ARCTIC MONKEYS – SUCK IT AND SEE

In comparison to their rough-and-ready debut “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” five years ago, this album is by far softer and subtler. “Suck It And See” was produced by James Ford, co-producer of the previous two albums.

The Arctic Monkeys stay faithful to their basic formula while continuing to develop their style. Notwithstanding, this album is regrettably absent of potential hitmakers like “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor” or “Teddypicker”. You have to give it to the Monkeys, though, that during the run of their career they’ve matured from wild spring chickens to veritable instrumentalists.

Besides the pre-release single “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair”, the 12 tracks include a re-recording of “Piledriver Waltz” (originally released on the film soundtrack “Submarine”, with lyrics by and songs performed solo by Monkey frontman Alex Turner). The catchy “Brick By Brick” is for example a concept song whereby each member of the quartet contributed a few lines of lyrics, as long as they fit to the motto “Brick by Brick”.

The album title is derived from a British expression and can be understood simply as “Give it a try”. In the USA however it’s objectionable and the offensive title is censored on the album cover.

The next live appearance of the Arctic Monkeys in Germany is on August 28, 2011 in Munich’s Olympiapark.

Tracklist

01. She’s Thunderstorms
02. Black Treacle
03. Brick by Brick
04. The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala
05. Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair
06. Library Pictures
07. All My Own Stunts
08. Reckless Serenade
09. Piledriver Waltz
10. Love Is a Laserquest
11. Suck It and See
12. That’s Where You’re Wrong

Release date

June 3, 2011

Label/Distribution

Domino/Rough Trade