LogFAQs > #956713856

69. Arctic Monkeys I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor (2005)
from the album Whatever People Say I Am, Thats What Im Not

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYpn8yUnX_c

Key lyrics:
Stop making the eyes at me
Ill stop making the eyes at you
What it is that surprises me
Is that I dont really want you to

Arctic Monkeys may have arrived at the tail-end of the garage rock revival era, but they kicked off their career with one of the most iconic songs of the movement. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor is about as frantic as rock comes, thrash-worthy despite never sounding anything close to metal. The lyrics suggest little more than lusting after cheap sex but add to the sickly barroom feel the band thrives on. Further, the numerous references help play up the bawdy delivery, a sonic encapsulation of young men trying to work their way into bed by being a tiny bit clever.

I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor is really as straightforward as that. Few bands, whether punk or otherwise, have truly tapped upon the fast but simple ideology Ramones established quite like Arctic Monkeys on their debut hit. This is one of those rare modern rock songs that preys upon some primal appeal. The clanging guitar and Alex Turners harsh delivery lend this the skeeviest atmosphere, one of those songs that so perfectly simulates a mood that you somehow embrace the negative associations. It calls up memories of young men visiting clubs for the first time, as confident as they are completely out of their element.

Despite never being one of those young straight men, I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor speaks to me. The rawness of Arctic Monkeys performance captures a universally recognizable passion. One can only hope to feel this intense about anything.

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My top 100 games (with write-ups): https://foolfantastic.com/top-100-video-games-project/