Arctic Monkeys - RazzMatazz, 19 March

Hello all!

Sorry it took me a while to get back to you guys, but here I am. I went to see the Arctic Monkeys on St. Patrick's Day and it was way different from the last time I saw them, also in the great RazzMatazz 1. Last time around they were at the end of their tour and it was a sort of historical night because they changed their lineup after that gig. Now, well, it is the chance to listen to the most anticipated album of the year - one month before its release, and live. Sound quality is perfect and it one of the best places to see a gig in Spain. Not to mention it is the best disco in Europe and that everybody should get there when DJ Amable, their in-house DJ, is running the show.

First of all, I must say I haven't see so devoted fans since The Smiths. People now every lyric and every moment and even sing the guitar bits. And that's when the lyrics are very complicated sometimes like "Look here comes a Ford Mondeo, isn't he Mister Inconspicuous and he don't even to have to say 'owt". Every guitar bit! You don't believe me? Check this out.

Also, I think we are ready to see a major disappointment with their second album. The tracks are not as good as in their first album. I love "Whatever People Say, That's What I Am Not", I think it is a fantastic album, with smart lyrics to feel identified with. Musically speaking, looks like their second album is not that good. Still, I think that the Arctic Monkeys are a long career in front of them, and just like The Strokes, they may never match their debut, but they will always be ready to pen tracks such as "Brainstorm", that is brilliant.

There were no encores, just as usual, which allowed me to get out of RazzMatazz with Belén sooner than anyone else. Once again, I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor was one of the first tracks to be played, and of course people went absolutely mad. I wonder what will happen in Benicassim this July. They saved the best for the end, even when they played When The Sun Goes Down midway through. They played Brainstorm, followed by Dancing Shoes, A View From The Afternoon, Fake Tales of San Francisco and A Certain Romance. Total, 63 minutes.

Compared to the Kasabian gig - both British bands, successful, with two albums ready to be played - it was way worse. It is logical, because Kasabian is already one of the best British rock bands. Still, I had a good time despite a fully packed Razz 1 and it was worth it. 

Next stop, The Scissor Sisters on April 25. It was a Xmas gift for Belén, a couple of tickets. I will also see Bloc Party when I get back from the Final Four in Athens.

More good news: The White Stripes will play at Primavera Sound Festival. Now that's gonna be something. Last time they were around, they got mad with the audience and did not play Seven Nation Army. We'll see what happens this time around.

Peace,

Javi