"Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High" by Arctic Monkeys 13/8/13

After headlining Glastonbury festival back in June, Arctic Monkeys return with this absolute belter of a single. This band has just been constantly on the up since their debut album back in 2006 and it seems that they can't do anything wrong, its incredible. This latest single entitled "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High" is out now and its off Arctic Monkeys fifth album entitled "AM" which is out on the 9th of September.

Most of AM was recorded in the American desert which was where the band also recorded their third album "Humbug". This surrounding seems to have a massive effect on Arctic Monkeys sound as this latest single has a bit of a Humbug-esque feel to it. "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High" reminds me very much of tracks off of Humbug such as "Dangerous Animals" and "Cornerstone". However there are only some slight differences that make "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High" different to some of the tracks off of Humbug.

Firstly, this song is a lot more basic and simple than something off of Humbug but this isn't a bad thing. This simplicity is what makes Arctic Monkeys so great. A lot of people didn't like Humbug as it was the most complex and difficult Arctic Monkeys album to listen to. Anyway, the repetitive electric guitar riff is signature Arctic Monkeys: short, basic and catchy. Also Matt Helders drumming is different to anything else Arctic Monkeys have done before. This is because Helders is using an electronic drum kit for most of the song rather than your traditional acoustic drum kit that literally every rock band uses. The use of this electronic drum kit gives the song a rather cool hip hop feel. Combine this with the simple electric guitar riff and you get a tune with loads of swagger, much like Alex Turner's stage presence at the recent Glastonbury headlining gig. The song then builds up towards the end with the guitar work getting more interesting and full. Turner then sings the main hook "Why'd you only ever phone me when you're high" over and over again until the song finishes.

If you have already heard "R U Mine?" (off of "AM") and loved it then you will probably love this too as it is fairly similar. Its also slightly reminiscent of some of the tracks off of Humbug too. Overall if I had to sum up this latest track then I would call it a simpler yet more loveable Humbug track with some sound alterations too. Oh yeah and check out the music video, its weirdly brilliant.
   

BY JOEL HERNON