http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7tiGZqfmvA Many fans (those with no ears, perhaps?) welcomed Suck it and See as the bands return to form after the crushing disappointment of Humbug. Wrong. Whilst this album is far from being bad per se, its the Arctics back catalogues equivalent of Ringo Starr; tight and valuable but the ultimate weak link where greater musical genius abounds elsewhere. It wasnt just the fans, however, that placed their hopes of the Arctics salvation at the feet of Suck it and See. The critics who simply didnt get the sensual brilliance of its difficult predecessor also pined for a reversion to a more basic sound and less puzzling lyrics. In actuality, what we got was a kind of Humbug-lite. The music retained the kaleidoscopic, psychedelic quality of the bands third album but sanded down its menacing edge with a melodic aesthetic and a sun-kissed, desert-rock vibe influenced by their continued relationship with Josh Homme. Whilst its bashful romantic lyrical content is a rejection of Turners former dalliance with highly-sexualised, innuendo-imbued musings, the darkness and slightly impenetrable nature of Humbug occasionally lunges back into view, with the eloquent front man picking his phrases and words more for their euphonic quality than any profound sort of meaning. After all, just what IS a telescopic hallelujah? Populated by gorgeous, lilting numbers in the form of Black Treacle and Reckless Serenade, its easy to place Suck it and See as the mellow middle ground between the obsessive, obscure sexuality of Humbug and the obsessive, blatant sexuality of AM, a sort of ante-chamber in which the group experimented with, but never fulfilled, the unchained caterwauling so prevalent on the latter. A beautiful record brimming with mature, sensitive song-writing and possessing a rock-n-roll clout, and one that only occupies last place due to the sheer quality of its fellow long-players. Best Tracks: Reckless Serenade, The Hellcat Spangled Shalala, Black Treacle
A 22 year old English Literature graduate from Birmingham. I am passionate about music, literature and football, in particular, my beloved Aston Villa. Lover of words and consumer of art, music is the very air that I breathe.