One of the most consistently brilliant bands of this century is back on the culture frontlines with their lounge-infused (and not exactly un-divisive) sixth album, “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino”.
To honor Alex Turner and the boys, let’s highlight some of the best songs from their extensive and wondrous back catalog.
“When The Sun Goes Down” (2006)
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
The subtle guitars that start ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ let you know to focus on the story rather than the melodies. Through the song Alex Turner sings about the prostitutes lurking around the band’s studio, and offers a humanizing look at people in the sex industry. The fast punk energy only emphasizes the sense of danger the women face, as Turner also vilifies their pimps and Johns. Alex even pays homage to ‘Roxanne’ and makes Ford Mondeo sound poetic in his gloomy ballad. The clever storytelling and righteous guitars come together for a catchy and thought-provoking track.
“Arabella” (2013)
AM
Whether it’s the Latin riffs or Alex Turner’s stellar poetry, ‘Arabella’ has a hypnotizing effect. This fits its titular woman perfectly, as Turner describes a woman so attractive that he’s become obsessed with her. Alex’s descriptions get so cosmic that he even says Arabella is made of outer space. Hard-rock riffs give the song a kick in energy, while subtly referencing Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs.’ The bridge really pushes things over the top before the band lets loose into the most insane solo of their career. The extravagant writing and performances have left ‘Arabella’ as one of the band’s loudest songs.
“Brianstorm” (2007)
Favourite Worst Nightmare
While the Arctic Monkeys had evolved their sound on their second album, ‘Brianstorm’ proved they could completely shift gears. The track opens their album at a vicious pace, and never lets up for a second. ‘Brianstorm’ is also bolstered by an unbelievably fast and complex drum line, one some critics have even argued you could listen to without the music. After meeting a memorably weird Brian backstage, the band brainstormed as many crazy qualities as they could about him for lyrics. Though Arctic Monkeys have plenty of punk spirit in their songs, ‘Brianstorm’ showed they could craft a feeling around it.
Do you think they look good on the dancefloor? Then let us know what’s your fave Monkeys jam!