'Humbug' by the Arctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys newest release is the album Humbug.

It was produced by Josh Homme and James Ford.  The band worked with Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age and Them Crooked Vultures) at Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree, California.

They then recorded additional tracks in New York with producer James Ford.  The band recorded a total of 24 new songs, 10 of which appear on the album Humbug.  The album was recorded entirely in the United States.  The first song released from the album was Crying Lightening (released on Jul 6th, 2009)

The Arctic Monkeys are:

Alex Turner (lead vocals and Lead Guitar)

Jamie Cook (guitarist)

Nick O'Malley (Bass Guitar)

Matt Helders (Drums and backing vocals)

HUMBUG

1. "My Propeller" 3:27 -Good opening number, subdued vocals and interesting guitar work.  Love the solo 4 stars

2. "Crying Lightning" 3:43 -The first song released, easy to see why.  This is the song that most people like immediately.  It has a touch of the old Arctic Monkeys.  Great Bass line and amusing lyrics.  5 stars.

3. "Dangerous Animals" 3:30 -"D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S a most unsuitable pet" 4 stars

4. "Secret Door" 3:43 -This one is a bit slower, but I really like the lyrics and the way Turner sings the song. 5 stars

5. "Potion Approaching" 3:32 -One of my favorite tracks on the album.  Great Bass line, interesting guitar work and good groove.  5 stars (I would give it more if I could)

6. "Fire and the Thud" 3:57 -this one is another of my favorites.  Strong groove.  The rhythm section on this one is outstanding.  The drums and Bass together are really incredible. 5 stars

7. "Cornerstone" 3:17 -I love the lyrics. "she was close, close enough to be a ghost, but my chances turned to toast, when I asked her if I could call her your name." 5 stars

8. "Dance Little Liar" 4:43 The music is interesting. 4 stars

9. "Pretty Visitors" 3:40 -Good music, strong lyrics.4 stars

10. "The Jeweller's Hands" 5:42 -This one I like. I will often start with this track when I play the album in the car.  5 stars

Not an in depth song analysis, just pointing out the ones I like. 

If you are looking for a third installment in the Arctic Monkeys sound you may be disappointed.  I think this band has grown incredibly in three albums.  They made great strides between their first and second albums, but this is in a totally different direction.  I will admit I wasn't sure after the first listen.  This album is deeper and musically more diverse than the first two cds.  Don't give up on Humbug I promise it will grow on you and it is well worth it when it does.  I have known people who say "if I don't like it on the first listen, I'll never like it", that's too bad.  You're cheating yourself.  Really strong music needs time to digest and savor.  I am an Arctic Monkeys fan and enjoy all three albums.  Differemt albums for different moods.  I am also a huge Beatles fan.  Look for some similarities...they are there.  One obvious one is how different each album is.  The Beatles grew and expanded with each outing, so do the Arctics.  Great band, Great CD.

Weezer "Raditude"

Raditude was released by Weezer on Tuesday November 3rd.  It is the group's 7th album.  In Rolling Stone magazine Rivers Cuomo gives actor Rainn Wilson (The Office) credit for the title Radtitude.  Apparently Wilson offered several suggestions, but Cuomo instantly liked Radtitude.

Weezer are:

Rivers Cuomo (Lead Vocals, Guitar)

Brian Bell (Guitar, Backing Vocals)

 Scott Shriner (Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals)

Patrick Wilson (Drums)

Rivers Cuomo, the brains behind Weezer, said Raditude "sounds like a roomful of people having a great time".  It does!  This is Nerd Rock unleashed.  You can't listen to this album without smiling.  The music is catchy, the lyrics are smart and amusing, and the drumming is amazing.  Pat Wilson is a very underrated drummer.  Weezer shows their hard rock chops and then slows it down and shows their softer side with a ballad and some Indian inspired music..... they even have Lil Wayne adding a touch of Hip Hop. 

Songs on the Album (Standard Edition)

1. 
   
   (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To..........(5 Stars), great little acoustic pop number.  It is a fast moving catchy tune.  ....."we watched Titanic and it didn't make us sad."
   
   
   
2. 
   
    I'm Your Daddy.............(5 Stars) "take you out for dinner at Palermo's, we'll share a cheese Fondue"
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Girl Got Hot...................(5 Stars) About the Junior High girl we all knew and ignored, who grows up to be hot.  "I knew this girl back in Junior High School, and no one gave her a look"
   
   
   
4. 
   
   Can't Stop Partying..........(5 Stars), You have to know Cuomo is just messing around with lyrics and having a good time. "I gotta have a lot of pretty girls around me."  Lil Wayne adds a nice groove to this song.
   
   
   
5. 
   
   Put Me Back Together.........(5 stars), This song starts slow and builds as you go.  I am a fan of the slow build.  " When I fall down, you put me back together"
   
   
   
6. 
   
   Trippin' Down the Freeway.......(5 Stars), "I told you, that you couldn't be more lame".  The guy can turn a phrase.
   
   
   
7. 
   
   Love Is the Answer..........(2 and 1/2 Stars), This song has an Indian influence.  Indian musicians and singers.  It just seems out of place on the album.  The low point of the album for me.
   
   
   
8. 
   
   Let It All Hang Out ........(5 Stars), Picks back up with a great Rock number.
   
   
   
9. 
   
   In the Mall ........(4 and 1/2 Stars) Good song, but not quite as strong as the first 6.
   
   
   
10. 
    
     I Don't Want to Let You Go............(5 stars), Great end of album song.
    
    
    

Overall I would rate this album between 4 and 1/2 and 5 stars.  It grabs you from the first listen and doesn't let go.  You will want to keep listening, over and over.