Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (Review: Dan)

It wasn't until after I listened to the entire album that I realised that I have actually heard this record before, in it's entirity. Many times. But it was nice to be able to find myself singing along every now and again, where my memory served me well.

I've always insisted that I don't like the Arctic Monkeys, because I don't like Alex Turner's voice. But having listened to the album a few times now, I have to admit; It's damn catchy.

The whole thing is full of catchy guitar riffs and it has a great mix of energetic songs and then some slower songs, like Mardy Bum.

I had, at first been listening to the album through Spotify, but I then decided that I wanted it for my ipod so had to swallow my pride and borrow the album from Ben. However, I'm no longer ashamed. AlbumSwap appears to have done it's job by introducing me to an album that I've really enjoyed. Little things that bug me are that a lot of the songs do sound quite similar - only in that they appear to follow the same formula. But I can't really knock them for that, I just think they don't really show and diversity to their talent.

I still stick by what I said regarding Alex Turner's vocals though. His scouse accent makes his singing seem a bit more 'talky' than it perhaps is and it sounds quite laid back. It fits quite nicely with the music, but I think even the music suffers from the same problem in that it is possibly a bit lazy. But it is their chosen sound and admittedly it works really well for them. They've grabbed themselves a headlining spot at this year's Reading and Leeds Festival, so I think I'll be getting their new album and their last one so I'm all ready to see them.

All the songs are really short, most of the album's tracks are under three minutes in length. Short but sweet I suppose...

Overall, I liked the album. There was nothing that majorly stood out above all the rest, it was all just a nice easy listen and I enjoyed it all. 4/5.

My favourite few tracks were:
[2]I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
[7]Riot Van
[9]Mardy Bum
[11]When The Sun Goes Down

Dan.