Bang Bang Rock & Roll
by Art Brut
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 82
  3. Negative: 12 out of 82

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  1. colbag
    Mar 15, 2011
    9
    A strong, exciting, varied debut which has sadly overshadowed most of their work since. Art Brut's first album still sounds as exciting today as it did when I first heard it. They were the best band in Britain in 2005 and this album deserves more recognition.
  2. Marc
    Aug 4, 2008
    10
    Most of you people are crazy. This is top-shelf stuff.
  3. EricC
    Nov 26, 2007
    9
    I can't believe there's a band making music like this. But I'm ecstatic that they are. Some of the bluntest music you'll ever hear (you'll quickly realize this in the first track, which simply celebrates the fact that they formed a band). It may not stick with you too long, but for those first few listens, it's an experience you won't be finding anywhere else.
  4. JayP
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    It doesn't get any better than this. Best record of the decade.
  5. Rayl
    Jan 5, 2007
    9
    Fantastic
  6. Delicious
    Nov 26, 2006
    6
    Some catchy songs, but hardly revolutionary. They might seem special to someone who has absolutely no knowledge of other independent bands, maybe? Art Brut have some catchy songs, but the lead singer steals Mark E. Smith's shtick and the band is just generic garage rock.
  7. ToddW
    Nov 1, 2006
    8
    If these guys ever take themselves seriously, we could be looking at another Clash, or at least Sonic Youth. This album is often smart, sometimes funny, and it ROCKS. However, in spots it's a little too cute. And cute doesn't translate well to the ugly masses. The Sheep simply never get it. Popular culture no longer applies to them. Perhaps that's a good thing for the rest If these guys ever take themselves seriously, we could be looking at another Clash, or at least Sonic Youth. This album is often smart, sometimes funny, and it ROCKS. However, in spots it's a little too cute. And cute doesn't translate well to the ugly masses. The Sheep simply never get it. Popular culture no longer applies to them. Perhaps that's a good thing for the rest of us. It would be nice to keep these guys our little secret. However, you would hope that just once, ONCE, the denizens of the dark waters of the Sewerstream would wake up and answer the door when a rcok band like Art Brut come banging.… Expand
  8. SteveC
    Oct 26, 2006
    0
    Pretentious rubbish. Awful. Talentless. Highly irritating.
  9. MattJ
    Aug 17, 2006
    9
    Music to enjoy, surely music is there to make you want to dance, laugh, and feel, Emily kane takes everyone back to their first love, hilarious throughout, just thoroughly enjoyable!
  10. Jason
    Aug 10, 2006
    1
    I clearly missed something too because a friend just called me last night to rave about these guys. Unfortunately, I'd already heard this album and couldn't get through it a 2nd time.
  11. NathanB
    Aug 8, 2006
    7
    Catchy
  12. MikeG
    Aug 8, 2006
    10
    A year after this album's initial release, Bang Bang Rock 'n' Roll is already, and surprisingly, a classic. I'm not kidding, because they aren't kidding either.
  13. MikeH.
    Aug 5, 2006
    9
    If you think this bad is "stupid" its probably because you're not in on the joke. Most of Art Brut's lyrics are playing off the pretentousness of the punk/indie scene. Even songs that aren't exclicitly about it often still parody it through sheer literalism. The Strokes would certainly not write a song about their own sexual dysfunction, for instance because they are trying If you think this bad is "stupid" its probably because you're not in on the joke. Most of Art Brut's lyrics are playing off the pretentousness of the punk/indie scene. Even songs that aren't exclicitly about it often still parody it through sheer literalism. The Strokes would certainly not write a song about their own sexual dysfunction, for instance because they are trying to maintain some sort of "Rock God" persona.… Expand
  14. lonchaneyjr
    Aug 4, 2006
    6
    It's forty minutes in the company of a moderately amusing, utterly charming guy. But...is that what you listen to music for?
  15. AnonymousTipoff
    Jul 24, 2006
    10
    "You don't get it!"
  16. ChrisM
    Jul 11, 2006
    0
    Utter crap... Arogs' voice is annoying, and to hear him trample and stumble his way over some very pedestrian arrangements makes me wonder how deprived most listeners/critics are if they're giving this glowing reviews. Bland, bland music.
  17. MattD.
    Jul 11, 2006
    2
    Tries to be funny, but the lyrics are dumb, and the vocals and music sound like a parody. I'll give it 2 points for effort. Try Ted Leo instead if you want fresh pop/punk.
  18. RichR
    Jul 7, 2006
    10
    I love this band and this record. For me, it's straight out of '77, one of the all time great years for rock 'n roll, and certainly the best of that much-maligned decade. Every song on here shreds. I can see how some people might be annoyed/intimidated by Andy Argos's supreme self-confidence, yes. I mean, how many people have the nerve to completely disrespect the I love this band and this record. For me, it's straight out of '77, one of the all time great years for rock 'n roll, and certainly the best of that much-maligned decade. Every song on here shreds. I can see how some people might be annoyed/intimidated by Andy Argos's supreme self-confidence, yes. I mean, how many people have the nerve to completely disrespect the Velvet Underground, who I love and think are a great band, too, but maybe not quite as influential as some would have us think? Anyone who doesn't like this record is either deaf or seriously addled, or both. I just missed them in my home town, but I bet they blew the roof off.… Expand
  19. bearlyybearlyy
    Jul 7, 2006
    5
    Lyrically it is quite creative and a few of the songs made me feel euphoric for maybe 3 listens. But musically and melodically it is barren, barren, completely barren.
  20. seant
    Jul 6, 2006
    8
    its an excellent record that draws comparisons to the fall and the buzzcocks. it doesnt hurt that they are pretty much poking fun at all the buzz bands of today either.
  21. Mark
    Jun 21, 2006
    1
    Clearly, I missed something. This album is crap.
  22. Nugget
    Jun 12, 2006
    7
    'Formed A Band', the opening track, is as good a statement of intent as any album in recent memory. "We're going to be the band/ That writes the song/ That makes Israel and Palestine/ Get along", Eddie Argos yelps, and God love us, we believe him too. The (non) attitude is a clever, fresh ploy in a generation of po-faced musicians. They don't care or they care too 'Formed A Band', the opening track, is as good a statement of intent as any album in recent memory. "We're going to be the band/ That writes the song/ That makes Israel and Palestine/ Get along", Eddie Argos yelps, and God love us, we believe him too. The (non) attitude is a clever, fresh ploy in a generation of po-faced musicians. They don't care or they care too much? You decide. Trouble is, these three chord thrashers don't have the choons to stand up to Bloc Party or even the Kaiser Chiefs. It's a lot of fun, but not the sort of thing you'll be playing five years from now.… Expand
  23. GaboS
    May 31, 2006
    8
    Really fun and solid album. The first time I heard these guys (and girl), I wasn't too impressed, but that was mainly because the only song I heard from them was "really bad weekend." Then I got to listen to "my little brother," and then "bad weekend," and I was HOOKED! From there I bought their album and I loved the whole thing (except for bad weekend). The lyrics are so smart and Really fun and solid album. The first time I heard these guys (and girl), I wasn't too impressed, but that was mainly because the only song I heard from them was "really bad weekend." Then I got to listen to "my little brother," and then "bad weekend," and I was HOOKED! From there I bought their album and I loved the whole thing (except for bad weekend). The lyrics are so smart and funny at the same time, every time Argos starts singing, I can't help but to smile. I recommend this album for anyone looking for a band with the likes of The Rakes, The Futureheads, or even Bloc Party. And YES, it WILL grow on you!… Expand
  24. dan
    May 30, 2006
    7
    Pitchfork Syndrome, I'm afraid. Music critics who want to be rock stars love the idea of rock stars who want to be music critics. That said, it is quite entertaining.
  25. SmileyG
    May 26, 2006
    8
    Some of the most up front, in your face, lyrical content your hear all year, and then some... Highlights: Formed a Band, My Little Brother, Bad Weekend
  26. Rudiger
    May 24, 2006
    10
    Funny, Smart, Lively and Catchy. An album that will stand the test of time Had me listning to it again and again
  27. MattH
    Apr 30, 2006
    10
    It's hard to believe something this simple could be this good. This album is not only fantastically funny but catchy as well.
  28. marks
    Apr 20, 2006
    8
    [...] Although genuinely hilarious, Art Brut's Eddie Argos doesn't summon Mark E Smith as proclaimed by the English music press (for those keeping track that would be, for better or worse, LCD Soundsystem's ubergeek James Murphy). [....] Mark my words, dear readers: when Bang Bang Rock and Roll hits stateside next month, they'll be the latest and greatest kids in the [...] Although genuinely hilarious, Art Brut's Eddie Argos doesn't summon Mark E Smith as proclaimed by the English music press (for those keeping track that would be, for better or worse, LCD Soundsystem's ubergeek James Murphy). [....] Mark my words, dear readers: when Bang Bang Rock and Roll hits stateside next month, they'll be the latest and greatest kids in the Futureheads/Franz Ferdinand/Bloc Party/Arctic Monkeys new new-wave invasion [...] in fact with this release, Art Brut out-wit, out-punk, and out-Brit any of the aforementioned.… Expand
  29. aReviewer
    Apr 8, 2006
    6
    When I first listened to this album, I thought it was like the Streets at first. Then I realized, Mike Skinner is awesome, and this guy, well, isn't. If you're a fan of straightforward but otherwise uninteresting lyrics and musical style, then this is for you. It's rock-n-roll in its purest most simple form, but it's still missing something that would make it good. When I first listened to this album, I thought it was like the Streets at first. Then I realized, Mike Skinner is awesome, and this guy, well, isn't. If you're a fan of straightforward but otherwise uninteresting lyrics and musical style, then this is for you. It's rock-n-roll in its purest most simple form, but it's still missing something that would make it good. People will be sick of this album in a year.… Expand
  30. Drew
    Mar 13, 2006
    8
    Really catchy and it continues to grow on you-
  31. Nick
    Mar 2, 2006
    8
    A good album.
  32. RobNoxious
    Jan 17, 2006
    9
    I've listened to an awful lot of the post-punk revivalist bands that have sprung up over the past couple of years or so, and a few of them are pretty good, but this lot leave the rest in their wake. There's not a bad track on this album and the lyrics are both clever and funny. I can't understand the reviewers who make a negative point out of comparison with The Fall - are I've listened to an awful lot of the post-punk revivalist bands that have sprung up over the past couple of years or so, and a few of them are pretty good, but this lot leave the rest in their wake. There's not a bad track on this album and the lyrics are both clever and funny. I can't understand the reviewers who make a negative point out of comparison with The Fall - are we not allowed to like both bands? I know who Mark E Smith is, as I have virtually of all of his offical releases, and I can make my own mind up about whether or not I like this album. Can they endure as long as The Fall - highly unlikely - but I'll enjoy them as long as they can produce the goods.… Expand
  33. JustSomebody
    Jan 9, 2006
    8
    The surprising thing about this album is that I think it's actually improving over time, and I can't really explain why. Initially it was amusing but repetetive, but with each spin the tracks that seemed like throwaways sound better, the tracks that seemed clever still seem clever. There's a comment up here that indicates that the Fall does this kind of metarock, which The surprising thing about this album is that I think it's actually improving over time, and I can't really explain why. Initially it was amusing but repetetive, but with each spin the tracks that seemed like throwaways sound better, the tracks that seemed clever still seem clever. There's a comment up here that indicates that the Fall does this kind of metarock, which means that maybe I should be picking up a Fall album. But I've never heard the Fall, and I've never heard any recent bands that do this kind of commentary, so it seems fresh enough. And if it's not a great album then give it credit for being at least a necessary, one-shot joke that sounds decent. Besides, it's hard to deny that riff at the start of Bad Weekend. Or Emily Kane.… Expand
  34. olivere
    Dec 23, 2005
    8
    Droll, very droll. And very british, which might explain some of the negative reviews I have seen. The band rock live, and on record manage to do a ramones. Not in style or sound, but in attitude - it is dumb, it is pretentious, it is funny, and you get the true rock'n'roll feeling that they are not going to be trapped by anybody elses fixed ideas of what a proper band should Droll, very droll. And very british, which might explain some of the negative reviews I have seen. The band rock live, and on record manage to do a ramones. Not in style or sound, but in attitude - it is dumb, it is pretentious, it is funny, and you get the true rock'n'roll feeling that they are not going to be trapped by anybody elses fixed ideas of what a proper band should sing about and that they really don't care. He's just talking... to the kids!...… Expand
  35. Carsten
    Dec 22, 2005
    7
    Take the wit (and elements of the singing style) of the streets - and put it to indie-rock. You have Art Brut. An interesting listen even if it's not your thing.
  36. freerangechild
    Dec 21, 2005
    0
    Falkous would stomp these guys. Also, before anyone listens to this crud.... FIND OUT WHO MARK E SMITH IS There is really no excuse for not knowing by now. There is also no excuse for liking this album. Ryan Schreiber needs to be kicked in the balls.
  37. bobbobert
    Dec 12, 2005
    2
    theres a reason you dont hear bands like pavement and the ramones anymore. independent music has progressed to a point where we dont NEED a crazy slop fest to have fun or be honest. dont get me wrong, i love pavement. i love crazy fun slop fests. but this cd is neither crazy nor fun. its annoyingly self absorbed and stupid, and before you say something like 'it's SUPPOSED to be theres a reason you dont hear bands like pavement and the ramones anymore. independent music has progressed to a point where we dont NEED a crazy slop fest to have fun or be honest. dont get me wrong, i love pavement. i love crazy fun slop fests. but this cd is neither crazy nor fun. its annoyingly self absorbed and stupid, and before you say something like 'it's SUPPOSED to be stupid', please, let me kick you in the nuts. yes, i realize the whole gimmick of the album is that 'its funny because its dumb AND pretentious.' and yknow what? youre right, it is. but last time i checked, dumb+pretentious=suck. i mean, did i miss something? you write a song about how you started a band, and suddenly everyone thinks youre clever? uh, sure dude. y'know some bands that are clever and funny AND listenable? The unicorns, they might be giants, starlight mints, the fiery furnaces when they try to be.... so these guys play the same three chords over and over and talk about mundane stuff that they actually do, and everyone loves it because of its energy? how come no one's giving … Expand
  38. MAGNUSU
    Dec 4, 2005
    10
    Finally someone gets it!
  39. TimE
    Nov 28, 2005
    8
    Pretty good! One of the better albums this year. They're awesome live!
  40. name
    Aug 29, 2005
    6
    It is intriguing upon the first listen but it gets old fast. On deeper analysis Art Brut comes off as a solid singles band with a whole lot of filler.
  41. AKilmer
    Aug 15, 2005
    4
    They've just released this in the US, but I seriously doubt it will go anywhere. At first listen, I found the album unlistenable. If this guy was singing in front of me I think I'd punch him in the face as an involuntary reaction to his singing and lyrics. I decided to listen to the whole album and discovered Bad Weekend isn't a bad song but it's not worth an album to They've just released this in the US, but I seriously doubt it will go anywhere. At first listen, I found the album unlistenable. If this guy was singing in front of me I think I'd punch him in the face as an involuntary reaction to his singing and lyrics. I decided to listen to the whole album and discovered Bad Weekend isn't a bad song but it's not worth an album to get to it. I gave it a five because they seem like they could have huge potential then dropped it to three because I have a feeling they won't use it , but Bad Weekend bumped it up to a four.… Expand
  42. gabrielp
    Aug 9, 2005
    6
    This is the most funny album of the year, BUT, the sound of Art Brut, that scream-singing style it's so... "trying-to-be-but-NOT-Ramones". They're trying to save the world of rock 'n roll making funny lyrics: 10 points. They're trying to kill all the rock n' roll spirit: 2 points. Total: 6 points.
  43. AlexB
    Aug 2, 2005
    8
    Solid album over-all, much more than '2 singles' in any case. Moreover, it contains the best single ever concerning erectile disfunction, which is a subject close to my... heart.
  44. Mike
    Jul 27, 2005
    10
    great album!
  45. theking
    Jul 14, 2005
    0
    worst band ever.
  46. chuchu
    Jun 22, 2005
    10
    anon, the lyric is 'popular culture _no longer_ applies to me' big difference - it's not about not feeling superior or smug - he is talking about reading the nme for the first time in a while and feeling completely alienated. Check the lyrics - Eddy Argos is more Tony Hancock than Jarvis Cocker.
  47. Bob
    Jun 13, 2005
    8
    If you think Formed a Band is faux-intellectual, nr. anonymous, you may consider picking up yr abc again . Good fun, though.
  48. JD
    Jun 11, 2005
    7
    [Anonymous], I think you missed the joke mate. It's all very tongue and cheek. The point is that they ARE forced faux-intellectual mumblings. To accuse them of that is to completely missing the point--accusing Sgt Pepper of being "a bit psychedelic," etc. That said, the quality of the album is a bit lacking. While Art Brut do stand out a bit more than the rest of the Maximo Park, [Anonymous], I think you missed the joke mate. It's all very tongue and cheek. The point is that they ARE forced faux-intellectual mumblings. To accuse them of that is to completely missing the point--accusing Sgt Pepper of being "a bit psychedelic," etc. That said, the quality of the album is a bit lacking. While Art Brut do stand out a bit more than the rest of the Maximo Park, Kaiser Chiefs, Killer nonsense, they didn't exactly produce a solid album. Like the others, it's fun for what it is, but anyone putting it on hoping for m ore will be let down.… Expand
  49. anniemal
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    ive listened to the album around 100 times already and am currently going on the 101st. so it can't be all that bad, right.
  50. [Anonymous]
    Jun 6, 2005
    2
    Terrible pretentious arty rubbish. Saw them live in Dublin last weekend and they were awful. The frontman's wannabe Jarvis Cocker act is irritating at best and the few decent riffs and licks (and there are enough to suggest that the guitarist alone may have some potential) are overpowered by the maddeningly forced faux-intellectual mumblings of the lead singer. At the point where he Terrible pretentious arty rubbish. Saw them live in Dublin last weekend and they were awful. The frontman's wannabe Jarvis Cocker act is irritating at best and the few decent riffs and licks (and there are enough to suggest that the guitarist alone may have some potential) are overpowered by the maddeningly forced faux-intellectual mumblings of the lead singer. At the point where he started tunelessly proclaiming how 'Popular Culture Does Note Apply To Me' (on a loop), the audience openly started laughing. And headed for the bar. Introducing a song as 'our intellectual one' doesnt make you nerdily cool mate. Alex Kapranos, you have a lot to answer for.… Expand
  51. JustHipper
    Jun 6, 2005
    8
    Just how great is it to finally get a band who can see the whole idiocy in rock n roll and fan worship? The irony and sarcasm are hilarious and "My Little Brother" reminds me of being 21 and deluded again.
  52. AdamB
    Jun 3, 2005
    9
    One of the albums of the year
  53. lozd
    Jun 3, 2005
    3
    As the Q review says; this album is basically 2 decent singles spread over the length of an album. The re-recorded versions of those songs are overdone rehashes of the superior originals. (They've added all manner of dodgy vocal harmonies where they just aren't needed). The deadpan humour was funny when they sounded shambolic, but now they've been polished is just sounds As the Q review says; this album is basically 2 decent singles spread over the length of an album. The re-recorded versions of those songs are overdone rehashes of the superior originals. (They've added all manner of dodgy vocal harmonies where they just aren't needed). The deadpan humour was funny when they sounded shambolic, but now they've been polished is just sounds hypocritical.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best Album of 2006
52
#52 Most Discussed Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Spin
    83
    These Brits deconstruct bombast via bombastic guitar riffs. [Jun 2005, p.108]
  2. cokemachineglow
    76
    It all adds up to blatantly catchy, deceptively simple wannabe-clever, can’t-help-but-be-cheeky art-punk.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    80
    Every generation needs an Art Brut. [Jun 2005, p.100]
See all critic reviews »