Gallantly Streaming: Arctic Monkeys Get Their Late Night Swagger On

Click here to stream Arctic Monkeys' AM (watch out, it's an iTunes stream).

A week ahead of its release, Arctic Monkeys are streaming their fifth album AM.

The album takes its cue from last year's Song of the Year R U Mine?, which is included here in re-recorded form. That song's sultry energy drips all over AM's dozen tracks, resulting in a fully realized, head-bobbing groovefest. It puts the boots to the manic, frenzied attack that endeared them to many in their blinding hype phase, focused on late night folklore and rump shaking beats. When they do slow it down, as on the glorious 70's pop throwbacks No. 1 Party Anthem and Mad Sounds, you can practically feel the smoke machine's fog hitting your ankles.

It's a bit early to pass final judgment (especially considering I haven't actually listened to the whole thing yet), but AM impresses early on, and sure seems to cement Arctic Monkeys' status with this music lover as one of rock's most interesting acts.

I highly recommend a listen; you can snag a copy of AM when it hits stores next Tuesday.

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