January 20, 2006 10:39

Arctic Monkeys set for 'fastest-selling debut rock album'

You just can't get enough of them

Photo Gallery: Arctic Monkeys
Photo: Dean Chalkley

The Arctic Monkeys’ first record could become the fastest-selling debut rock album since records began, according to experts.

The band release ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’ on Monday (January 23). Retailer HMV claim that their pre-oders suggest demand is the highest for any debut rock act since the release of Oasis' 'Definitely Maybe' in August 1994.

The album could sell up to 200,000 in its first week. Chart expert Gennaro Castaldo said: “We might be entering the Chinese Year of the dog, but as far as the Music Industry is concerned 2006 is very much the 'year of the monkey'. We haven't seen this level of excitement for a new artist since the Britpop-heralding arrival of Oasis more than 10 years ago.

"There has been a great vibe around the Arctic Monkeys for quite a few months now, but it usually takes much longer for a band to develop mainstream appeal and the commercial success that comes with it. The Arctic Monkeys seem to have managed this in just one leap - it's amazing how much impact they have had in such a short time."

The band’s second single, 'When the Sun Goes Down', looks set to go to Number One this Sunday (January 22).

Arctic Monkeys have also revealed details of new material in the running for the follow-up to ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’.

Singer Alex Turner said: “It’s called ‘Do Me A Favour’ which I played to a friend and he’s right proper gone for it. It’s the further adventures of the girl in ‘Mardy Bum’ – my ex.”

He added: “There’s one that might be called ‘Three Episodes Where Someone Else Got In The Way’. I can’t decide if that’s w**k or not yet. And ‘I Wish You Would Have Smiled In The Bakery’. I’m looking forward to that ‘un.”