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Mere hours before British radio was supposed to premiere the Arctic Monkeys’ new first single for their forthcoming Humbug, “Crying Lightning” hit the internet. I love when that happens.
The Arctic Monkeys opted to stray from their traditional, straightforward approach and have crafted a song far more complex than say, “I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor.”
The hook isn’t as hook-y as the aforementioned song, but signature Alex Turner melody and lyric is spot on. The guitar work on “Crying Lightning” is especially great. Guitarists Turner, Cook, and Bass Guitarist Nick O’Malley are spinning a web rather than rushing into a raw explosion of sound that has become common in Arctic Monkey records. Listen to “Crying Lightning” here
As a first single, “Crying Lightning” should be used as the looking-glass in through which we’ll see Humbug before we actually get to listen to it. What I see now is a more controlled, matured, hardened band. I have to wonder if that edge, thrill and boldness so proudly displayed on Whatever People Say I Am… is still there.
The Arctics were two for two with Favourite Worst Nightmare. Their sophomore album only proved that there was more to the hype — the songs were better, sharper, but most importantly, their delivery had been mastered, and startlingly enough, Turner’s songwriting had reach the emotional depth beyond his young years.
Truth be told, I really like “Crying Lightning,” but the first listen was disappointing, the attraction wasn’t fatal at all, and I don’t see it holding up against some of the other music released this year. I am not too worried though — I wasn’t blown away by “Brianstorm” either.
Humbug is out August 25th via Domino. According to Prefix Magazine: “The Arctic Monkeys’ much-anticipated third effort was co-produced by Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme and James Ford, who apart from his work in Simian Mobile Disco plays drums in Alex Turner’s other project, The Last Shadow Puppets.”
Tags: Arctic Monkeys, James Ford, Josh Homme, Queens of the Stone Age, Simian Mobile Disco, The Last Shadow Puppets
I think 6/10 is lowballing it, but I did expect more from Josh Homme and the Arctics.
Obviously this track demands at least an 8. Arctic Monkeys FTW! Can’t wait for Humbug.
wuhu! i’m pleasantly surprised, i really like crying lightning!
Yikes… this sounds more like The Last Shadow Puppets than the Arctic Monkeys.
I give it a 5/10
I wonder what NME has to say about this…
I’d go 5 as well. This isn’t going to be ringing around my head all day like I’d hoped.
Maybe RAC can remix this and make it better
OH! That would be so great.
5/10
They played their new stuff at their last Sydney show. It was disappointing. Not excited at all for their new record.
I loved the The Arctic Monkeys last album I hope that they do not hit a lull and there sound remains fresh.
it just lacks a bit of the immediacy their old stuff had
it doesnt grab you on first listen…but it coudl be a grower
lets hope the ablums good
This will grow on you. You will be swallowing that 6/10 soon!
It really, really grew on me.
Another solid effort, I’d say.
My review: http://musicfansmic.com/2009/07/07/arctic-monkeys-crying-lightning/
This is completely catchy in an unexpected way – it kinda sneaks up on you
Sounds far more grownup, gives me lots of hope for the cd
Hopefully there is some more pub anthems on the rest of the cd
I liked it after the first listen and it is still growing on me now.
It’s a much more mature and dark sound than heard previously but I like it.
As Turner said it’s a strange choice for a single but if that is what encapsulates the whole album then surely it’s a good choice.
Chris
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10/10…..cant wait Humbug.
Arctic Monkeys are totally grown up now
wait till ‘Pretty Visitors’, its awesome.