That’s So Fetch – A Pop Culture Blog

British foursome Arctic Monkeys have released the first single for their highly-anticipated third album, Humbug. Although grossly under-appreciated in the states, the Monkeys set records in the UK with their 2006 release, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, which is the fastest selling debut album in British history and went on to sell over 4 million copies in the UK alone.

Often referred to as the “21st Century Beatles” by That’s So Fetch, Arctic Monkeys have set the bar for Y-generation rock ‘n roll. TSF named Whatever People Say as the 3rd best album of the 21st century, and their sophomore title, Favourite Worst Nightmare, isn’t far behind.

With their reputation preceding them, the Monkeys have now released “Crying Lightning”, the first single from Humbug, co-produced by Josh Homme of Queens of the Stoneage fame.

Over two years since their last LP release, “Crying Lightning” is a major deviation and a maturation for Alex Turner and crew. It’s a calm-downed version of Arctic Monkeys, and a preview of a more psychedelic record attributed to the band’s heightened interest in Jimi Hendrix at the time of recording.

Listen to the song below. Also available for download on iTunes.

In conjunction with the release of the new single, Arctic Monkeys have announced a September-October U.S. tour:

14th September – Soma, San Diego
15th September – Hollywood Palladium, LA
16th September – Fox Theater, Oakland
18th September – Wonder Ballroom, Portland **FREE SHOW**
19th September – The Showbox @ The Market, Seattle
20th September – Malkin Bowl, Vancouver
22nd September - In The Venue, Salt Lake City – w/Airborne Toxic Event
25th September – First Avenue, Minneapolis
26th September – Eagles Ballroom, Milwaukee
28th September – Newport Music Hall, Columbus
29th September – Kool Haus, Toronto
30th September – Electric Factory, Philadelphia
2nd October - House of Blues, New Orleans
3rd October - House of Blues, Houston
4th October – Austin City Limits Festival, Austin
5th October – The Palladium Ballroom