[Arctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am Zip
Sharif Garmon
The debut album from Sheffield's Arctic Monkeys, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" was released on 23 January 2006 and became the fastest selling album in the UK since records began. It won the Mercury Prize that year, and went on to sell 360,000 copies in the UK.
Listen to why Zane chose this album
For the past ten or so years I've been looking for the buzz I got when I listened to "Morning Glory" and "Definitely Maybe". This is the only album since I was about 14 that has managed to make me fall in love with music again! Thanks for re-affirming my faith in good music.
Kris, Glasgow
I first heard of Arctic Monkeys through music chat rooms I use. These were dance music chat rooms and folk on there were raving about them. 'Whatever People Say...' is perfection and I'd go as far to say it's better than Definitely Maybe as a debut album. We played it constantly last summer in Magalluf and will always be in my top 5 albums of all time - in amongst musical greats such as Pink Floyd, Oasis and Paul Weller.
Simon, Glasgow
This album can take its place in history as a true classic and work of genius. This generation have been blessed with the Arctic Monkeys. We are lucky to have them. Alex Turner is an all time great.
Jake Manchester
Without doubt the best band around next to OASIS. The lyrics in every song are pure genius. Saw them live at LCCC end of July, amazing live performers!! Love both albums and cant wait for the next one...keep up the good work lads..rock on!!
Ste - Costa Del Sol, Spain
I'm 41 (eek) and having not got nearly enough fingers and toes to count the number of overhyped 'next big things' that have failed to match the hype. I thought Arctic Monkeys would be another one but no! Sparkling album with no filler. Instant classic.
Nigel, York
When I first heard the album back in 2006 I was blown away by the maturity of the songs and lyrics for a band so young. Awesome - just awesome. - Sean Wright (the album-a-month guy)
Sean Wright, King's Lynn
Arctic Monkeys are awesome. When I first heard 'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor' I was writing a paper for class and thought it was the best song I'd listened to in years. So, I bought this record and absolutely loved it. Every track is excellent- Alex Turner is a lyrical genius. When I listen to the album I picture each story Alex sings. Some tracks I can relate to and others not so much, but regardless, all the songs speak to somebody listening to the record. Reminiscing the good stuff from past, getting past the rough parts of life, that's what the album speaks to me. Tracks on the record that don't pertain to my life help me understand others life's and how to relate to those people. Their live show is filled with energy- I hope they return soon. The band really show a true enjoyment in their music life.
Peter, Minnesota
Appreciate what you have when you have it.. This is not only a great lyrical record, the music...bass, to rhythm, to drum, to false lead to genius lead to killer voice.... there's only one thing missing... FEAR. Nephews of the untouchables, long live the kings (ps saw the Wallbirds tonight, SUPERB)
Tim, From Heanor(Derbys) Live in Arnold(Notts)
Definitely the best album i've ever bought, you can listen to it a hundred times and never get tired of it, the lyrics are brilliant as well as the music, it really defined my music identity and taste. Arctic Monkeys is one of the most talented band at the time.
JoseFettWalker, Mexico
Excellent, Fantastic, Brilliant, Amazing, these words only just start to explain how good this album really is... Arctic Monkeys ae my favourite band and this album is what made me realise they were as good as Oasis... In my opinion this album is on a level par with Oasis "Definitely Maybe"...Legendary Lyrics,Brilliant Beats,Magic Melodys,This album is pure GENIUS, and following by another great album.
Nick, Newcastle (Northumbria University)
From the first time i heard i bet you look good on the dancefloor i literally fell in love with this band! My music taste at the time of hearing this was a bit muddled, i didnt have one band to call my own. then i heard them, this cemented them in my brain as who i want to be, who i want to listen to and who i want to have as MY band! i remeber rushing to buy this, first day of sale, missing my first class in college because i was too busying walking in circles listening to it trying to soak it in. only one word can describe how amazing i think this album is and that it "mesmerizing". now i get my monkeys fix everyday, at least one song that i can sing when im down or when i want to be even happier. ive had songs from that album which mean a lot more to me than anything ive ever heard. songs ive laughed to, songs ive related to and songs that ive just not understood until it happens. its like a orgasm for the ears.... and all other pretensious bull like that.all in all... its goooood! :)xx
Cavna, Sunny Sunny Glasgow
Amazing record. Not a week goes by when I don't play at least one song of it. It's got those moments of sentimentality without creeping into cheese, its got some of the funniest lyrics since Jarvis Cocker was at his peak and most of all, it's just full of tunes!! Cracking choice Zane (oh and your djing for Muse at Wembley was top notch too :D )
Sam, Leicester
My husband dedicated Mardy Bum to me the moment he heard it, its been my ringtone since the album came out.Sadly he died in June of this year, aged 36, the ringtone remains even if he doesnt.Top album, top band and brings back great memories.
Em Milton Keynes
I've been living in Brazil for well over a year so hadn't heard of them.........well until my brother living in Sheffield sent me their album in March, and WOW, FANTASTIC!!So when I heard they where going to play here in Curitiba I wasted no time in going to see them. The line up was Hot Chip, Bjork, Artic Monkeys and the Killers. I have to tell you the Brisilian croud went crazy for them, they gave the other bands a run for their money, the sound was great, they can definitely pull it off live!
Rebecca (English Living in Brazil)
Got the album went it came out and it was good, with some great songs but one of the best albums of all time??? I just can see it at this moment. To be totally honest if we are looking of the best album of this decade then surely its muse's Black Holes and Revalations, The artic's album is good, great for a debut album, just don't see it as a classic.
Paul, Edinburgh
Arctic Monkeys' great feat is managing to mix traditional rock intensity, righteous indignation, and sex, with romance and compassion and poetic perceptiveness in their beautifully observed lyrics. And to somehow set it to perfect heartstopping music. This album is amazing and yet somehow seems inevitable - it had to be made. I just put it in my CD player and never took it out.
Gwen, People's Republic of Cambridge, Massachusett
The single most spine tingleing collection of songs i have ever heard. I remember my mate telling me about them as if it was yesterday. The album is an absolute classic, a debut album that bands could only dream about having.Alex Turner is an absolute lyrical genius.
Dan, Essex
The Arctics have been such an influence in my life, inspiring me after a couple of years to pick my guitar back up and start playing again. This album will be remembered as the album of our generation. Cheers lads.
Matt, Sheffield
I'm noe of those people who thinks they discovered the Wonders of the Monkeys before anyone else. I stand by my judgment, I mean "When the Sun Goes Down" Will ALWAYS be Scummy to me......downright dirty Monkeys
Abi, Kendal
At first i refused to buy this album simply to spite everyone that was going mental over how good it was. But then my brother brought it home one day and i just ahd to listen to see what everyone was going on about,a nd honestly i have never been so in shock at how good music really is. But still being stubborn i pretended i had never listened to it and didnt wnat to until a mate of mine one day sent me a couple of songs and said listen to them so i did and i feel in love with alex's voice straight away again. I am now an obbsessive fan and have literally everything they have ever released, because i am sad. But this honestly is for me a life and music changing album. Even though i prefer the 2nd album this will always be one of the best albums to have been released. And sorry for broing you with this essay.
Emma Griffiths
The first time i heard Arctic Monkeys i knew they would be one of my favourite bands ever. I bought their record, few posters and even their t-shirt. Next thing i bought was a ticket to see them live at Cardiff. Every penny i spent on them was worth it. They are a true masterpiece
Rands
Undoutably the best best album I've ever heard! First heard the album whilst spending a year out in Australia and it typifies the antics me and my friends had out there. Every time I hear any track it just reminds me of the good times! Impossible to choose a favorite for me! Genius.
Tweezer, Keighley
I remember the first time going to see the Monkeys just after the release of "Fake Tales...", getting the mick took out of of me for going to see the "Arctic rats, whoever they are", smiling quietly to myself knowing full well these guys were going to be big. A few months later I was stood in the Leadmill on a Saturday night with the same mates when the opening chords of Mardy Bum started, I've never seen a club full of people respond to a song like that, magic.
Ian, Sheffield
To sum up, this album totally restores my faith in the British music scene. This album shows that good music influence has been passed to the younger generation and produced in an original but highly respectible way! I agree that a masterpiece is indeed an masterpiece, no matter how old it is!! I truly expect my grandchildren to have this album in their collection in years to come (if they have any taste that is!!)
Rebecca, Oxford.