REVIEW :: 'AM' by Arctic Monkeys

This album has been high on my list for anticipated releases in September, and I've been so busy that it was released right under my nose!

In the recent weeks, I've fallen in love with Arctic Monkeys. I'm a sucker for a smooth voice.

This whole album's vibe exudes sex appeal. Is it Alex Turner's sultry voice, or the strategic use of awesome electric guitar riffs or thick bass notes? Perhaps it's the sexy lyrics combined with all of the above. Either way, 'AM' has a fantastic feel to it. There's little to dislike about this album.

Though the album seems to have the same sort of tone, it slows down by the time one reaches No. 1 Party Anthem, ironically, being the first slow track on the album to appear.

'AM' has a multigenerational tone to it, a mix of yesterday and today. Turner's voice harks back to 70s and 80s rock, yet stays planted in the present for a modern sound. With pre-release singles such as R U Mine?, Do I Wanna Know?, and Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?, you're hooked before the album's even released.

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What's interesting about the Arctic Monkeys is that every album has it's own sound, vibe, and feel. The common denominators are the band members themselves, but that's about it. They're constantly experimenting with their sound, yet staying intrinsically themselves. Often times bands can't pull this off without losing a significant amount of fans, but the Arctic Monkeys are an exception.

One song I hope is released as a bonus track is Stop The World I Wanna Get Off With You, since it's nowhere to be found on the regular track list. Hmph.

Here are some recommended tracks off of 'AM'

• One For The Road
• Arabella
• R U Mine?
• Snap Out Of It
• Knee Socks
• I Wanna Be Yours

AM is now available on iTunes for purchase and Spotify for streaming.

Till next time xx,

Sierra

P.S. What's your favourite track off the new album?

Weekly Tuneage :: Arctic Monkeys

Now it's 3 in the morning, and I'm trying to change your mind...
Recently I've been really into Arctic Monkeys, which kind of came out of nowhere. This song has been on repeat, and the video is really, um, interesting (slight viewer discretion advised). Lead singer Alex Turner stars in his own video, wandering the streets of the city high as a kite. The song is fairly straightforward, but it's extremely catchy. I especially love the chorus.  This song and Do I Wanna Know? really get me pumped for their new album, AM. I'm really glad I discovered this band when I did! (I blame the Internet).  Is this song stuck in your head yet? Say it in the comments! Till next time xx, Sierra

Videos of the Week: Arctic Monkeys, John Butler

Do I Wanna Know? // Arctic Monkeys
This sexy song from british rockers Arctic Monkeys has been on repeat for days in my house. Part of what I like about them is that their music style tends to change album-to-album, but they stay intrinsically unique and themselves. The video itself is rather different and simplistic at first, then takes a turn for the artistically bizarre. Excellent song, cool video, what more do you need? Definitely playing off their new album AM and its cover art.
Ocean // John Butler

My friend Lauren introduced me to (the babely) John Butler a year or two ago, and I'm consistently amazed at his guitar playing. Yes, it's a 12-minute video, but you'll be mesmerized throughout the entire thing. It's beautiful, relaxing, and it's awesome to see a man lost in the moment and passion of his own music. A must-see video, especially if you're a guitar player/fan like me! (I wish I could play as complexly as this guy, maybe one day!) Have a fantastic, music-filled day! Till next time xx, Sierra