2. The Guardian Article:
http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/jul/11/arctic-monkeys-tax-avoidance-
liberty
Summary: This is large article about how they got
caught up in the British tax scandal where lots of British
musicians had been avoiding tax by a scheme called
Liberty where it is stashed in Jersey so they avoid Inland
Revenue. It describes when this happened with other
artists and ever the Beatles when George Harris avoided
some tax invasions but the difference between them and
the Arctic Monkeys is how they dealt with it after. It talks
about the NME speech and the journalist is quite negative
towards Alex Turner.
Tags: Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner, Tax, 1.1 Million,
Scandal, Money, Beatles, British, NME, Speech, Liberty,
3. Quotes:
“There was a beautifully serendipitous irony to the timing of the revelations that a number
of high-profile British musicians, including Arctic Monkeys, had been using a tax-avoidance
scheme called Liberty to shield their money from the Inland Revenue by
stashing it away in Jersey.” (Simon Prince in the Guardian Article on 11/07/2014)
“Turner cast as a working-class hero, a snotty, sharp-minded northern kid in the mould of
the young Lennon, cutting through the bullshit and telling it like it is.” (Simon Prince in the
Guardian Article on 11/07/2014)
“Singer Alex Turner may have ascended to the elite, dating models and living the high
life, but taxation paid for the hospital where he was born, the school where he was
educated and the schools which paid his (teacher) parents' wages, the street lamps that
lit his way home from rehearsals, and the benefits that sustained his bandmates when
they were out of work” (Simon Prince in the Guardian Article on 11/07/2014)
“Their shtick reached a peak at this year's Brit awards, when in an incoherent and semi-nonsensical
speech, he posed as the plucky underdog, arguing that rock'n'roll was a
force of rebellion.” (Simon Prince in the Guardian Article on 11/07/2014)
“A long history of entertainers bitching about contributing to the common purse. The best-known
example is the Beatles' Taxman, wherein George Harrison gracelessly
complained about the Wilson government's fiscal policy at the same time that he was
consorting with Hindu gurus” (Simon Prince in the Guardian Article on 11/07/2014)
Further Research:
Further research into what happened after the tax scalded, did they loose fans? Or did no one mind and
carried on as normal. What effects did this have to them as a band or just to Alex Turner.
4. Clash Article: http://www.clashmusic.com/artists/arctic-monkeys
Summary: This article is a summary of what
successes, and falls they have had in their career.
Starting with the setback of loosing their bassist in 2006
but him shortly being replaced by Nick O’Malley to join
Alex Turner. It tells us about the successes each album
has had and even their Live DVD at the Apollo. It explains
their achievement from being one of the first bands to
promote though social media and how their sound is
comparable to other indie bands such as Oasis and The
Strokes. It does quickly inform you about Alex Turners
lyrical appreciation but not much of it.
Tags: Arctic Monkeys, Sheffield, Alex Turner, 2002, 2006,
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, Whatever People
Say I Am I’m Not, Indie Acts, Best British Act.
5. Quotes:
“Arctic Monkeys’ ascent to bona-fide megastars hasn’t been without its share of setbacks
setbacks. Okay, one setback – in 2006 founding bassist Andy Nicholson left the group,
then riding high after the release of their debut album.” (Article by LIATAIT. Appeared on
Clash.com on 26.09.2007)
“Upon its release in January 2006 the album sold over 360,000 copies in its first week; it
subsequently won that year’s Nationwide Mercury Prize and was the fastest-selling
British debut LP in history, beaten one year later by Leona Lewis' 'Spirit'.” (Article by
LIATAIT. Appeared on Clash.com on 26.09.2007)
“Always lyrically engrossing, Turner’s words evoke images of working class life with an
acute appreciation of social realism.” (Article by LIATAIT. Appeared on Clash.com on
26.09.2007)
“A live album and DVD 'At The Apollo' was released in 2009 and was awarded best
music DVD of the year by NME.” (Article by LIATAIT. Appeared on Clash.com on
26.09.2007)
“The Arctic Monkeys are one of the first bands promoted online through social networking
and fan-sites, with their growing popularity forcing record labels to pay attention.” (Article
by LIATAIT. Appeared on Clash.com on 26.09.2007)
Further Research:
More research on how successful they have been since 2002 and what sort of awards they have won
with what song or success. How the leave of the bassist effected them as a band and what sort of
relationship do they have together. And more about how Alex Turner’s lyrics express social realism. It
says the Arctic Monkeys were one of the first bands to promote their work online, how did this help them
achieve where they are?
6. NME Article: http://www.nme.com/news/arctic-monkeys/62517
Summary: This is all about how Alex Turner wants
to write more material for the new record but they are mid
way through their tour with The Black Keys and he finds it
hard to write on tour. He says how they have messed
around in sound check but he wants a head start for the
next time around. It then goes on giving information about
the new album and single and the Best Live Band award
they were given at the NME awards.
Tags: Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner, Tour, Writing, Rolling
Stone, Black Keys, Deadline, Head Start, R U Mine.
7. Quotes:
“We've messed around in sound checks, but I'm not gonna meet a deadline, and it's not
like I need to write, though I want a head start for the next time around.” (Alex Turner.
NME Article on NME.com on 09.03.12)
"A bit. I don't try to write on the road. I might try to this time, just for a change. Usually, I
get home and I realize it's bad, so I've not done it in the past.” (Alex Turner. NME Article
on NME.com on 09.03.12)
“In an interview with Rolling Stone, the front man said he was eager to start penning
tunes on the follow-up to last year's 'Suck It And See' so he could get a "head start" on
the new record.” (Some parts quoted by Alex Turner. NME Article on NME.com on
09.03.12)
“Last month, Arctic Monkeys debuted their brand new single 'R U Mine', which you can
listen to by scrolling up to the top of the page and clicking.” (NME Article on NME.com on
09.03.12)
Further Research:
Look at how Alex Turner creates his lyrics and how successful he is in his work, if he finds it hard or not
to create new songs. Watch videos while they are touring and see what they mean by “we messed
around in sound checks.”
8. Billboard Article: http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/
6141014/arctic-monkeys-conquer-america-alex-turner-qa:
Summary: This is an article about their upcoming
success in America. Billboard is an American chart for
music. The Arctic Monkeys are an northern UK indie band
and their success in America would be great as not many
indie bands make it on both sides of the pond. It tells you
how well “Do I Wanna Know?” has done as well as their
new album, AM.
Tags: Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner, America, 2014, AM,
Billboard, Do I Wanna Know, No.70, No.6,
9. Quotes:
“At home, in England, where all five of their albums have topped the charts, the four lads
from Sheffield have been revered as saviors of indie rock from practically the second
they picked up guitars.” (By M. Tye Corner on 27/06/2014)
“The band’s 2013 album, 'AM', reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200, its highest charting
yet, and single “Do I Wanna Know?” gave the group its first Billboard Hot 100 hit, peaking
at No. 70 on March 8.” (By M. Tye Corner on 27/06/2014)
“In 2014, America finally went ape for Arctic Monkeys.” (By M. Tye Corner on 27/06/2014)
“Arctic Monkeys unleashed a music video for “Snap Out of It,” the album's sixth single —
yes, sixth — on June 16” (By M. Tye Corner on 27/06/2014)
Further Research:
On how well the Arctic Monkeys have done with other albums and singles over in America and all
around the world. What people think of them when they supported The Black Keys in America, how did
that change their appearance over there? Look at reports from American Journalists in magazines such
as Rolling Stones. They have a high coverage here in the UK see how that differs in America.
10. Daily Mail Article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-
2569115/Alex-Turner-jokes-Brits-speech-Arctic-Monkeys-home-five-gongs-NME-Awards-
2014.html
Summary: The NME music magazine have music awards and
the Arctic Monkeys, being a popular indie band, took home five
awards or “gongs”. Alex Turner and Matt Helders say thank you.
Information is talked about who helped write I Wanna Be Yours.
Quotes:
o“‘I used all my best s*** last week’” (Alex Turner 27/02/2014)
o“‘As the sun sets on awards season for another year there's just
the big two left. I'm talking about the Oscars and the NME Awards.
That said I'd like to thank The Academy,’ the R U Mine? singer
said.” (Alex Turner 27/02/2014)
o“The Monkeys then took home the prestigious Best Album award
for AM which was presented to them by punk poet John Cooper
Clarke, whose poem I Wanna Be Yours was put to music on the
record” (Hannah Flint 27/02/2014)
o“Drummer Matt Helders thanked the audience and said: ‘Bigger
than Yeezus!’” (Matt Helders 27/02/2014)
Tags: Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner, NME, NME Awards, Best British Band, 2014,
Awards, Speech, Drummer, Matt Helders.
11. BBC Breakfast Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5htdIW9sVo
Summary: This is an interview with
Susanne Reid and Alex Turner. It talks about the
way he has created the new album AM and their
successes as the Arctic Monkeys. They talk
about the name Arctic Monkeys and why they
stuck with the name. The reason was John
Cooper Clark and he wrote the words to I Wanna
be yours in a poem and they used it as lyrics for
their final song on the album. Clips of them
playing live at Glastonbury. He talks about the
goals and ambitions he needs to achieve in the
band. Mainly concentrating in the studio rather
than where to go. Susanne Reid asks if he is
going to go on Strictly Come Dancing because
people said that “I bet you look good on the
dance floor”.
Tags: Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner, Video, BBC Breakfast,
Susanne Reid, I Wanna Be Yours, Name, Reviews, Flirting, Bet
You Look Good On The Dance Floor, Ambitions.
Further Research: There was a lot being said about
how Susanne Reid was not being professional and flirting on
this interview with Alex Turner. Look at articles about what
was said and the Twitter feedback.
12. Quotes:
Susanna Reid: Its 10 years since you did your first gig as the arctic monkeys. June 2003. At the
Grapes.
Alex Tuner: Yep, that’s where it all began and life’s changed forever.
Susanna Reid: you have had very successful albums but this one the reviews: 10/10 five stars. Has
that blown you away a bit?
Alex Turner: Well, erm, I didn’t, I didn’t really read reviews, although I have in the last week but
maybe that’s because they’ve all been really good, so I know there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Alex Turner: It sort of always has been, its really what I’ve been banging on about the whole time,
its not as under the microscope perhaps as our first record, it was very kinda like, pointing at things
and talking about them. Whereas now it sort of kinda comes from within.
Susanna Reid: what comes first, is it the lyrics or is it an inspiration piece of like a hook or
something?
Alex Turner: It’s different every time. On this record a lot of it came from the music, and suppose
the drums and the bass really. And id have those guys record little ideas we’d all have and write to
these scratchy records, rather than sit there with the acoustic guitar or something. I think that’s
responsible of how the melodies move on this.
Susanna Reid: When I said I was interviewing you, people did say would he do Strictly? Because
they bet that you look good on the dance floor,
Alex Turner: Of course... I should have been the one that said you look good on the dance floor,
Susanna Reid: Except that I’m not. I look a bit of a mess on the dance floor
Alex Turner: I doubt that.
13. Mirror Article: http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/susanna-reid-watch-flirty-
interview-2267350
Summary: After looking at the BBC Interview I
found this article about how flirty Susanna Reid and
Alex Turner were being together. It describes what
was said the the way they were looking at each other
and how other people thought about it after they had
seen it.
Further Research: See what Alex Turner or
Susanna Reid had anything to say about this article.
Tags: Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner, Interview, BBC Breakfast,
Flirting, Susanna Reid, 2014,
14. Quotes:
“She may have been chatting to an Arctic Monkey, but Susanna Reid turned the heat up
on her BBC breakfast show today.” (Said by Tom Bryant in the Mirror Article on
11/09/2011)
“Beaming and playing with her hair, she quizzed Alex” (Said by Tom Bryant in the Mirror
Article on 11/09/2011)
She said: “When I said I was interviewing you, people did say ‘would he do Strictly?’
because they bet that you look good on the dance floor.” Alex, 27, replied: “Of course... I
should have been the one that said you look good on the dance floor.” Susanna, 42, then
said: “Except that I’m not. I look a bit of a mess on the dance floor”, before Alex flashed a
smile, saying: “I doubt that.” (Said by both Alex Turner and Susanna Reid on the BBC
Breakfast Interview)
“The BBC Breakfast interview with Arctic Monkeys Alex Turner is the flirtiest thing I’ve
ever seen. Felt like quietly tiptoeing out of the room.” (Viewer Julian West on Twitter)
“So much sexual tension in that Alex turner interview.” (Fan Matthew Thomason on
Twitter)
“The Susanna Reid interview with Alex Turner was like ear-wigging on a clandestine
tryst.” (Chris Holding on Twitter)
“Alex Turner flirting with Susanna Reid on #BBC Breakfast. The dawg!” (Dave Whits on
Twitter)
“But a show source today said it was just her interview style. The source said: “Her style
can be light and very friendly but to say she flirted is a little over the top.””
15. Wikipedia Article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Turner_(musician)
Tags: Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner, Wikipedia, Facts, Successes, Life, Work.
Summary: Artists Wikipedia site is always
a good factual site to go on because it joins
many different websites facts together to make
a factual page. Most of the time you do have to
trust what has been said because anything can
be uploaded about the artist. This site tells you
typical information about their date of birth,
where they have lived, general background on
them as a person and their successes in life, in
the band and personal life.
Further Research: More research into the achievements in being in the
Arctic Monkeys and how that has changed Alex Turner. Quotes from Alex Turner
about how the Arctic Monkeys has effected him and or little clips of his own
words because this is all from someone else.
16. Quotes:
“Alexander David "Alex" Turner (born 6 January 1986) is an English musician, singer, and
songwriter. He is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the English rock band Arctic
Monkeys.” (Wikipedia)
“He attended Stocksbridge High School in Sheffield (1997–2002) and was later remembered by his
English teacher, Steve Baker, as "someone unconventional, a little bit different, with a brightness
and a cleverness that would serve him well. He had a very original sense of humor. Alex was never
particularly vocal, but you could sense when some pieces of poetry moved him.”” (Steve Baker)
“Turner spent most of his teenage years listening to rap artists such as Roots Manuva. His
attentions later turned to guitar music following the breakthrough of The Strokes and The
Libertines.” (Wikipedia)
“Turner also admired The Beatles and aspired to be like them.” (Wikipedia)
“Had Arctic Monkeys not become successful, he would have studied English at Manchester
University. Though he had a love for guitar, he commented that he spends more time on words to
the songs and he tended to listen to them more than to the music in the background.” (Alex Turner)
“Its first album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, released in early 2006, became the
fastest-selling debut album in British music history” (Wikipedia)
The band has since released four more albums: Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007), Humbug (2009),
Suck It and See (2011), and AM (2013) all reaching No.1 in the UK album charts. (Wikipedia)
Turner's initial songwriting with Arctic Monkeys was based around specific concepts, particularly on
their first album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, which is often considered to be a
concept album centered around nightlife in the UK. (Wikipedia)
17. Quotes:
“"Welding inspiration from hip-hop greats with rock's titans, 'AM' is built upon portentous beats that
are dark and intimidating, yet wickedly thrilling.” (Simon Harper in Clash Magazine)
"One of Britain’s greatest bands just got greater in an unexpected but hugely welcome way. Single
men, I urge you: put down FHM and pick up AM." (Time Out Review)
Absolutely and unarguably the greatest record of their career." (NME)
“Manages to connect those different directions – the muscular riffs of Humbug and the wistful pop of
Suck It and See – with the bristling energy and sense of fun that propelled their initial recordings.”
(Tim Jonze in The Guardian)
Turner wrote and performed all six tracks for the soundtrack for Submarine, the first feature film by
Richard Ayoade, a friend and director of various Arctic Monkeys music videos. (Wikipedia)
