…apparently. Although I think that it’s a bit early to break out these kind of comparisons (I fully acknowledge that I am being a bit unfair, since no-one is actually making these claims; however I do like to be unfair. It’s fun!)
From the BBC:
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not was released on 23 January and has sold more than 360,000 copies.
The Sheffield band’s album is currently outselling the rest of the top 20 album chart combined.
A spokesman for music retailer HMV said: “In terms of sheer impact… we haven’t seen anything quite like this since The Beatles.”
So I dunno. I mean, I quite like WPSIA, TWIN (wow! Great acronym! I’m Wpsia Twin, and I’m from Huddersfield, and tonight, Matthew, I’m going to be Ian Brown). But… it’s not actually that great. Seriously. THERE IS MUCH BETTER MUSIC OUT THERE, PEOPLE! Aside from the excellent I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor, I don’t think I’ve really been struck by the record, and stuff like Red Light Indicates Doors are Secure is just risible.
What is interesting about it is what this might mean for the recording
Anyway. That was off topic. I just want to know – beyond getting themselves a lot of excellent online exposure – what is it about the Arctic Monkeys that people love so much? I will acknowledge that they have some good tunes, but… not much further.* Please, enlighten me; am I missing something here?
Skye’s prediction: in 6 months conversations about the Arctic Monkeys will largely involve the word ‘meh’.
*Oh, and they suck at titles (except I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor). And cover art. Feel free to bitch about my opinion in the comments.
most definite on the overhyped comment.
i will say that they do have some fantastic songs and i’ve yet to see them live, which is where i hear they truly shine.
it’ll be interesting to see what they sell first week here in the US. guesses? other than blogs/word of mouth, they are really not garnering any other buzz (radio, tv, magazine, etc) although i still predict a top 20 debut.
You know, we’ve just been sent a begging email by someone at Warners; does this mean that they actually do appreciate the value of free stuff being given away – and are they encouraging us?
Arctic Monkeys will… struggle to make a huge impact in the states, I think, among the non-blog reading public.
Everyone in the UK has a blog. At least 95% of the population. That’s how we all know about the AMs. Over your neck of the woods, it’s only, i dunno, 45% of people.
Did you know that 88% of statistics are made up on the spot?
i am seriously not one to be into hyped bands, but i must say, the Arctic Monkeys are the real deal. I think their lyrics are amazing and are great. they may become franz ferdinand big but never coldplay big. i love the trashy englishness of it. very much like The Streets, who i LOVVVvve.
mmmm, not sure about that (though I think that you’re right about them being FF big – but I don’t think that’ll last, certainly not as far as a second album).
Not sure about the ‘trashy Englishness’ either; well, trashy yes, but english…. I don’t even think they articulate northernness that well (but I’m willing to be proved wrong on that, since I’m a Scot).
I agree with the Streets comparison.
(I loathe the Streets)
Oh well, I think I’ll have to be happy to be in the minority on this one… heaven knows that I love enough bands that everyone else hates!