Alex is an icon for two reasons. First of all, he is one of the most original writers of his generation - the simplicity of his arrangements was what raised them head and shoulders above everyone else. He has a real colloquial quality to his lyrics - wit and gentleness too - and he writes about very real things. And secondly because, despite the huge success they’ve had, he hasn’t become an arsehole.
I heard the Arctic Monkeys’ demos early on. I thought they were shit hot. It was the first time in a long time that I’d heard indie guitar music where the lyrics were really strong. They really stood out. There’s a history in Sheffield of great lyric-writers, with Jarvis, and Adi from Clock DVA.
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Richard Hawley about the band and, oh, did he imply that Alex Turner is one of Sheffield’s great lyricists?
Throwback upon throwback is what I’m going to do (or post): here’s Jarvis Cocker, Alex and Richard Hawley all together in one photograph.
Throwback, in relation to the latest bit of news: The last time the band collaborated with fellow Sheffield native Richard Hawley was back in 2007 with the song ‘Bad Woman’ (Teddy Picker EP, you know this.) Here’s a live version from the special features of the At The Apollo DVD.
Oh by the way, the b-side ‘You And I’ is credited to the Death Ramps.
The upcoming b-side ‘You and I’ will feature Richard Hawley on backing vocals
Oh, this ought to be good.
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