THE hotly awaited Arctic Monkeys debut album has been a sell-out - reaching number one quicker than, well, a monkey up a short tree.

The hype surrounding this band's first taste of the commercial market has not been without merit and the album lives up to every expectations, with raw tunes, great lyrics and an edge that gives it as much charm as the lead singer's vocals.

Released on January 23, it has sold more than 360,000 copies and for fans who have only just got to know about them, it's great to hear it at last - despite all the rumours from people who managed to download it months ago.

The Sheffield-based band are not afraid to stick close to their roots and while the album is still a bit rough around the edges, this gives it all the more appeal as it is less processed than much in the chart today.

So, for anyone who hasn't got their hands on it yet (and there really can't be that many out there now) the must listen to tunes have to be the number one I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor, Riot Van, their latest single When the Sun Goes Down and my favourite - Mardy Bum.

CF