Ah, Bao brought his flash this time! :) Nice job!

"but I will make the risky predication that many critics of the Arctic Monkeys will be pleasantly surprised by how well-crafted these songs are."

is this in response to all the comments yesterday?

we wont be talking about Artic Monkeys in 20 years and we wont be talking about the Last Shadow Puppets in 3

^^^^^^^
This dude hates his mommy and daddy.

i love my parents. they're great people.

i was just curious if some of the statements made in this post are in response to what was discussed yesterday.

and for the record, i dont mind the artic monkeys and i will give LSP a listen as well

i'm so bummed i missed this show

Yes Bao i am shocked as well that people would fly in just to see this little warm up 8 song bullshit. Shocking. Also shocking BV is with so many better things going on last night you chose to highlight this first. Kind of weird.

Excuse me? What the fuck? The Artic Monkeys do not have MORE DEVOTED FANS THAN THE KOOKS. I deeply resent that! I drove 6 fucking hours just to see them in San Diego. I take pride in my fandom, how dare you try and take that away.

it's not really shocking if you think about it. many regard alex turner as one of the greater singers/songwriters alive today, so it shouldn't come off as a surprise to have a fan or two fly in to see his spin-off band perform songs for the first time ever.

it would be like flying somewhere to go see the raconteurs play for the first time ever before any material had been released, which if you are a big jack white fan would seem expensive, but not all too crazy

anyway the show last night was great - i loved the songs, they had a much darker feel to them. "only the truth" was a killer

"many regard alex turner as one of the greater singers/songwriters alive today,"

WHAT? What freaking idiots thnk that besides one or 2 people in this comment thread and a slavish british music press which annoints a new hero every day? The show last night did not even sell out as it was. Everyone got in and there was still room and that is a place that fits only 100 people

He is a great songwriter. The British press do hype people, but he hasn't buckled under it or bought into it - the hype isn't his fault. That a show isn't a sellout doesn't say anything about how talented a songwriter is - what kind of crazy logic is that?! Anyway, if this had been in Britain, or in Mainland Europe, there would be hundreds and hundreds trying to get in.

^So a bunch of kids in England and NME consider him a great songwriter? Anyone else? I'd love some links.

Anon 2:26pm hahahah right on.

"That a show isn't a sellout doesn't say anything about how talented a songwriter is"

No, but it does poke holes in that lame statement that many regard him as one of the great singer songwriters today

"if this had been in Britain, or in Mainland Europe, there would be hundreds and hundreds trying to get in."

Anon 2:15 you are a fucking dummy.

Who else considers him to be a good songwriter? *sigh* Press wise - The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, Mojo, Uncut, Q etc, American reviewers have always been positive too. He's won the Mercury prize and was nominated for it again the year after. Yeah a "bunch of kids" rate him, NOT just in England - AM pull in big audiences all over the world. He's headlined Glastonbury's Friday night slot at the age of 21.

"That a show isn't a sellout doesn't say anything about how talented a songwriter is"

No, but it does poke holes in that lame statement that many regard him as one of the great singer songwriters today

-I didn't make that "lame statement". But many do think he is a great songwriter, you can't really dispute that, just look at AM's album and ticket sales.

"if this had been in Britain, or in Mainland Europe, there would be hundreds and hundreds trying to get in."

Anon 2:15 you are a fucking dummy.

How does that me a fucking dummy?! Honestly, the mind boogles, it is a fact that he couldn't do something like this in Europe because of the demand.

"Honestly, the mind boogles, it is a fact that he couldn't do something like this in Europe because of the demand"

Well this statement certainly proves that you are a dummy. What does boogles mean?

"Who else considers him to be a good songwriter"

NO NO NO no backtracking now. The statement was he is considered by many to be one of the greatest songwriters out there today. Not just a good songwriter. Don't even try that bullshit

"He's won the Mercury prize and was nominated for it again the year after"

Yawn and?

"He's headlined Glastonbury's Friday night slot at the age of 21"

Yawn and? Its a festival. Kids are coming to see lots of bands. And he did not headline it, Arctic Monkeys did. Very different.

Well, maybe I can't spell, but you can't read - 'I didn't make that "lame statement"'. I just think he's a very good songwriter but, yes, most of those publications probably would agree that he's a great songwriter.

The Mercury is a prestigious prize, personally I don't give a shit about it, you're the one that needs proof and "links" to back up opinions.

I don't care that he headlined Glastonbury either, if he played in my local pub I'd still rate him. You asked for proof that "many regard him as one of the great singer songwriters today". If Glastonbury doesn't fit the bill because of the other acts also playing, what about their Manchester gigs - 100,000 people came to see them play over two days.

Yeah, just because AM are popular doesnt make him a great songwriter.

"But many do think he is a great songwriter, you can't really dispute that, just look at AM's album and ticket sales."

I am disputing it, and you really aren't proving it. You listened a bunch of English publications. Yet you haven't provided any quotes. And what about this side of the pond?

I think it could be say that people now consider Conor Oberst one of the best modern songwriters. (I'm not saying this, but it has been printed or said enough for many to recall - Paste's recent list of 100 Greatest Living Songwriters comes to mind).

The Mercury prize is not given out for songwriting specifically, so this doesn't really support your case. And also, AM may have won in 2006, but lost out to the Klaxons for 2007.

"Well, maybe I can't spell"

At last, finally a true factual statement that you are making

Congrats

Dude, I like the Mars Volta cause of the show they put on. Not cause of their song writing ability.

Having tons of fans does not mean all those people are fans because of his songwriting.

How dense are you?

"Having tons of fans does not mean all those people are fans because of his songwriting."

Is it his astounding charisma, his dress sense or great looks then?

"You listened a bunch of English publications. Yet you haven't provided any quotes. And what about this side of the pond?"

Just use google if you want quotes ffs, as for America - NY Times etc.

But Arctic Monkeys aren't Mars Volta - it's really striped back, they just play the songs well and that's all you'll get from them live.

Are you people really using music publications to validate someone's songwriting skills or lack thereof?

^we havent even gotten to that point, cause i havent seen one publication that has hinted at AM being really great songwriters

My point about Mars Volta was this: just because a band is popular and has fans (Fall Out Boy, Nickel Back, Hannah Montana) does not mean it's because they are great songwriters.

I shouldn't have to spell that out for you.

I just tried google. There's a few pieces calling him a good, or even great, songwriter. And like I said, I won't say he's bad, cause I like AM. But this is what you said: "many regard alex turner as one of the greater singers/songwriters alive today." I haven't found anything resembling this. And you haven't shown me (telling me to do a google search isn't really proving your point).

If you don't want to try to ACTUALLY prove what you're saying, fine, but stop commenting already.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/30/arts/music/30monkeys.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin

the new york times seems quite fond of his lyrics

http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/9199780/review/9359479/whatever_people_say_i_am_thats_what_im_not

as do rolling stone

i don't really get what you need as proof of him being a great songwriter. he's won several awards, already has the greatest british debut in history, has a side-project, has two extremely successful albums, has received great praise from several renowned groups (the strokes, the clash), headlined glastonbury, and he's only 22

meanwhile you're probably 27 and sitting at your computer making anonymous internet blog posts about how much his songwriting sucks.

also all the credit that arcitc monkeys are getting should really go directly to him - he is the main creative force, and the only one from the actual band that contributes to the writing of the songs

also everyone on this blog is either referring to him as "great" "good" or "not bad" - i don't hear any "terrible" or "completely over-hyped" remarks.

in a world full of hate-fueled criticism, that lack of overt backlash should be proof enough that he's quite a good songwriter

^First of all, thank you. That's all I was asking for and it seems that some publications really do like him (the NY Times piece especially). Though a lot of those "voice of a generation" praises came when AM was first introduced.

But both of those pieces are regarding the first album. I'm not saying he's still not successful, and that their second album was a flop, but I don't see anyone calling him one of the greatest songers alive right now. I mean, the NY Times didnt even say that. It's kinda hard to say that with only 2 (1 at the time) albums out.

I dont need proof of him being a great songwriter. This is because that's an opinion. I was just curious as to who all these people are who do think he's one of the best songwriters alive. Yes, he has a look of praise and success, and a good amount of talent, but no one is acting like he's the second-coming. And that's my point. He's good; shit he could even be great. But 20 years from now I doubt he or AM will really be remembered.

Look, I never said he songwriting sucked. If you actually paid attention to my comments, you would have read that I actually like AM. And you know what, he'll be more successful than I will ever be, and I'm really okay with that.

Try not to be such a dick.

come on guys, stop arguing already, it makes me feel sad.

some more photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/leiajospe/sets/72157604055322489/

Arghhh can we stop with all this already?! The show was great, Arctic Monkeys shows are great, let's all listen to the music we enjoy and live HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

^Shut the fuck up.

damn. for someone who doesn't think much of alex turner, you sure spend alot of time and effort putting him down.

Alex Turner and Jack White are the top two greatest songwriters of our generation!!

alex turner created the heavens and the earth, in, like, 6 days. on the 7th day, he played guitar at Cake Shop.

"But 20 years from now I doubt he or AM will really be remembered."

That's a pretty bad way to win an argument about how great a lyricist someone is. You've been asking someone else to back up their statements, but how are you going to provide evidence to back up your own claim? Lets all meet back on the BV comments section in 2028?

I'd like to point out that Alex Turner won the Ivor Novello, which is only given to the song writer, not the band.

Also, most decent music writers aren't going to come out and flat out say "he's the best song writer of a generation." It's going to get dressed up, and it can be hard to point to specific quotes that sound right when out of context. In their review of the second album NME favorably compared Alex to Truman Capote. Entertainment Weekly said "But their lyrics set them apart, with verses that can stand alongside those by Stephen Sondheim, Nas, and Dylan Thomas". They also said "on the best tracks, when Turner dreams of a distant lover (''...lying on your side, with your hands between your thighs'') or an unhappily reformed party girl (''You used to get it in your fishnets/Now you only get it in your nightdress''), it feels more intimate...It's the sort of wisdom, and emotion, of which rock poet laureates are made."

They're not coming out and making blatant statements, but by drawing comparisons like that they are saying something very strong about his greatness as a lyricist.

how can he be the best songwriter of a generation, when Jeffrey Lewis is being called a genius, "21st Cent Bob Dylan" (just look at some of his press in England for ex). So that would make Jeffrey Lewis the best? There can be only one best at a time.

Thanx

And btw, Last Shadow Puppets > Arctic Monkeys.

http://www.nme.com/reviews/arctic-monkeys/8427

Thank you Sarah, that's all I was asking for.

I don't think he's going to be remembered...it's just my opinion.

I just don't see how anyone can (seriously) get all up in arms when the kid is only 22 and only has 2 albums. Yeah, he gets good press. And yeah, I won't debate that he doesn't deserve it, but only than some articles (a good amount i will admit), I dont see anyone saying he is "one of the greater singers/songwriters alive today."

My issue was with this statment. It seems quite silly. And i wanted to know who. And though people are saying he's good, I don't think anyone is crowning him king just yet.

Give him a few years, and prove me wrong. id be okay with that.

I was at the show and I loved every minute of it. Jeffrey Lewis is a fucking twat so don't give me that shit. Neither of them are the best, they're both pretty decent, but Alex is better. Jeffrey Lewis the next Bob Dylan? Not in a fucking million years! Peace

Hey I am one of those high-school girls he talks about in that article and I can honestly say that concert will be something I will never forget. It was one of the best last minute decissions I have ever made and Alex Turner is a GOD at least in my eyes (I'm not saying everyone views him this way) I thought the show was amazing the songs were great they were both so friendly afterword and I have no complaints.

same people who don't even fucking know who bob dylan IS.
it's pathetic to mention dylan in the same sentence as these people. they've made a couple of records, for fuck's sake.

and where do these guys get their clothes? eddie bauer? punk it's not.

I am the second high school girl who flew in from michigan to see the show and I have no regrets. I can honestly say that it's something I will never forget. Alex Turner and Miles Kane are two of my favorite musicians. Sooo whoever thinks we're weird, no, you're weird for not having passion in the music you love like we do.

"and where do these guys get their clothes? eddie bauer? punk it's not."

What do their clothes have to do with anything? And if you can find a quote from either Alex or Miles where they claim to be punk, well done you, because I'm a huge fan and have never read or heard either of them claim that.

"same people who don't even fucking know who bob dylan IS.
it's pathetic to mention dylan in the same sentence as these people"

I was raised on Bob Dylan, but I still think Alex Turner is a brilliant lyricist. So I guess some of us Arctic Monkeys fans DO know who Bob Dylan is. And I do think some of Alex's lyrics capture a mood of this time and this generation in a similar way to Dylan.

then tell us a song off of, say, Blood on the Tracks...???

...that's what we thought.

Anon 4:28am
Hahahaha perfect

To Chelle and Allie, fear not young girls. You will see the error of your ways in a few years.

Oh you're right. Because I decided to do something else besides obsessively read BrooklynVegan it obviously means you're right. I know nothing about Bob Dylan or about music at all, in fact.

Or maybe I just went out and did something with my friends, rather than sit at home commenting on a music blog at 4:30 in the morning.

Not that this proves anything, but my personal favorites off Blood On The Tracks are Shelter From The Storm and You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome.

It's interesting that you couldn't really think of anything intelligent to say that would dispute my opinion. You just just wanted to try and insult me. Maybe thats more "pathetic" than people drawing comparisons between one talented lyricist and another older talented lyricist.

she googled those song names!!!

I was at this, i was the funky looking kid that looked like he didnt belong wearing a blue digg tee.

but for something of a different style of the arctic monkeys, i was blown away at how good it was.
oh and im lucky to get all the songs for personal use :3

The dude posting all the negative comments about Turner is actually ex-Arctic Monkeys bassist Andy Nicholson.

I followed a trail of donut crumbs to the computer. I have proof.

WHAWT TIEM DOSE VAMPIER WEEKEDN GO ON?

Why do people see a huge need to sit on a chat room and argue over if a band is good or bad? if you like it fucking like it if ya dont ya dont, isnt there a more constructive thing youlot could be doing with your time ( like devoloping a sence of humour?) i was just looking for a little summin summin about the LSP and just saw loads of peeps trying to out wit each other. For the record i love the arctic monkeys and alex turner, but i aint gonna go and get his name tattooed on my cock or beat someone with there album untill they like it, i just well listen to it...wierd i know. chow

They're called "The Age of the Understatement".
The Last Shadow Puppets is the title of their upcoming album.

No they are called Last Shadow Puppets and their album is called "The Age of the Understatement".

http://www.dominorecordco.us/index.php?page=artists&artistID=232

LOL at mike.

bloody brilliant

Guys, why are you lot arguing about how great Turner is? Firstly, his lyrics are unrivalled in the UK. No one has written lyrics as good as him in the last few years. Secondly, BOTH AM albums are amazing! They haven't produced a bad song yet which is quite an achievement. Thirdly, how can you say that The Last Shadow Puppets will be forgotten about in a matter of years? They haven't even released their first single officially yet so why judge it, give them a chance for God's sake? And my last point, yes Turner is the brains behind the Arctic Monkeys, but have you seen Matt Hedlers drumming in Brianstorm? He's an amazing musician and so are the others. By the way, I'm actually English and you have to be English to truly appreciate the lyrics in Turners songs. I bet none of you Americans knew what "Mardy" meant or what a "Teddy Picker" was did you?

Guys, why are you lot arguing about how great Turner is? Firstly, his lyrics are unrivalled in the UK. No one has written lyrics as good as him in the last few years. Secondly, BOTH AM albums are amazing! They haven't produced a bad song yet which is quite an achievement. Thirdly, how can you say that The Last Shadow Puppets will be forgotten about in a matter of years? They haven't even released their first single officially yet so why judge it, give them a chance for God's sake? And my last point, yes Turner is the brains behind the Arctic Monkeys, but have you seen Matt Hedlers drumming in Brianstorm? He's an amazing musician and so are the others. By the way, I'm actually English and you have to be English to truly appreciate the lyrics in Turners songs. I bet none of you Americans knew what "Mardy" meant or what a "Teddy Picker" was did you?

Sorry about the two posts above. Only meant to put one :P Erm, sorry if this is a bit hippoctical but I would actually say that The Darkness are also amazing and their song writing is on par with AM. Shame they split up though...

what guitar is alex playnig?? seems like an electirc martin... help me out here!

i love the shadow puppets. i think that they are an amazing band. they actually did some really awesome interviews that people should check out.

http://www.uncensoredinterview.com/artists/167-The-Last-Shadow-Puppets