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Post by Fuggle on Feb 17, 2006 16:02:14 GMT -5
OK, Britannia, we surrender
By Richard Cromelin, Times Staff Writer
The Arctic Monkeys "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" (Domino)* * * *
Ray Davies "Other People's Lives" (V2)* * * 1/2
THE British make rock music the way the Greeks made marble statues.
That's not exactly a news bulletin, but the simultaneous release on Tuesday of Ray Davies' first full-fledged solo album in his four-decade career and the debut by brand new sensations the Arctic Monkeys puts it in dramatic perspective. It's the alpha and omega of British song, the return of the original master dovetailing with a resounding restatement of his legacy.
The two records don't sound anything alike, but they share essential properties — a Britishness (though Davies' is also informed by his recent New Orleans residency), a sense that they're singing about things that matter, a flair for melody, a ton of attitude and, in front of everything, voices that make you care.
For the Monkeys, that's Alex Turner, who starts with a Johnny Rotten snarl but soon eases into a more approachable, sympathetic companion, recalling the messianic early Bowie, who offered a comforting embrace to all the young dudes.
It's easy to see why the band drew a national following with its Internet-disseminated music before it released "Whatever People Say … ," which recently became the fastest-selling debut album in U.K. history.
It seems less like something recorded in a studio than an instant crystallization of an intensely experienced life. It's that immediate, and though the Yorkshire accent is thick, the action will ring true most everywhere in the modern world.
Set to restive, brittle guitar rock a few notches harder than similarly catchy labelmate Franz Ferdinand's, the Arctic Monkeys undertake an epic prowl, navigating through a night packed with flirtations and confrontations, and ending with the sobering arrival of a cold reality.
Punk and reggae help define their cadences as they spar with cops and bouncers and make their moves with the girls. The music injects every incident with the kind of urgency that's part of adolescence, and Turner finds an aching poignancy when he sings, "Don't get me wrong, though, there's boys in bands, and kids who like to scrap with pool cues in their hands," sounding relieved that such fundamental things have survived in a world where music is often reduced to ring tones.
Leading the Kinks, Davies churned and seethed like the Monkeys in his British Invasion youth, but it didn't take him long to find a more varied and distinctive musical approach. "Other People's Lives" never gets downright raucous, but Davies' way with words and his perfect delivery give it one potent moment after another.
The album includes some of his familiar song forms — a comically observed vignette about his neighbors, scathing critiques of crass comedians and tabloid gossip ("I can't believe what I just read / Excuse me I just vomited," he sings in the title song), sentimental character sketches ("Thanksgiving Day"). In the grand "Creatures of Little Faith" he uses a soulful setting to lament the shortage of trust between people.
Every song is a full meal, and each one eventually builds up a rousing head of steam. Davies still has that way of making his arrangements sound like an effortless, utterly natural environment, as if all the pieces just fell into place and are escorting him into that mixed-up, muddled-up, shook-up world whose poet laureate he remains.
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 17, 2006 17:53:30 GMT -5
Arctic Monkeys hit U.S. on a wave of hype
JAKE COYLE Associated Press
Arctic Monkeys, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," (Domino)
The Arctic Monkeys are the latest in a continuing stream of British exports that wash up on American shores wrapped in reams of hype.
But, hey, hey, these Monkeys are different.
The title of their debut, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," should tell you that. And people have been saying plenty about the Arctic Monkeys, especially since their album last month became the fastest-selling debut in British history.
And Britain has, if memory serves, produced a couple of decent bands.
Oddly, the Arctic Monkeys aren't really that exceptional from groups like Franz Ferdinand or the Strokes, and are well in line with the current batch of `70s-inspired, buoyant punk.
But while the Arctic Monkeys might not sound radical, that doesn't mean they aren't excellent. And, man, do they have a single: "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor."
Like all great singles, "Dancefloor" is euphorically catchy - a drug that will make repeat listens a legitimate addiction. The song is a monster.
It opens with a fast, heavy-metal riff that politely pauses a moment so the lead guitar can catch up and whip itself into a proper frenzy - and then they're off. The next three minutes are an unrelenting onslaught.
"Lighting the fuse might result in a bang, with a bang-o," sings Alex Turner, who knows how to stutter like a rock star.
But the Arctic Monkeys - who number four, formed at art school and are infuriatingly young (Turner is 20) - aren't a one-hit wonder. "Whatever" boasts more grade-A rock stomp on "Fake Tales of San Francisco," "Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured" and "When The Sun Goes Down."
They also show versatility on elegant, upbeat ballads like "Mardy Bum" and "A Certain Romance."
It's true, however, that the Monkeys' anthems about "scummy" men and "totalitarian" bouncers will always sound best blasted in booze-soaked pubs. The morning after you might reach for something that doesn't urge you to "put on your dancing shoes," but by nightfall, you'll be guiltily spinning "Whatever" again.
The Arctic Monkeys have started off their career with a bang-o.
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 17, 2006 17:57:08 GMT -5
ARCTIC MONKEYS: "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am Not"
By Fred Shuster, Music Writer U-Entertainment (Domino)
In a week when the incomprehensible occurred - Barry Manilow topping the albums chart - along comes a record crackling with so much teen spirit and humor it'll make you dress sharper and drive faster.
Arctic Monkeys, a scrappy quartet out of the U.K.'s gritty Sheffield, has packed its debut with well-crafted, concise tunes, providing immediate liftoff. Splendid radio-ready songs like "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor," "The View From the Afternoon" and "Fake Tales of San Francisco" smartly comment on various aspects of big-city life and, most frightening, asking strange girls to dance. Group leader Alex Turner has a way with words and a charming accent besides.
Hopefully, "Whatever People Say I Am" (in stores Tuesday), which will be revered overnight by everyone who got a bang out of Franz Ferdinand's debut and by those who deeply miss the Smiths, the Specials and the Longpigs, won't be a one-off thing.
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 17, 2006 18:00:34 GMT -5
Arctic Monkeys: a fresh breath of indie rock airBy Luke McCormick, Reporter. Posted February 17, 2006.Courtesy of Domino Recording C The Arctic Monkeys will release their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, on Feb. 21. The band has set the U.K. record for the fastest-selling debut album.Arctic Monkeys have already blown up across the Atlantic and quickly are gaining fame in the States. Although the British press has dubbed the band the next Oasis, it is unclear if the band will have the staying power of fellow critical darlings The Strokes, or if it will just fizzle out. The band set the British underground ablaze last year by handing out demos at shows. The demos circulated on the Internet and eventually the band landed a spot on Domino Records’ roster. Its debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, sold more than 100,000 copies in its first week in England, cementing Arctic Monkeys as a force to be reckoned with in the rock ‘n’ roll world. Enough with the hoopla, let’s talk about the album. Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not barely pauses to take a breath throughout its 13 tracks. The Arctic Monkeys evoke the punk spirit of The Clash, the swagger of The Strokes and start the album off with a bang on “The View from the Afternoon” and “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor.” As the album races through its precisely produced tracks, it still keeps the looseness of a live performance in a dirty English pub. The Arctic Monkeys bring nothing new in the way of lyrics but definitely have fun penning witty songs about youth, women and the nightlife. Thankfully, these songs hit the listener hard and fast, so there really is no time to notice what lead singer Alex Turner is singing about. Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’s first single, “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” touches all these subjects as the song tells the tale of a young man’s night at a club. Guitars are in the album’s forefront and most tracks on the album have an infectious hook or guitar solo, however the band’s rhythm section holds its debut together. Every song has a thumping bass line and the drums keep a quick dance beat that wouldn’t sound out of place on any Franz Ferdinand or Kaiser Chiefs song. Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not is not a life-changing album. It does not have a major single that will ensure a place beside (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? in every used CD store in five years. Arctic Monkeys have created an album full of fun guitar rock, but it's nothing that will make the band immediately stand apart from Bloc Party or the Editors. But the band’s debut hints at very good things to come. If all of the hype surrounding the Arctic Monkeys doesn’t go to the band members’ heads, they will continue to be a fresh breath of indie-rock air.
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 17, 2006 18:03:16 GMT -5
Arctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
(Domino Records)
The "next Beatles" has become an empty cliché, but the Arctic Monkeys just might change that. This British foursome, fronted by 19-year-old Alex Turner, has a youthful swagger, energy and knack for pop reminiscent of the Fab Four in the early ’60s. Their fellow citizens are embracing them with similar hype. Whatever People Say sold more than 360,000 copies in the U.K. in its first week, making it the fastest-selling album in British history.
Its 13 songs are disaffected stories of everyday life in Sheffield, delivered with an up-tempo fire from within. The video for "I Bet You Look Great on the Dance Floor" , is a stage performance that will forever document the band’s early innocence and intensity. Available in the U.S. on Feb. 21, Whatever People Say is sure to be one of the most talked-about albums of 2006.
Reviewed by Rich Albertoni
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 19, 2006 19:18:00 GMT -5
Review:arctic Monkeys-when the sun Goes DownAll aboard the bandwagon. So far we've had Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs and The Futureheads, not to mention the myriad copycats in between. Now it's time for Arctic Monkeys to get some of that pop chart limelight doing the "indie" circuit. A Brit nomination, number one single, and the fastest-selling debut album in chart history certainly weigh in their favour - but does the hype dull their bite? New single 'When The Sun Goes Down' begins low-key, in stark contrast to the super-charged intro of '...Dancefloor'. Speaking of which, it's time for Monkeys to step out of that certain single's shadow, time to see if we wanna spend more than a brief moment in their embrace. The downbeat opening minute tells the tale of a seedy local pimp, frontman Alex Turner declaring "he's a scumbag don't you know" - then, bang!, a fix of something poptacular kicks in, crashing, staggered guitars thumping us in the right direction. The moment all 15 year old fans were waiting for, a chance to howl along and dance about in the mirror. Turner takes us back to '95, the golden days of Albarn's faux-geezer mockney, his own thick Sheffield twang cutting through the tune like an over-sharpened knife. So does the music justify the massive Arctic Monkeys boom? Publicly, the Monkeys remain modestly tight-lipped on the whole issue, a cheeky "Don't believe the hype..." tagline their only comment - but rumours of the band wanting a higher-profile slot than offered for the Carling Festival suggest there's more than meets the eye here. Whatever way you slice it, the material just ain't that jaw-dropping. Sure, it's catchy as fuck, it bobs along at a nice pace and the lyrics are so tongue-in-cheek you can't help but smile - "she don't do major credit cards, I doubt she does receipts". But there's really nothing here to suggest that the music-buying public won't turn their back on this a couple years down the line. The Darkness, anyone? And it's a shame that this happens - that the industry inflates bands to these oversized proportions, pushing them beyond all reasonable expectations. Because, when you get right down to it, when you look past all the bullshit...'When The Sun Goes Down' is a good wee tune. Graeme Johnston
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 19, 2006 19:21:53 GMT -5
Monkeys to warm up ByronBy Christine Sams February 20, 2006Splendour visit: Arctic Monkeys are talking up a trip to Australia. Photo: APArctic Monkeys, Britain's fastest-selling band of all time, is tipped to be the headline act for this year's Splendour in the Grass event in Byron Bay. Music insiders have revealed the band is already talking about an Australian visit, with the likelihood of extra shows in capital cities including Sydney. The band's lead singer, Alex Turner, has fuelled the whispers by telling sources he is heading Down Under for the annual Byron Bay festival, which he cheerfully referred to as "Splendid" (instead of "Splendour"). Arctic Monkeys' debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not was released in Australia yesterday, through EMI. In Britain it was selling at eight copies a minute in its first few days of release and the album eventually outsold the Beatles and Oasis in first-week sales figures. (Thankfully, the album measures up to the UK hype - for curious music fans in Australia, it's really worth a listen.) The band is a group of working-class lads from Sheffield who seem to have the knack of capturing some of the truths of growing up in modern-day Britain. Not only has their music captured the imagination of millions of fans, the strength of the band's music also lies in its lyrical content - the poetic, street-style singing of Turner has been a phenomenal success. An official announcement about the Splendour in the Grass line-up will be made next month, but acts such as Coldplay and Franz Ferdinand have already starred at the music festival, which is generally staged in late July. Source: The Sun-Herald
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 23, 2006 10:07:24 GMT -5
Arctic Monkeys, A Higher Form But Not Yet Fully EvolvedBy J. Freedom du Lac Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, February 22, 2006Arctic Monkeys lead singer Alex Turner performing recently in Leeds, England.Nobody does hype quite like the British music press, which has turned overstatement into an Olympic sport. But the hyperbolic wags have outdone themselves with the breathless buzz surrounding the Arctic Monkeys, an ascendant post-punk quartet that is, apparently, the greatest U.K. band since the Sex Pistols -- or at the very least, since the Stone Roses. Or Oasis. Or maybe the Verve or the Libertines. Whatever. NME magazine recently declared the Monkeys' debut, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," the fifth-greatest British album ever . According to this heretical new NME math, the Monkeys are greater than the Beatles. To which we say: Bananas! "Whatever People Say" is certainly an outstanding rock album with plenty of things working in its favor. Ridiculously sharp hooks. Smart, witty lyrics. A cocksure and charismatic singer in 20-year-old Alex Turner. Angular guitar riffs (and the occasional monster-rock power chord) slamming into manic, vaguely funky rhythms. Brash and boisterous, the CD crackles with unbridled adolescent energy -- so much so that it often sounds as though it's about to combust. It's the most exciting new album to have roared through my headphones since, well, the start of this year (whatever that's worth). It's also the fastest-selling debut recording in the history of the British Isles. It is not , however, the fifth-greatest British album of all time . . . unless "time" began roughly around that fateful day on which the Spice Girls called it quits. Post-punk has since become king in the U.K. (and in some corners of this country, too), with the Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, the Strokes et al. bashing and burning their way across the musical landscape. You'll find the Arctic Monkeys hanging from one of the very highest branches on that same stylistic tree. If they're the next big any thing, in fact, the Monkeys are a younger, less caustic and even more promising version of their label mates Franz Ferdinand. This is a very, very good thing, inasmuch as Franz Ferdinand is one of the better bands in contemporary rock, with two superlative albums to its credit. But it hardly means that "Whatever People Say" is as transformative as, for instance, the Beatles' "Revolver." No shame in that, though. After nearly being swallowed whole by the hoopla (even Mick Jagger has professed his love), the Arctic Monkeys get down to the business of making music, introducing themselves on the album opener, "The View From the Afternoon." In that deliciously, distinctively British voice of his, Turner sings, haltingly: "Anticipation has the habit to set you up/For disappointment in the evening entertainment but/Tonight there'll be some love/Tonight there'll be a ruckus, yeah/Regardless of what's come before." The lyric could pass for something like the Monkeys' motto. And the song itself makes for a terrific first impression -- frenetic and full of attitude, with a delightful surprise: a minute-long coda that comes crashing down just as you've started to catch your breath. The album is, principally, about being a young man in northern England, where life apparently revolves around girls, nightclubs and, especially, girls in said clubs. And so you have Turner singing about running the velvet-rope gantlet on "From the Ritz to the Rubble" ("Last night these two bouncers/And one of em's all right/The other one's the scary one/His way or no way, totalitarian"), and then about what happens once you get past security: the boys eyeballing the girls (on the exceedingly infectious "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor"), the lads getting cold feet ("Dancing Shoes"), the inevitable brushoffs ("Still Take You Home"), the police harassment on the way home ("Riot Van," a quiet, meditative standout). On "Fake Tales of San Francisco," Turner suffers through a performance by a "super-cool band" that's anything but. So phony is the group, so wretched is the music, that when one girl's cell phone rings, she sprints out the door, liberated at last. " 'Oh you've saved me,' she screams down the line," Turner sneers. " 'The band weren't very good/And I'm not having a nice time.' " Obviously, that band was not the Arctic Monkeys, who are great sports for at least partly living up to the hype. The Arctic Monkeys are scheduled to appear March 27 at the 9:30 club. © 2006 The Washington Post Company[/color
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 23, 2006 10:09:46 GMT -5
Arctic Monkeys vs. Sasquatch
February 22, 2006
The Arctic Monkeys have added an appearance at George, Washington's Sasquatch fest to their busy spring festival itinerary.
The group will join Nine Inch Nails, Beck, Death Cab for Cutie, Matisyahu, Queens of the Stone Age, the Flaming Lips, the Shins, and Ben Harper at the top of the list of performers for the three-day event, which will be held May 26-28 at the Gorge Amphitheatre. Also on the bill: Sufjan Stevens, the Decembrists, HIM, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Neko Case, Iron & Wine, We Are Scientists, And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, the Constantines, the Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Wolfmother, and others, organizers have announced. Tickets go on sale March 4 at 11 A.M.
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 23, 2006 20:14:58 GMT -5
Awards hat-trick for Arctic Monkeys
23/02/2006
The unstoppable Arctic Monkeys were crowned Best British Band at the ShockWaves NME Awards tonight as they collected a hat-trick of prizes.
The Sheffield lads continued their remarkable success story by scooping Best New Band and Best Track for I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor.
They beat Brits winners Kaiser Chiefs to the Best British Band title, along with Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand and Oasis.
Their triple win comes only a month after the release of their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.
It became the fastest-selling debut in chart history, shifting over 360,000 copies in its first week.
The foursome became the first act to win Best New Band and Best British Band in the same year.
Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs, nominated in a record-breaking six categories, came away with just one award for Best Album – a contrast to their hat-trick at the Brits. Singer Ricky Wilson received a consolation Best Dressed prize.
Franz Ferdinand beat Arctic Monkeys to claim the Best Live Band award.
Oasis won the Best Video award for The Importance of Being Idle, which starred actor Rhys Ifans.
Ex-Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown was honoured with Godlike Genius award.
It was presented by footballer Teddy Sheringham after Brown said he would only accept the award from a member of Manchester United’s 1999 treble-winning squad.
Pete Doherty, the Babyshambles singer and heroin addict, was named Sexiest Man by NME readers. Madonna was named Sexiest Woman.
James Blunt’s Back To Bedlam was named Worst Album and Bob Geldof was named Hero of the Year.
The awards, always a more rock’n’roll affair than the well-behaved Brits, were held at the Hammersmith Palais.
Other winners included Kanye West (Best Solo Artist), The Strokes (Best International Band) and Gorillaz (John Peel Music Innovation Award).
But the night belonged to the Arctic Monkeys.
Girl band Sugababes even performed their own version of I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor.
NME editor Conor McNicholas said: “This time last year no-one had ever heard of them. To go from that to the biggest band in Britain and win three awards is pretty special.
“Everyone talks about them making it big because of the internet but there’s a lot of fine music on the internet.
“The great thing about the Arctic Monkeys is they are doing something nobody else has done. They have a depth to their lyrics that no-one else has.”
He said of the Kaiser Chiefs’ disappointing awards tally: “If it wasn’t for the Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs would have done a lot better.
“Yes, Kaiser Chiefs did well at the Brits, but the NME Awards are always a year ahead of the Brits.”
Full List of Winners
BEST NEW BAND Arctic Monkeys
BEST VIDEO The Importance of Being Idle – Oasis
BEST INTERNATIONAL BAND The Strokes
BEST TV SHOW Gonzo
BEST SOLO ARTIST Kanye West
PHILIP HALL RADAR AWARD Long Blondes
BEST RADIO SHOW Zane Lowe
BEST EVENT Carling Weekend
BEST LIVE BAND Franz Ferdinand
BEST MUSIC DVD Live8
BEST FILM Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
JOHN PEEL MUSIC INNOVATION AWARD Gorillaz
BEST TRACK I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor – Arctic Monkeys
BEST ALBUM Employment – Kaiser Chiefs
BEST BRITISH BAND Arctic Monkeys
GODLIKE GENIUS AWARD Ian Brown
BEST WEBSITE NME.com
BEST VENUE Brixton Academy
HERO OF THE YEAR Bob Geldof
VILLAIN OF THE YEAR George Bush
BEST DRESSED Ricky Wilson
WORST DRESSED Justin Hawkins
WORST ALBUM Back To Bedlam – James Blunt
WORST BAND Son of Dork
SEXIEST MAN Pete Doherty
SEXIEST WOMAN Madonna
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 23, 2006 20:17:29 GMT -5
Monkeys lead the charge on Maximo-m
23 February 2006
FOR those of us with responsibilities elsewhere, a 7pm start for a gig is far too early, especially in these days of late licences etc.
So I missed all of the early evening delights of London prog boys Mystery Jets and the initial moments of US experimental rockers We Are Scientists. But I caught enough of the latter to know that these boys are going to get bigger and bigger as the year goes on.
Men of the moment Arctic Monkeys surprised me by both belying their tender years, and more than justifying the ludicrous hype surrounding them, with a blistering set of top notch power pop not experienced since the heady days of The Jam.
The "northern Libertines" comparisions are obvious on record, but live they are far more cohesive, and while that may lose something in terms of shambolic charm, they make up for it in a togetherness that has real echoes of Weller and co at their best.
Such similarities can also be seen in the unity of the crowd, singing along from the opening lines of When The Sun Goes Down to the closing stanzas of A Certain Romance with such gusto you can't always hear the band.
Highlights were debut single Fake Tales of San Francisco and the afore-mentioned A Certain Romance, but in truth they were all great, and it was only a shame they only got 45 minutes to show what they could do.
One wondered whether headliners Laximo Park would be able to match them.
But we needn't have worried. In Paul Smith, the Sunderland art punks have such an energetic frontman to deliver a performance that was as ferocious and artistic as it was intense. And the backline wasn't bad either.
Simply brilliant.The future of British music is in good hands.
- MARK TAYLOR
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 23, 2006 20:21:05 GMT -5
Album Review: Arctic Monkeys - 'Whatever People Say I Am, That`s What I`m Not'
By VNU Feb 23, 2006
Within seconds, Arctic Monkeys gate-crashed the U.K. pop charts and became national heroes, thanks to an infectiously excited Internet fan base.
The hype reminds one of Oasis, but that hasn`t hurt yet. Unlike Oasis, the lads from Sheffield, England, take their cues from the Clash and the Libertines, mixing choppy punk-funk guitars with distorted vocals and frantic rhythms. No. 1 U.K. single \'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor\' is a spiky pub rock anthem that clocks in at less than three minutes. Likewise, hipster critique \'Fake Tales of San Francisco\' and ballad \'Riot Van\' get right to the point. Barely out of high school, singer Alex Turner has a gritty voice and offers fresh lyrical smarts with a snotty confidence.
A remarkable debut by a band full of raw energy.
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 23, 2006 20:23:42 GMT -5
New sensation Arctic Monkeys grab three NME awards
Thu Feb 23, 2006
The Arctic Monkeys, who have ridden a wave of Internet hype to top the charts, stole the headlines at the NME music awards on Thursday with three prizes, including Best British Band.
The young quartet from Sheffield became the first group at the NME awards to be named Best New Band and Best British Band, and also picked up the Best Track award for their high-octane No. 1 single "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor."
The song is one of two singles released so far from their debut album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," which became the fastest-selling debut album in British history last month.
More than 360,000 copies were sold in the first week alone, prompting comparisons with Oasis and even the Beatles in terms of instant impact.
The Kaiser Chiefs, who had led the nominations stakes with six, won only one award on the night, although it was the high profile Best Album category for "Employment."
The NME, or New Musical Express, bases its decisions on what the fans say. More than 80,000 people took part in this year's voting.
The Best Live Band award went to Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand, and veterans Oasis did not go home empty-handed, winning the Best Video category for "The Importance of Being Idle."
Other prizes on the night included Best International Band, which went to The Strokes, and Best Solo Artist, which went to Chicago rapper Kanye West.
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 23, 2006 20:28:21 GMT -5
Arctic Monkeys hottest act at NME The Arctic Monkeys were crowned Best British Band at the NME Awards with three awards.The Kaiser Chiefs rose to fame in 2005The Sheffield group won best new band, best track for I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor and beat the Kaiser Chiefs to the best British band title. The awards come only a month after the release of their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. The Kaiser Chiefs, nominated in a record-breaking six categories, took one gong for Best Album. Singer Ricky Wilson received a consolation best dressed prize. Football honour Franz Ferdinand beat Arctic Monkeys to claim the best live band award. Oasis won the best video award for The Importance of Being Idle, which starred actor Rhys Ifans. Former Stone Roses front man Ian Brown was honoured with Godlike Genius award presented by footballer Teddy Sheringham after Brown said he would only accept the award from a member of Manchester United's 1999 treble-winning squad. Pete Doherty, the Babyshambles singer and heroin addict, was named Sexiest Man by NME readers. Madonna was named Sexiest Woman. In contrast to his success at the Brit Awards, James Blunt took home a worst album award for Back to Bedlam The ceremony was held at the Hammersmith Palais. NME editor Conor McNicholas said of big winners the Arctic Monkeys: "This time last year no-one had ever heard of them. "To go from that to the biggest band in Britain and win three awards is pretty special. Everyone talks about them making it big because of the internet but there's a lot of fine music on the internet. "The great thing about the Arctic Monkeys is they are doing something nobody else has done. They have a depth to their lyrics that no-one else has." He said of the Kaiser Chiefs' disappointing awards tally: "If it wasn't for the Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs would have done a lot better. "Yes, Kaiser Chiefs did well at the Brits, but the NME Awards are always a year ahead of the Brits."
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Post by Fuggle on Feb 25, 2006 14:12:59 GMT -5
Arctic Monkeys Win Three at NME Awards Arctic Monkeys Take Three Trophies at Britain's NME AwardsThe Associated PressBritish band, The Arctic Monkeys, with lead singer Alex Turner, center, bassist Andy Nicholson,left, and drummer Matt Helders, perform during their concert at Guildhall in Portsmouth, England, Wednesday, Feb 15, 2006. The band took home three major trophies from the NME awards, firmly cementing the Sheffield quartet as the darlings of Britain's music scene.The NME Awards, awarded Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006, are an edgier version of the Brit Awards -- Britain's version of the Grammy Awards -- and alternative rockers did well at the London bash.(AP Photo/Sang Tan)The Arctic Monkeys took home three major trophies, including best British band and best new band, at the NME Awards, firmly cementing the Sheffield quartet as the darlings of Britain's music scene. The NME Awards, which were presented Thursday, are an edgier version of the Brit Awards, Britain's version of the Grammys. The Monkeys, whose debut album, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," sold more than 360,000 copies in its first week of release, also won an award for best track for "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor." They became the first act to win best new band and best British band in the same year. The Kaiser Chiefs, nominated in six categories, won just one award, for best album for "Employment." Kanye West took the trophy for best solo artist and The Strokes won best international artist. Bob Geldof, who organized 1985's Live Aid concerts and last summer's Live 8 shows, was named hero of the year. Pete Doherty, the ex-boyfriend of supermodel Kate Moss, was named sexiest man, and Madonna was named sexiest woman.
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