America Finally Imports Latest Brits: Arctic Monkeys

As Americans we tend to recycle our music but are rarely swept into a mania. Sometimes, it takes a while for us to feel any sort of mania that may be happening throughout the rest of the world, especially in England.

It took us almost a year and a half to catch on to the Beatles and the British invasion. We signed on to Coldplay far after “Yellow” was released throughout the rest of the world. It took a “Wonderwall” to breakdown the door to those quirky Gallagher brothers of Oasis. So who the hell are the Arctic Monkeys?

The hype has increased around The Arctic Monkeys after two number one singles in their native Great Britain. They have already procured millions of fans that absolutely adore them after their first tour in America. “When the Sun Goes Down,” and “I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor” have barely broken radio play in the States, yet their album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I Am Not,” debuted in the American charts at number 24 – nothing to scoff at.The Monkeys have received instant fame throughout the world, and must feel jittery about the praise from members of the respected music community, such as White Stripes front man Jack White, who said they’re his favorite new band.

The Arctic Monkeys performed on “Saturday Night Live” just a few weeks ago, but unlike The Beatles’ Ed Sullivan performance, it did little to boost their popularity. The reaction to the band was a bit timid; at one moment lead singer Alex Turner pointed a finger at the audience and yelled, “that man just yawned.”

The Arctic Monkeys are selling out shows all over the United States before they are old enough to drink. Lead singer Alex Turner and guitarist Jamie Cook are both 20, and bassist Andy Nicholson and drummer Matthew “The Cat” Helders are both 19. Their first album is the fastest selling debut album in Great Britain – not bad for a band that is not on a major label or old enough to remember “Thundercats.” It is a fantastic whirlwind of punk and indie rock that will give Franz Ferdinand and The Strokes a run for their money. The band is currently on tour in America and will be making a stop on June 12 at Sonar in Baltimore.

British bands come and go without making much of an imprint on American pop culture. We’re a tough town (country) to break into and we won’t be wrapped up in any kind of mania that is not in boy band form. The band has released an E.P. that will soon hit United States stores with the ironic title “Who the Fuck Are the Arctic Monkeys?” We were just thinking the same thing.

Source: thetowerlight.com