Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (by Arctic Monkeys, Indie Rock)

Imagine references to Shakespeare combined with "let's get drunk and take it outside" bad-boy posturing, sung over imaginative punk-infused instrumental tracks? In fact, that's exactly what UK sensation the Arctic Monkeys delivers in spades on WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM, THAT'S WHAT I'M NOT. The singing and playing on this CD are terrific and the production is excellent. But the real star is the songwriting: Edgy poetry about the real-life concerns of wild young men comes off as honest, unpretentious storytelling."No time for Montagues or Capulets/Just banging tunes and DJ sets," in "Dancefloor" is the track with a Shakespearean reference, but all the songs on this CD tell an evocative and visual story.

The Arctic Monkeys deliver stunning performances -- and, ironically, it's the realism and flat-out honesty of these songs that may also raise some parental concerns. There are references to underage drinking and street fights, a de-romanticized portrait of prostitution, a sprinkling of four-letter words, and CD art that makes smoking look cool. Still, the songs are so well written and well performed that this is one album that's probably worth a little PC discomfort and family discussion. The music is just so darn good.

Released on: February 21, 2006
Label: Domino
Genre: Indie Rock