Throwback Thursday: Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

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

Arctic Monkeys

Original Release date: 23rd January 2006

Available to stream on Spotify - see Spotify player below

After seeing the Arctic Monkeys live this week, there was only one album for Throwback Thursday: 'Whatever People Say I am, That's What I'm Not'. The debut album from the Sheffield band was hugely anticipated. The release date was brought forward to cater for this. They made instant history, breaking UK chart sales by selling 360,000 copies in the first week, making it the fastest-selling debut album in UK chart history, and drawing comparisons with The Beatles. But 'Whatever People Say I am, That's What I'm Not' was only the first page in the Arctic Monkeys story. It was a huge album, that can't be understated no matter your opinion, but their sound and image has transformed and they are now a million miles away from their teenage Indie roots.

The story of this album starts before 2006. Arctic Monkeys were one of the first band's to really use the Internet and particularly social media to their advantage. At the time, MySpace was the top dog. And it was through this and a catalogue of forum sites that the hype around Sheffield's young stars began to grow. In 2004 a number of tracks from the album, including Mardy Bum, I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor and Scummy Man (later changed to When The Sun Goes Down), were released free via the Internet. The demand for more tracks steadily grew, resulting in an official single release of I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor in October 2005. In the accompanying video, a spotty Alex Turner introduces the track with the famous words 'Don't believe the hype'. Arctic Monkeys have always appeared a bit arrogant, and always had a tongue-in-cheek view on the music industry, even in their teens, and this was only the start of it.

The lyrics on the album are the star attraction. Some of the hooks are pure magic and Matt Helders' drumming is sensational, but Turner's lyrics are what set this apart. Their observational style struck a chord with all the teenagers around the country who went on the same seedy nights out, and they became almost gospel for a generation. The album tells a story from start to finish. Starting out before the night out, thinking about what could happen. Then flying into tales of night clubs, dancefloors and 'naughtiness'. Then it's time to go home. Maybe not alone or maybe in a Police van? Before rounding off with a tale of fighting and a hint of romance.

The impact and success of this album was huge, with critics and fans alike. NME christened them 'our generation's most important band', giving the album 10/10 and including it and it's singles in numerous top 100 countdowns. The band were also rewarded with a Mercury Music Prize. The album also performed well in the US, becoming the second fastest selling debut indie album in history.

Watching Arctic Monkeys on stage is a privilege. This is more down to their material than showmanship, even though they have improved in this department. After watching them this week, it is clear to see they have travelled so far from the days of the first album. Although it is and always will be a classic in my eyes, when you put it against the darker, maturer material they have created recently it sounds like a different band. Gone is the cheeky, 'chavy' bravado. Replaced by a sleek, stylish and dark moodiness. Some things will never change though. They still have an exquisite sense of rhythm, can still write an unbelievable hook and Alex Turner still manages to produce sensational lyrics.


Key tracks: I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, When The Sun Goes Down, Dancing Shoes, The View From The Afternoon