Beneath the Boardwalk

"Beneath the Boardwalk" is a compilation of tracks by the Arctic Monkeys which were used in their early stages to gain a growing fan base through the internet. The title "Beneath the Boardwalk" was thought up by fans, after the location where they got hold of the collection, hinting at the Boardwalk, a venue in the band's hometown of Sheffield, UK. It's essential to note that this is not an official Arctic Monkeys release.

The compilation is a memento of the band's early days and demos, comprising 18 tracks, which include well-known songs such as 'Mardy Bum', 'When The Sun Goes Down' and 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor'. These songs were recorded before the release of their debut studio album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" in 2006.

This collection of songs helped the band to build a solid fan base even before they signed to Domino Records. The word-of-mouth hype generated by these early tracks played a vital role in the band’s breakthrough, largely attributed to peer-to-peer file sharing, and particularly their substantial internet fan base.

Despite it not being a legitimate album, it embodies the raw energy and talent of Arctic Monkeys at the very beginning of their remarkable career. It's said to have significantly contributed to the anticipation for their debut album, which became the fastest-selling debut album in British music history.