And your ears shall hear…

Yesterday I was sent You Tube links for the Arctic Monkey’s “505,” and “Florescent Adolescent,” which are both great songs from their second album Favourite Worst Nightmare.  I have been thoroughly enjoying their fourth, and latest effort, Suck it and See, so the timing was impeccable.  “Black Treacle” has been stuck in my head for days, permanently burning a spot on my iPhone’s hard-drive.

The quick look back served as an example of how good the Monkey’s once were, and how great they have become.  They have a catalog that spans everything from dance rock to pop, though these days it seems they are moving closer to perfecting their pop life.  Hard to say, but this new entry could eclipse everything they’ve done up to this point.  The band continues to expand their repertoire with hooks and harmonies that supersede their heroes.  Reference the opening track “She’s Thunderstorms.”  It begins with some eery finger picking, that evolves into a pulsating riff, then explodes into pop heaven.  “Lying on her front/Up against the wall/She’s thunderstorms.”  The changes are not forced.  Here, drums build to a staccato and give way to a light, breathy chorus.  Suck it and See has such a natural, organic feel.  Something that is only possible through practice and perseverance.

The title song, “Suck it and See,” would make both the Beatles and Elvis jealous, with its singsong melodies.  Really, take a listen and tell me what you hear? 

Arctic Monkeys – Suck It And See

The boys might have outdone themselves this time, which seems to be the pattern.

Arctic Monkeys – The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala