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Humbug

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description Humbug Overview

"Humbug" is the third studio album by the English indie rock band Arctic Monkeys, released in August 2009. Co-produced by James Ford and Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme, the album was recorded at Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree, California. The recording sessions resulted in a distinct stylistic shift for the band, abandoning the fast-paced post-punk revival of their earlier work for a heavier, psychedelic rock sound. It features prominent tracks like "Crying Lightning" and "Cornerstone," continuing the band's commercial success in the UK.

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How did Josh Homme change Arctic Monkeys' sound on Humbug?

Josh Homme co-produced much of Humbug and hosted sessions at Rancho de la Luna in California's desert. The resulting 2009 album favors slower grooves, heavier guitar tones, and a darker psychedelic atmosphere than Favourite Worst Nightmare.

Where was Humbug recorded?

Much of the album was recorded at Rancho de la Luna in Joshua Tree, California, with additional work involving producer James Ford. The desert sessions are particularly associated with the dense sound of tracks such as "Crying Lightning" and "Dance Little Liar."

What is Cornerstone about?

"Cornerstone" follows a narrator who repeatedly mistakes other women for a former partner and asks whether he can call them by her name. Its conversational story and restrained arrangement make it one of Humbug's most accessible songs.

Which Humbug tracks best show its darker direction?

"My Propeller," "Dance Little Liar," and "The Jeweller's Hands" highlight the album's brooding rhythms and psychedelic guitar work. "Crying Lightning" provides a more immediate bridge between that style and the band's earlier rock singles.

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