Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Edgy poetry with a fresh sound. Teens and up.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there is some "wanna take it outside?" bad-boy posturing and there are references to drinking and fighting. The cover art features a man smoking.

  • Honest portrayal of young men's machismo.
  • References to rumble-type violence and street fighting.
  • A little bit of innuendo, one reference to prostitution.

What's the story?

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.


Is it any good?

 

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.


What families can talk about

Families can talk about the wonderful songwriting. What makes these songs so visually evocative? Also, where do you draw the line between being honest and glamorizing bad behavior?


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Fresh sound helps make the CD amazing
However, their style of singing isn't exactly for all people; like my little brother thinks they sound in pain when singing. I personally find the style a nice break from all the stuffy-nosed, flat singing that some bands use. Also, you have to listen to "You Probably Couldn't See The Lights But You Were Looking Straight At Me". Awesome song.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
I liked it
If you liked this you should check out the band We Are Scientists.

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Teen, 14 years old
September 7, 2011
 
love love love love love love love;
in love with arctic monkeys. best band in the world.

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Parent of 12 year old
April 2, 2011
 
Wonderful indie/punk music!
The best CD of 2006. Original, fresh, fun, catchy... this album does so many things right! Great for kids/teens who love indie rock.

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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Arctic Monkeys
Release date:February 21, 2006
Label:Domino
Genre:Indie Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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