Arctic Monkeys - Humbug [Black Vinyl LP, Gatefold, Insert]

Arctic Monkeys' third studio album Humbug was first released in Japan on 19 August 2009 and in the United Kingdom on 24 August 2009 through Domino Recording Company. Wholly recorded in the United States, the band worked with American musician Josh Homme, who produced tracks recorded in Los Angeles and Joshua Tree, California at Rancho De La Luna, alongside New York City recordings produced by James Ford. Musically, the album is a departure from the garage rock and punk-influenced sound of the band's previous work, incorporating elements of stoner rock, desert rock, surf rock, and ambient tones. Frontman Alex Turner's vocals on the album are noted as a drastic change from the frenetic and upbeat delivery of Arctic Monkeys' previous albums to a slower and more hushed approach. This gatefold vinyl edition includes an insert.

Percussion instruments were used on the album, including xylophones, glockenspiels, and shakers, creating textured atmospheres across the 10-track collection. Singles "Crying Lightning" and "Cornerstone" showcase the band's evolution toward sultry guitar riffs, moody lyrics, and hypnotic energy. "My Propeller" and "Dangerous Animals" reveal the album's heavier stoner rock influence, while "Pretty Visitors" balances menacing riffs with Turner's cryptic lyricism. "Potion Approaching" and "Fire and the Thud" demonstrate the band's willingness to experiment with pacing and dynamics, while "Secret Door" offers a more atmospheric respite. The album closes with "The Jeweller's Hands," a sprawling track that encapsulates the album's darker aesthetic and desert-baked atmosphere.

Upon release, the album sold over 96,000 copies in its first week in the UK, topping the UK Albums Chart, eventually earning platinum certification. In retrospect, Humbug has been considered a very important piece in Arctic Monkeys' catalogue, having introduced a variety of new styles and themes, both lyrically and musically, to the band, that they have expanded on since its release. This gatefold pressing captures the album's shadowy textures and brooding energy, allowing the desert-influenced production to resonate with clarity. The insert provides additional artwork and context for an album that stands as a pivotal moment in the band's artistic evolution, paving the way for future experimentation.

• Format: Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Crying Lightning," "Cornerstone," "Pretty Visitors"
• Pressing details: Gatefold jacket with insert, produced by Josh Homme and James Ford
• Genre/style: Indie Rock, Desert Rock, Stoner Rock, Alternative Rock
• UPC: 801390023712

This gatefold edition captures Arctic Monkeys at their most adventurous, delivering an album that challenged expectations and expanded their sonic palette beyond the Sheffield indie rock of their origins.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. My Propeller
2. Crying Lightning
3. Dangerous Animals
4. Secret Door
5. Potion Approaching

Side B:

1. Fire And The Thud
2. Cornerstone
3. Dance Little Liar
4. Pretty Visitors
5. The Jeweller's Hands