Released: 2008

Genres: Chamber Pop, Indie Rock, Baroque Pop

The Musiquarium’s The Age of the Understatement Review Score: 4/5

Only two years after Arctic Monkeys legendary debut, came Alex Turner’s equally high quality side project, The Last Shadow Puppets, which also features friend and collaborator Miles Kane, and the producer of Arctic Monkeys’ sophomore album, Favourite Worst Nightmare. Where Arctic Monkeys was about the present, The Last Shadow Puppets is all about the past, specifically the 1960s.

The title track sounds straight out of a spaghetti western, with its galloping bass and drums, informing listeners that this isn’t just Arctic Monkeys lite. Standing Next to Me is a love song, full of urgency and intrigue. The Scott Walker-influenced My Mistakes Were Made for You is as cool as it is sexy.

The Last Shadow Puppets successfully fuses together spaghetti western and spy film soundtracks, orchestral, baroque and French pop, and is every bit as rewarding as Turner’s work in Arctic Monkeys.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view The Last Shadow Puppets on Discogs.

Back to the 2008 Album Guide or the The Last Shadow Puppets Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard