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March 9, 2006

The Cool American Chill for the Arctic Monkeys

The long hyped invasion of the chilled simians from Sheffield, England began over six months ago when the pseudo-“gospel”thumping music leader of British weekly triviality, the NME, proclaiming them to the “next big thing.” The fastest-selling debut album ever in Britain brought them critical acclaim and the magic buzz that surrounds the “next big thing”. Unfortunately, that critical acclaim and internet buzz got lost on both the American music buyers and radio heads somewhere over the Atlantic. The “loss” reached such an extent The Wall Street Journal devoted a column to the lack of sales and radio airplay for them in America. (Hope the British GNP is not based on how their musicians sell. Still, the Stones can give them some money. Preferably pound sterling and not that Euro rubbish U2 would be sending from Ireland)

“Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am Not”, the title of the Arctic Monkeys debut album is very fitting because reviewers, critics and writers have missed the boat by dumping them together with Franz Fernando, which they are not. Although both record for the Domino label, the similarity ends earlier on when first hearing their album. Arctic Monkeys bleed the wonders of Wire, The Wedding Present, The Rakes and Nine Black Alps and, yes to some extent, the early early days of the Gang of Four (which Franz F really is trying to emulate); the glass shattering chords, plunging sharp drum hits and back bass runs which fill in the silent moments of echoing distorted guitar. Even their song titles show a marked difference with; “You Probably Couldn't See for the Lights But You Were Staring Straight,” “Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured Ahead” and their break out hit “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor.”

The Wall Street Journal Article, “London’s Calling But U.S. Fans Aren’t Picking Up” brought up several points to ponder regarding the success or failure of an album. From the beginning of the Arctic Monkey hyped to the day their CD actually hitting the stores and legal online download sites, more than six months had passed and sustaining a hype in these days on instant communications and illegal downloads might have cause a lose of interest because of the time span and also from the over saturation of their first single “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” on radio. Secondly, and one I find more interesting, is the theory rock critics, radio programmers and music magazines have less power and persuasion than before. There are more magazines than before. Just go look at the magazine rack at Barnes & Noble or Borders and see how many music mags there are. Beyond the NME the Arctic Monkeys are the “next big thing” for Rolling Stone and CMJ, Blender and Q and Punk Rock, the titles are endless and their power has diminished. Radio in all forms has changed also. Radio was once free now satellite can give you many channels for some monthly charge. Internet radio has been the platform for the launch of the Arctic Monkeys more than conventional radio. BBC 6 internet only radio was first on the band wagon. KEXP 90.3 in Seattle was another. Both these stations are wonderful for the passionate music listener and lead before the hype sets in.

Posted by nick on 9:46 AM | Comments (1)