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Fans react to The Enemy vs Arctic Monkeys feud

Tom Clarke's comments divide the battle lines

January 31, 2008 | 43 Comments
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The Enemy's Tom Clarke's comments branding Arctic Monkeys "dull" have caused a battle of words on the NME.COM -with fans taking both bands' sides.

As previously reported, Clarke said he was “bitterly disappointed with” Arctic Monkeys' 2007 album 'Favourite Worst Nightmare'.

Fans using MyNME to comment on the story have lashed out at both groups.

Rick 13, who agrees with Clarke, declared: “The Arctic Monkeys are overrated, so hats off to Tom Clarke for having the bottle to say anything about them.”

He then compared Clarke’s band to some musical giants of the past saying: “Personally to me The Enemy are a far better band and one of the best bands at the moment, their album is just plain British guitar music with so much heart and soul like Oasis or The Stone Roses.”

"Indietimmy" disagrees, saying: “What a very lame comment as if generic lad rock like their very own music isn't dull, and besides The Enemy will be long forgotten by the time they get round to a second album. To conclude: The Enemy are lame.”

"Slidey" stayed on Arctic Monkeys' side, proclaiming: “The Arctics are, by miles, the best band around at the moment and deserve every award they get.”

"Oranges and Lemons" begs to differ though: “I agree with Tom. Their [Arctic Monkeys’] second album was rubbish and doesn't deserve any award. Except for the album title which can be classed as mildly interesting, the album lacks any excitement except for the first 20 seconds of 'Brianstorm'. Verdict: DULL.”

The verbal ball's in your court Arctic Monkeys - have your say by posting a comment using MyNME below.

The Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 are coming soon – and it’s time to have your say. Vote now by heading to NME.COM/awardsvote and you could win VIP tickets to the ceremony, which takes place in London on February 28.

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Comments (43)

Add a comment

zoemlb

Jan 31, 2008

Both bands are really good and have different things to offer to the fans. In my opinion the Arctic's are well better and rather than been boring I think their just humble.

PeterDonohoe

Jan 31, 2008

To be fair they pretty much share the same fanbase and both have a generic "indie" sound, if it came down to it I would have to side with the Arctic Monkeys, at least they arent plundering the Jams back catalogue and passing it off as their own to musically ignorant kids.

A_L_E_X

Jan 31, 2008

I disagree, "Favourite Worst Nightmare" is a superb second album which offers you a different side to the Monkeys. Alike "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" its fulfilled with musical brilliance. How can songs such as "Brianstorm," or "Do Me A Favour" be thought of being dull :S Don't get me wrong I love The Enemy and have even saw the live but Tom you've got a long way to come to get to the standards of Alex Turner

the_royal_wee

Jan 31, 2008

Arctics all the way! Let's see The Enemy's second album before they start knocking others

markcocky1986

Jan 31, 2008

Both bands are the bees knees. Been to see them both at the Apollo in Manchester, 2 of the best bands in the country. Who cares what they think of each other??? Go read Heat Magazine for that rubbish.

headjam

Jan 31, 2008

Get over it. They are both shit !! Neither of them have half the imagination of Modest Mouse, The Duke Spirit or The Maccabees.

Jadey_x

Jan 31, 2008

Where have you been man !! The Arctic monkeys didnt win almost 30 awards and have the fastest selling album of all time which was only RECENTLY beaten by leona lewis for nothing. They are clearly NOT over rated and deserve every credit they get. The Enemy are in no position to say stuff like that about the monkeys.When The Enemy achieve the same status , which i doubt will ever happen, then they can critise as much as they like but for now I think Tom Clarke needs to get his head out of his arse but lets face it the Arctic Monkeys answer to no one anyway !!

Christ_On_A_Bike

Jan 31, 2008

The Enemys album has all the soul of a tramps knackered Hi-Tec. Word, ugly boy!

Traillblazer

Jan 31, 2008

After T in the Park last year I totally revised my opinion of the Arctic Monkeys. After their first album I thought they were a fantastic band full of energy and great guitar and lyrics. However at T in the Park and I saw them play on the main stage they looked lethargic, uninterested and even bored! They're still a very good band but I think what Tom Clarke says is right in a sense.

hanabizzle

Jan 31, 2008

bit rich of them really, to call anyone dull.

gordo87

Jan 31, 2008

two cracking bands but to critiscise Favourite Worst NIghtmare is ludicris. Its a triumphant follow up to the best debut album since definetely maybe. How can he possibly label the likes of Brianstorm, D is for Dangerous, Old Yellow Bricks et al as dull? And who cares if they dont like each other? Blur and Oasis did alright.

hansisland

Jan 31, 2008

the enemy can't say a thing... their whole album is a throwback to bland 90s britpop, with lyrics that whinge about how rubbish their lives were and they look awful and are probably the ugliest band making music now - aswell as just completely ripping off the jam. the arctic monkeys, look better for a start - their lyrics are more poetic and witty and all round more lyrical than any of the enemys not to mention the arctic monkeys being one of the tightest, more capable and rehearsed live bands going.

LarsUlrich

Jan 31, 2008

Yeah, I'll go for the 'let's hear The Enemy's next offering' before we start taking sides, but what a silly thing to say about the most exciting band in Britain.

Supermassiveblackmagda

Jan 31, 2008

yeah yeah yeah u english ppl
u can leave arctic monkeys

markcocky1986

Jan 31, 2008

Nice one Gordo!

We all know Tom Clarke likes to run his mouth off, its part of his personality, but its not gonna stop me seeing The Enemy in March. Monkeys are the best band in the world, saw them 3 times last year, absolute carnage!!!

RieEnemy

Jan 31, 2008

I understand Tom completly!
I love the Arctics but the first album was much and much better then the second!
The Enemy has a better sound and they kick ass!

binstig

Jan 31, 2008

Lad rock should have died along with Oasis' writing ability back in 1997 when Be Here Now was released which pretty much sums up my opinion on The Enemy (shit band name may I add). The Arctics are not exactly innovative, but they still have brought out two consistent records with some really amazing singles. Now please can we get back to something more interesting like Johnny Marr joining The Cribs or the return of My Bloody Valentine :)

Craig901

Jan 31, 2008

Tom, wrong, bang wrong.

antony.c

Jan 31, 2008

the arctic monkeys second album packs a much bigger punch and is more energetic than anything the enemy could ever hope to bring out, I love the arctic monkeys and i think that tom should come back and say that when they have half as much acclaim and half as many hits as what the arctic's have had.

PS. tom is one of the most repulsive looking human being ive ever seen.

Lakey24

Jan 31, 2008

Ive been to see both of these bands a few times and the arctics piss all over the enemy.
To be honest i dont really rate the enemy's album either, i just think its like everything else out there and the same goes for Tom.
He talks like he is this double hard rock legend. your a midget who straightens his hair. come back with some decent tunes and your own style.

milkydisco

Jan 31, 2008

Sounds like a poor mans Oasis vs. Blur

jack205

Jan 31, 2008

I basically agree with what the majority are saying: The Enemy are shit, the Arctic Monkeys are decent. While the Arctic Monkeys aren't anything groundbreaking like some would suggest, they certainly understand how to construct decent, interesting albums. Compared to average lad-rock like The Enemy there is really no comparison... unless you're a 13 year old 'indie' kid who likes anything with bass drums and guitar.

ardnfluffy

Jan 31, 2008

im sorry but im siding with tom here. i like the arctic monkeys but i would rather listen to the enemy album over and over again. One thing i like about the enemy is their attitude and especially Tom's 'lets f**kin avit* mind-set. he's entitled to his opinion as are we and i cant wait for a 2nd album from them and in my opinion it will outclass the arctics by a mile.

4peanuts

Jan 31, 2008

pete donohoe is spot on, the enemy are a rip off of the jam, at least the monkeys have achieved things i.e headlining glastonbury, mercury prize etc, what have the enemy done?

staylerson

Jan 31, 2008

Tom should be very careful. His band haven't released a 2nd album yet. He could yet be eating his words

Cooljon

Jan 31, 2008

Arctic Monkeys first album was classic. Really depicted the society. Like Oasis's Definitely Maybe. There second album WAS a dissapointment and I agree with Clarke. But I think they talk too much about going to the pub and there mom getting pulled. There music now just gets repetitive. But, with all due respect, they are still one of the best bands going. Make your lyrics mean something Mr Turner

adambluck

Jan 31, 2008

Really...? The Enemy are alright, but just another generic northern band that spit when they sing. No edge. No talent. No charisma. Get over yourselves, boys.

Ekolod

Feb 1, 2008

Sure "Whatever People Say I Am..." is great, but if Arctic Monkeys had continued to spit out the same garage rock all over again they would only get repetive and eventually boring. With "Favourite Worst Nightmare", they managed to evolve and reinvigorate themselves, and possibly secured a spot in brittish music history in the process.

Given that I haven't actually heard much from The Enemy I haven't really got any real opinion about their music yet. However, I believe they should hold a lower profile so that they don't gain a Noel Gallagher reputation.

neon_fairy

Feb 1, 2008

tom is obviously disillusioned. its a bit rich really seeing as the enemy are totally unoriginal and completely rip off the jam. arctics are amazing and have their own sound which the enemy could never live up to. lets hope they split up before a second album is even thought of. no one can slag off the god who is alex turner and get away with it.

missionverdana

Feb 1, 2008

I agree that the Arctic Monkeys' second album is rather more dull than the first, but it's not like The Enemy are the greatest band on the planet. I personally find their music really irritating to listen to and would much rather listen to Arctic Monkeys.

damienroden

Feb 1, 2008

The enemy are the duller of the two, FWN didnt live up to whatever people.... but was still a lot better than anything anyone else released at the time, the enemy have dull lyrics and dull music that are just cheap versions of jam songs, i think the midget should get a grip.

theconfidenceisthebalaclava

Feb 1, 2008

the enemy are pants.all they do is complain[like someone nicely put-old women at a bus stop- how the hell will their second album beat arctic monkeys?what an earth is their 2nd album gonna sound like ... they cant exactly keep on moaning about stuff but then again now theyve slagged off arctic monkeys they cant do something original which they dont like ....
haha
the enemy are just lame

theconfidenceisthebalaclava

Feb 1, 2008

what cooljon said about turner is ridicolous. i dont mean to be mean her but honestly alex is amazing at lyrics havent you actually heard them??? they mean loads!

Andy Rogerson

Feb 1, 2008

the enemy can make comments like that when they make anything near as gd or interesting as the arctic monkeys. the enemy are generic. tom puts on that ridiculous voice and swagger and makes stupid claims like this. i think its plain to see that both arctic monkeys albums are better than anything he'll ever record

beaker_edinburgh

Feb 1, 2008

arctics stay in the news by making music, enemy by making headlines. i think that pretty much covers it.

springer

Feb 1, 2008

Tom Clake is the new Jonny Borrell- if I was one of his band mates I'd be seriously telling him to sut up before the Enemy loose what little credibility they have left- Arctic Monkeys are the best band of this generation- and Tom please stay away from Manchester- you slagged off The Courteeners and Manchester xfm listeners voted Arctics best band and album- we don't like you here.

DaveIndieBoy

Feb 1, 2008

Makes me laugh that you've included a comment by Rick13...if it was up to that clown we'd all be listening to Ocean Colour Scene records

fluorescent_adolescent

Feb 4, 2008

hahahaha tom clarke has been around for what five minutes and he's slagged off nearly every band there is to slag off. [eg. Arctic Monkeys, The Courteeners...] he's obviously just trying to pick a fight and make himself a seem a bit bigger/harder than he is! The Enemy does make good music i'll admit it is pretty decent but it's got nothing on Arctic Monkeys! how the hell are they dull? Arctic Monkeys have made two absolutely amazing albums..are one of the best live bands i have ever seen and are just in general pretty amazing so Tom Clarke should just keep his mouth shut!

arcticenemy1

Feb 5, 2008

leaving this one
my two favourite bands
2/3 are my idols/heroes
Tom Clarke/Alex Turner = Geniuses
The Enemy/Arctic Monkeys = Best Bands in the world
put a end to it ay lads

teagunr

Feb 11, 2008

I like both bands but The Enemy are the better ones, their sound is so british and loveable, whereas the Arctic Monkeys are more commercial and franchised. I personally agree with Tom Clarkes statement about the Arctic Monkeys album being a bitter disapointment. They clearly were a one album band.
But quarelling is not the way to settle a dispute. FIGHT it out!

Hollizimo x

Feb 19, 2008

I have had enough of tom clarke! The Arctic Monkeys have made two fab albms, and yeah, there is a small percent of hype, but not as much as the enemy! At least the Arctic Monkeys don't sound like a crap tribute to the Jam.

a_neeves

Feb 26, 2008

The second Artics album was average at best, they seemed to lose the naive swagger they had in the first album, while The Enemy's album sounded lest polished and more real. There both great bands though but ive Tom isnt one to keep his mouth shut when he thinks something, which is good thing!