Best of 2000s: Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (4/5)

After Coldplay, The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, and The Killers, Arctic Monkeys was the last major new "find" of this decade's rock scene. Each of these bands, for a time, held a very special almost untouchable place in the spotlight, loved by critics and fans with buzz every other band would kill for. As such, it's still too early to tell what they're fate will be, but signs are pointing to continued success. Frontman Alex Turner has already gone off and formed a side band--The Last Shadow Puppets--a la Jack White. And their second album, Favourite Worst Nightmare, was just as beloved as this 2006 debut (some like me, actually liked it even better). At first, I wasn't sold on them, but over time I've actually grown fond of their rough-around-the-edges rock. Their short over-before-you-know-it songs alternate between being about social issues and just partying, typical guy stuff. Musically, it's quite tight, with rapid-fire guitars alternating between your ears on opening track "The View from the Afternoon" and good bass and guitar interplay on "I Bet that You Look Good on the Dancefloor," their first #1 hit. The energy pours forth from almost every song--"Riot Van," "Mardy Bum" and "A Certain Romance" are somewhat mellower moments, but even they have plenty of pep.

Best: When the Sun Goes Down, I Bet that You Look Good on the Dancefloor, The View from the Afternoon, Mardy Bum, Fake Tales of San Francisco, A Certain Romance