floating around on the internet for a while, building a flowing that fir such a young band was mind-blowing. Zane Lowe played this riff heavy track so many times, weeks before its release in 2005 . with the distinctive voice of Alex turner chiming along with the accompanying bass and drum line. This song is instantly recognisable as one of the best indie tracks redefining the genre.

~ Fake Tales of San Francisco ~
2.57 minutes long.
This was the first track I ever heard from these guys and it jumped out at me like a day-glo tracksuit and it was something totally differ. It has some of the best lyrics for the time, 'the proof that loves not only blind but deaf,' which cant help but make me smile. This track shows a much heavier side to the band with some memorable riffs and the lyrics again are brilliant. The song if you know the band, is instantly recognisable..!

~ Dancing Shoes ~
2.21 minutes long.
Another track with strong riffs and drumbeat. It its one of the better tracks of the album despite being very short. The length does not do the track justice but as they say the best things come in small packages. At a gig I can imagine this song being the one that does get everyone dancing, as it has a certain atmosphere to it that makes you want to get up and move.

~ You Probably Couldn't See For the Lights but You Were Staring Straight At Me ~
2.10 minutes long.
Another short and sweet track from the Arctic Monkeys, but again it is an accurate portrayal of the whole bands talent. The vocals at the end of this song provide a total contrast to the rest of the song. Giving even more proof this band have a unique talent.

~ Still Take You Home ~
2.53 minutes long.
A constantly brilliant track describing a night out and a typical, well it seems to me, portrayal of a single mans mind on a night out. This track gives both matt and Jamie both time to shine as across the whole album.

~ Riot Van ~
2.14 minutes long.
Yet another short track, looking at a more teenage look at the police. The cheekiness of teenagers that dare to ask what we all neglect to.. 'why don't they catch proper crooks.' This just shows that we are not alone when we wonder about this. This track has a fairly basic guitar pattern allowing listeners to concentrate more on the lyrics.

~ Red Light Indicates Doors are Secure ~
2.23 minutes long.
Took me a bout a year to realise what the title was actually about, actually I lie I didn't realise until a recent trip to London when I took a few trips during the day..! This track again sounds like a scorned man on a night where another man is stealing a girl he likes. There is a constant cord accompanying the events, which provides an appropriate soundtrack.

~ Mardy Bum ~
2.55 minutes long.
A smiley funny track, just describing a young relationship or marriage with a mardy partner. (We all must admit we get a little annoyed at sometimes so this could the appropriate to anyone..!) as the lyrics are so good in this song, they can be related to any argument in any relationship, the lyrics also give Alex's accent away more strongly than any other tracks.

~ Perhaps Vampires is a b Bit Strong But ~
4.28 minutes long.
A bit different, seems to be a dig at the media saying that they suck them dry. The lyrics are good but nothing memorable. The drumbeat however is fairly impressive and consistently good throughout.

~ When the Sun Goes Down ~
3.20minutes long.
Second only to 'I Bet you…' this track is fairly well known with prostitution theme and sublime video with some unlikely characters. The lyrics are somewhat reminiscent of a rough housing estate and also showing the harshness of today's reality. The guitars are in a consistently feisty manner, and the drums are to match.

~ From the Ritz to the Rubble ~
3.13 minutes long.
The lyrics sound like an underage teen trying to get into a club and being refused on multiple attempts.. (think some of us have been there ..!) The baseline is more prominent and fit's the mood of the song completely, the mood that is being annoyed with people around you..! The riffs if not at Slash standard are still memorable and show effort as a band.

~ A Certain Romance ~
5.31 minutes long.
The longest track on the album and the closer. The Sheffield boys seem to have pulled out all the stops to make this an unforgettable album and a lasting impression. Describing the attire of many youths in many of our towns and cities. As usual the guitar and drums are consistently good, with little tweaks and a fantastic baseline to keep your foot tapping..!

For such young guys, they seem to have a lot of life experience and have judged the population and have made some true and very novel observations. this album certainly does show a band that has jelled together so well, from forming because they were bored after their GCSE's..!

This album is available through most musical outlets ranging in price form £5 - £10, but is usually lower but so fluctuating..!