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Monkeys win Mercury Prize
By David Smyth, Evening Standard 06.09.06
The Arctic Monkeys were favourites to win the coveted music award
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The Arctic Monkeys must have known something the rest of us didn't when they deigned to turn up to the Mercury Prize ceremony.
The world's least cooperative band were one of only four nominees not to play live at the Grosvenor House hotel in Park Lane last night.
But in the end they gladly took to the stage to be part of a genuine turn-up in this most unpredictable of awards. For once, the favourites actually won.
In the past, "dead certs" such as the Streets and Kaiser Chiefs have lost out. But in a year dominated by the Arctic Monkeys, even the most grudging observer must admit this was the correct decision.
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not was Britain's fastest-selling debut album ever, shifting 360,000 copies in a week. The band have become as important as Oasis were to their elders.
The young Sheffield quartet, who accepted the £20,000 prize as a trio having sacked bassist Andy Nicholson, recognised the Mercury is usually won by groups that need a boost in stature: "Normally it doesn't go to a band that's sold so many records, to be blunt," said singer Alex Turner.
As he picked up the trophy he added: "Somebody call 999. Richard Hawley's been robbed." Asked at the press conference afterwards why the band won, he was less humble, saying: "We had the best record and the judges agreed."
Was their record more edgy than Sway's, more inventive than Hot Chip's or more moving than Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan's? Probably not, but with its raw, darting guitars, headspinning gear changes and Turner's remarkably assured lyrics, it has captured the public imagination like no other album in years.
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Reader views (2)
'We had the best record and the judges agreed..'
Hmmmm.... yet another mouthy British Band claiming their brilliance.
It never ceases to amaze me the power that hype has in this country; particularly in the music industry. It is quite easy to be swept up in the flurry of excitement that NME et all creates when over-inflating another indie band like the Monkeys. I bought the album. It's alright; has energy, somewhat silly ironic lyrics- the stuff that smug students and cuddly tight jean indie fans like.
What is missing, however, is the lack of good songs on the record. Yes, they may be good live and are fun to jump around to, but as songwriters- they are way off the mark. Which is why when I go on one my frequent trips to America, I notice they (The Monkey's, and slews of other 'massive' Brit indie bands) are virtually unknown. It is quite funny how such a massive band on this island barely makes a mark anywhere else.
This is down to the fact that, although not a bad band per say, the Arctic Monkeys are big because they are a band that are 'cool' to like, because the press and a few pompous kids tell us so. Time will tell if they are really that good at all, like Oasis who although hyped in 94, had the songs to back it (Monkeys-Oasis comparison: hilarious by the way!) but having already looked into my crystal ball, a Monkey's future does not look that fruitful. Enjoy them while you can kids...you'll get it!
- Rudy, London
Coles Corner from Richard Hawley is a truly moving and inspiring album. I think it's the only thing in my collection called 'easy listening' but the melodic tones and intelligent lyrics are mesmerising. The Arctic Monkeys were right - the man from Pulp was robbed of a very much deserved Mercury Music award.
- Tanya Dunne, Cricklewood
