FAVOURITE WORST NIGHTMARE - ARCTIC MONKEYS
Arctic Monkeys’ 2006 debut album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,” was a genuine U.K. phenomenon — the fastest-selling debut record ever, winner of major awards and one of those rare albums with enormous impact culturally and commercially. Following up such an album has been the undoing of older heads than the Monkeys’. But this is a sophomore stroll in the park, with the band staying true to their original sonic blueprint while never shirking an opportunity to show off their newfound sophistication. From the increasingly robust musicianship on “Brianstorm” and “Teddy Picker” to the multilayered songwriting of “This House Is a Circus” and “Flourescent Adolescent,” there is more than enough here to make up for any loss of zeitgeist-shattering impact. And this time, they could have a record that will take on the world, not just the United Kingdom. Billboard
