Why I downloaded it: There was a 2 page story in the May issue of GQ that discussed how ridiculously popular this band is in the UK. Shortly after that I read a review of the album in Bass Player magazine's "BP Recommends" section. (Great example of the effect of repetitive coverage, with the secondary coverage prompting my checking out the album.)
Rhapsody's review: The Arctic Monkeys' 2006 debut was a massive hit in their native Britain and even broke the U.S. Top 40. The excitement of the new is gone for this follow-up, but the Arctic Monkeys prove they weren't a flash in the pan. Here, their guitar sound is streamlined, putting even more of a spotlight on Alex Turner's cheeky teenage narratives. The feel of the AMs sets them apart more than their sound does. They don't ape the Beatles, the Smiths or the Jam, but update their quintessentially English approach, showing that poor, provincial yobs can see right through their "betters."
My take: You ever try on a pair of shoes and they fit but aren't necessarily comfortable? But you figure after a while you'll wear them in. Music used to be like that. You'd shell out your allowance and buy a CD after hearing one or two songs on the radio, or you sacrifice beer money to buy the fifth album from a favorite group on the day it comes out. After listening for the first time you're like "eh." But because you just shelled out the bucks and you can't just go to the store and get a new CD you listen to it again and again and again. Eventually you know all the songs and lyrics and you think it's great!
For better or for worse, those days are gone with digital music and especially subscription music. If I download an album because I like a couple a songs and the rest of the album doesn't appeal I just delete the songs I don't care for. Or if I try something by someone I never heard of before and the first couple tracks don't appeal, I don't even bother with the rest. I just listen to something else.
After listening to Favourite Worst Nightmare for the first time, I listened to it a second time. And a third. And it's still getting heavy rotation. Like a rare pair of shoes, it was comfortable the first time I put it on and it became a favourite very quickly. Rhapsody classifies the genre as Indie Rock but if I had to describe it I'd say it's a cross between punk and pop rock, with a subtle 80's new wave influence. Heck maybe that's what Indie Rock is? I don't know. What I do know is that this album was enjoyable from the get go and if you like groups as diverse as The Clash, Green Day, No Doubt, Maroon 5, White Stripes, or Depeche Mode - or in other words - if you like music - you'll probably dig this album too.
About the Weekly Rhap: Anyone that follows my Multiply knows that I'm a huge proponent of Rhapsody (and other unlimited music subscription services). The model has changed the way I consume music as much as the DVR changed the way I watch tv. What I love most about it is that I can check out any new album or artist on a whim risk free, and by check out I don't mean a 30-second preview. I can put the whole album on my MP3 player and listen 20 times. Sometimes I get too busy and don't check out new stuff as often as I should, so I'm going to try to briefly review an album a week to ensure I don't miss anything. If you have any suggestions for albums I should listen to, let me know!
