Arctic Monkeys Album Retains Top Spot

Sheffield indie giants Arctic Monkeys have held onto the top spot with their new album 'Humbug'.

It's been a long time coming. After the quick fire success of their first two albums Arctic Monkeys decided to take some time off. Alex Turner formed Last Shadow Puppets, and that group's sweeping grandeur appears to have rubbed off on the frozen simians.

Moving to the United States the group hitched up with Josh Homme to work on their third album. Adding a rock muscle to Arctic Monkeys' sound the pairing was a fruitful one, with Josh Homme remaining close to the group.

At a recent show in London's O2 Academy Brixton Arctic Monkeys were joined by Josh Homme's new group Them Crooked Vultures. Also containing Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones in their line up, the band then followed Arctic Monkeys to Reading and Leeds festival.

Playing two secret sets fan crammed into small tents to witness some of the first British performances by Them Crooked Vultures. Following this Arctic Monkeys played two superb headline slots, showcasing their new album 'Humbug'.

The knock-on effect of these high profile performances is that copies of 'Humbug' have been flying off the shelves. Retaining the number one slot for a second week, Arctic Monkeys have plenty to celebrate.

Further down, Noah And The Whale entered the Top 20 with their new album 'The First Days Of Spring'. Smashing into the charts at number sixteen, the superb new record is a former ClashMusic 'Album Of The Week'.

The UK's Top Ten albums are:

1. Arctic Monkeys – 'Humbug'
2. Vera Lynn - 'We'll Meet Again - the Very Best Of'
3. David Guetta – 'One Love'
4. Kings Of Leon - 'Only By The Night'
5. Black Eyed Peas – 'The END'
6. Paolo Nutini – 'Sunny Side Up'
7. Calvin Harris – 'Ready For The Weekend'
8. Florence And The Machine – 'Lungs'
9. Michael Jackson – 'The Essential'
10. James Morrison – 'Songs For You Truths For Me'