Humbug
The darker third album, made with Josh Homme in the desert and James Ford in New York.
Arctic Monkeys, 2009
- Released
- 24 August 2009
- Studio
- Rancho De La Luna, California, and New York
- Label
- Domino
- Producer
- Josh Homme and James Ford
The band began writing Humbug towards the end of summer 2008. After hearing the demos, Domino founder Laurence Bell suggested they approach Josh Homme, whom they had mentioned before, if jokingly. Homme produced the tracks recorded in California at Rancho De La Luna, and James Ford produced the New York sessions in March 2009. The album was wholly recorded in the United States. Turner recorded the keyboards on almost every track himself, apart from the singles, which were played by touring keyboardist John Ashton.
It went to number one in the UK, selling over 96,000 copies in its first week, and has a Metacritic score of 75. The Guardian's review said Cornerstone may just be the best thing the band had recorded, and that the album admirably chose to press forward rather than chase an elusive past.
Track listing
- My Propeller3:28
- Crying Lightning3:24
- Dangerous Animals3:24
- Secret Door3:41
- Potion Approaching3:32
- Fire and the Thud3:50
- Cornerstone3:17
- Dance Little Liar4:43
- Pretty Visitors3:40
- The Jeweller's Hands5:42
Personnel
- Alex Turner lead vocals, guitar, keyboards
- Jamie Cook guitar
- Nick O'Malley bass
- Matt Helders drums
- John Ashton keyboards on the singles
- Josh Homme production
- James Ford production
More from Arctic Monkeys
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (2006), Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007), AM (2013), Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (2018)
Sources
- Humbug (album), Wikipedia
- Arctic Monkeys: Humbug, The Guardian (2009-08-20)