Track Of The Week & Album Review

This track may have been released last week but I have been unable to post on my blog recently due to family holidays in corners of Cornwall which have thoroughly  refused to join the 21st Century and have wifi, however this song is still one of the best recent releases. This weeks track goes to Arctic Monkeys' 'Hellcat Spangled Shalalala' the latest single of their 4th album 'Suck It And See'. This song lives up to it's title opening with spangly guitars before being pulled back down with the earthy base and held together with Alex Turner's wonderfully witty lyrics.
 This song is indicative of their whole album. It's bursting with layers of different sounds and riffs which whilst being often complicated and intricate are not inaccessible to listeners, indeed they rather draw you into the record. Turners' charming lyrics hold this record together and, whilst not always being that easy to understand, are none the less beautifully crafted, intoxicating and pure northern genius! It also has a distinctly retro vibe which instead of seeming dated or unoriginal draws inspiration from the past whilst creating something innovative and fresh.
In short this album is beyond increible! When you listen to it you feel like you're hearing something momentous; something akin to a masterpiece. It's closely linked to previous albums with the punch of their first two, the confident crooning of the third and the skill that comes with experience and age without any of the things that've hampered them in the past such as the impersonal lyrics of 'Humbug'. It seems like within this album the band has rediscovered their humour and lightened up which has allowed their music to evolve into it's full potential.
I sincerely recommend this album to anyone who appreciates alternative rock/ any rock at all. It's a treat to listen to and is one of my all time favourite albums.

New Video and Album Release

This week has quite honestly been huge for alternative music fans. Not only has there been new videos released from the mighty Kings Of Leon but also a so called 'career defining' albums by many critics from the equally huge Arctic Monkeys. In short lots to make an indie girl happy!
King's new video is a sweet video for a sentimental song which works well without being too over the top as some of there others have been. And Arctic's new album seems set to elevate the band even higher into rock royalty with the amazing single 'Don't Sit Down 'Cos I've Moved Your Chair' and the beautiful 'Piledriver Waltz' from Submarine's soundtrack.
They've also released tour dates for November so why not go see them in an arena probably not near you at all.

Track of the Week

This week's track goes to Arctic Monkey's shock release of their first single from their fourth album 'Suck It and See' which is called 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair'.  To cut to the chase I love this song! It's, as usual for the Arctic's, characterised by Alex Turner's effortlessly witty lyrics which when coupled with their innovative yet timeless rock music makes for some incredible songs. I cannot wait for their album as they seem to be truly back on rocking form!

Arctic Monkeys Album Teaser

Arctic Monkeys have shocked everyone by releasing a new short song seemingly the second they've finished recording it in California with no explanation or clues as to when their new album will be out.
So apart from the surprise of the shock release what's the song actually like? Well reviews have been mixed and fans appear to be split with some ecstatic and others thoroughly nonplussed. One of the word that keeps popping up when this song is described is change and it's true this track is a million miles away from their first influential and no nonsense album. Instead of the clear thrashing drums, powerful bass and intricate lyrics which defined their earlier work it's now distorted, fuzzy, simplistic and reminiscent of the 70's. They no longer sound like the monumental band that came from no where and ruled the rock scene with their witty lyrics and simple riffs but now more like the long gone rock elite.
Some will celebrate this change in direction as it shows that they're evolving as a band and not resting on their laurels and I agree that it's important to grow as a band. Others will say that this change is a loss as through their development as a band they've lost what it was that made them so great and I regrettably have to agree as well. I don't dislike this song and found that it grows on you the more you listen to it but when compared to their old material it just feels like something is missing. 
 I'll be eagerly awaiting the release of more material to see whether they have successfully managed to keep the essence of what makes them great whilst simultaneously developing. 

5 Songs Whirring Round My Head This Week

'Trickster' Radiohead
A track of their EP My Iron Lung it's one of their slightly rockier songs which is lead by their high pitched guitar and Yorke's distinctive yet slightly muffled voice. With inventive and layered riffs this song has some of my favourite guitar ever. A genius song from a genius band.



'Twenty Twenty Surgery' Taking Back Sunday
Another atypical rock song with a slightly too repetitive beat, improved with some unexpected twists, it's nevertheless still a good song. You'll find yourself quickly singing along to the self involved lyrics and vocal style of Adam Lazzara which sounds like he is singing call and response with himself. An energetic and immersing song.



'E.S.T.' White Lies
Off their first album this song opens with very Joy Division like drums and ominous tones then creates a juxtaposed feel with the rhythmic bass. Full of cheery lyrics like "I leave my memoirs on the floor of my fears" and "fate always loses hope" it's an emotive song with a distinctly eighties vibe.



'Crying Lightening' Arctic Monkeys
The first single of their revolutionary third album where they seemed to completely reinvent themselves from the no nonsense Sheffield  boys into the more serious indie band and this song reflects that shift from the more obscure lyrics to the fuzzy sounding guitar.



'Pretty Handsome Awkward' The Used
This is a fairly unknown American rock band which also happens to be my best friends all time favourite band which is how I got into them. This song is an anthem; it's catchy and interesting to listen to. It's a beast of a song from a very beastly looking man. A real rock song.