Here’s my 10 cents on the recent release by these icons of British music.
The Arctic Monkeys are not the same band they were in 2006 with “Whatever People say I am….” but twelve years on their songwriting and musicianship have matured, wonderfully.
“Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” is varied, complex and above all box-fresh.
I suspect the intention may be for it to be seen as a concept album – and here an ace is scored. It is also aimed at dissuading the purchase of single tracks – the scourge of the album market – and arguably disrespectful to an artist’s creative intentions.
As a piece of standalone mastery, it is a class all its own. That said stand-out tracks for me include the title track, “Four Out Of Five”, the more classic AM “Science Fiction” and “The Ultracheese”. Alex’s delivery is as usual, Sheffield steel and the reverb is wonderful.
The homage to Bowie is well done and there are so many film soundtracks and sound beds for commerials their music publishers must be thrilled!
Great job lads, brilliantly executed.
STOP PRESS:
In case you thought I was alone in loving this new album, then you’d be wrong! The judging panel of influential Q Magazine have just announced that “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” has been given the accolade of “Album of the Year 2018”.
Read the report here from the Irish Independent Tranquility Base Album of the Year 2018 – Q Magazine
Do yourself a favour and get a copy for the car and/or the turntable by clicking the Amazon link below the image on the album’s cover.
Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino
In case you have not already heard the stunning debut album by the Arctic Monkeys from 2006 “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” – please click on the Amazon link below the image to secure a CD or vinyl.
Remember this album not only won the Mercury Prize it was also the fastest selling debut Album ever in the history of the UK Charts!
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
Image credits – with grateful thanks – Domino Recordings Limited
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