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On the Shelf 154: the Libertines
Oct. 19th, 2015 06:26 pmRock is a young man (mostly)'s game. The best bands are often the most ambitious. Those who fancy themselves artists and think they are the first to discover Rimbaud or the Beats.
Indeed, it's probably no coincidence that we all attach ourselves to artists during our own teen years. As we turn to middle aged and beyond, we are quick to point out that nothing is original and the new hot thing is simply a rehash of x, y and z.
So, while I fell hard for the Smiths, the next wave of Oasis and Manic Street Preachers looked like a bunch of poseurs to me.
Indeed, it's hard to feel that explosive energy of youth as the years go on. The Libertines indeed to veteran years are nothing original- drawing equally from the enthusiastic punk of the Clash and the literate rock of the Smiths. I was nearing 30 as the band released their ambitious debut.
That said,I was like so many, charmed. While there's no denying their influences, they had the chemistry and chops to pull it off.
The Libertines made a second album quickly which if wasn't as good as the first was pretty close.
The band split and Pete Doherty's self-destructive lifestyle became a bit of a standing joke. Indeed, back in those days when everybody blogged on liveJournal, I could count on Doherty for material.
Like one of his obvious touchpoints, Johnny Thunders, Doherty seemed to be traveling everywhere with his guitar and his recordings were shared on the internet- acoustic and intimate.
Doherty formed BabyShambles and released "Down in Albion". "Albion" got mixed reviews, but I think it's a masterpiece in its messiness- as good as anything the Libs did. Equally, I think it is the last time Doherty's art was on point. It's hard to believe 10 years have passed and maybe harder to believe Doherty is still alive.
A second and third album followed produced by Stephen Street who often gets the blame for the resulting lack of success. In any case, they seemed less than aspired. Doherty managed a solo album which was a shot at crafting a polished version of his earlier 'bedroom' acoustic recordings. Reviews were good, though it's pretty forgettable.
As the Libertines have reunited, it's pretty clear though that Doherty may be the Strummer of the modern day Strummer & Jones (or Lennon if you like that comparison better), it's Barat who takes his music to the next level. One listen to the first single "Gunga Din" and it's clear what a great front man and voice the band has in Barat.
Meanwhile, Barat's post-Libs career is a major disappointment. In two Dirty Pretty Things albums as well as some assorted other work that includes a solo album, Barat does little to further his brand of rock.
So, the reunion does seem inspired. It also probably sets up expectations that are sky high. It's easy to idolize a band with little recorded output.
All said, the Libertines reunion album is pretty good. It's clearly the third best in terms of quality of the three albums, still it's a worth addition.
The best songs are the typical fast one. "Gunga Din" is as good as anything as the band has ever recorded, while songs like "Heart of the Matter" and "Glasgow Coma Scale Blues" fit easily into live setlists with the old material.
There are slow moments which are Doherty's specialty, though these disappoint slightly. Songs like "You're My Waterloo" and closer "Dead for Love" seem to be going for something akin to Suede's dramatically powerful second album "Dog Man Star".
The songs don't measure out to Doherty's best work like say Baby Shambles 'Albion" nor does it pack the punch of tjhose classic Suede tunes. Still, they're not bad and add a little variety.
A worthwhile album. Indeed a Top 20 year-end type album, and if there are more to come from the Libs, we should suspect that it won't be too bad.
Indeed, it's probably no coincidence that we all attach ourselves to artists during our own teen years. As we turn to middle aged and beyond, we are quick to point out that nothing is original and the new hot thing is simply a rehash of x, y and z.
So, while I fell hard for the Smiths, the next wave of Oasis and Manic Street Preachers looked like a bunch of poseurs to me.
Indeed, it's hard to feel that explosive energy of youth as the years go on. The Libertines indeed to veteran years are nothing original- drawing equally from the enthusiastic punk of the Clash and the literate rock of the Smiths. I was nearing 30 as the band released their ambitious debut.
That said,I was like so many, charmed. While there's no denying their influences, they had the chemistry and chops to pull it off.
The Libertines made a second album quickly which if wasn't as good as the first was pretty close.
The band split and Pete Doherty's self-destructive lifestyle became a bit of a standing joke. Indeed, back in those days when everybody blogged on liveJournal, I could count on Doherty for material.
Like one of his obvious touchpoints, Johnny Thunders, Doherty seemed to be traveling everywhere with his guitar and his recordings were shared on the internet- acoustic and intimate.
Doherty formed BabyShambles and released "Down in Albion". "Albion" got mixed reviews, but I think it's a masterpiece in its messiness- as good as anything the Libs did. Equally, I think it is the last time Doherty's art was on point. It's hard to believe 10 years have passed and maybe harder to believe Doherty is still alive.
A second and third album followed produced by Stephen Street who often gets the blame for the resulting lack of success. In any case, they seemed less than aspired. Doherty managed a solo album which was a shot at crafting a polished version of his earlier 'bedroom' acoustic recordings. Reviews were good, though it's pretty forgettable.
As the Libertines have reunited, it's pretty clear though that Doherty may be the Strummer of the modern day Strummer & Jones (or Lennon if you like that comparison better), it's Barat who takes his music to the next level. One listen to the first single "Gunga Din" and it's clear what a great front man and voice the band has in Barat.
Meanwhile, Barat's post-Libs career is a major disappointment. In two Dirty Pretty Things albums as well as some assorted other work that includes a solo album, Barat does little to further his brand of rock.
So, the reunion does seem inspired. It also probably sets up expectations that are sky high. It's easy to idolize a band with little recorded output.
All said, the Libertines reunion album is pretty good. It's clearly the third best in terms of quality of the three albums, still it's a worth addition.
The best songs are the typical fast one. "Gunga Din" is as good as anything as the band has ever recorded, while songs like "Heart of the Matter" and "Glasgow Coma Scale Blues" fit easily into live setlists with the old material.
There are slow moments which are Doherty's specialty, though these disappoint slightly. Songs like "You're My Waterloo" and closer "Dead for Love" seem to be going for something akin to Suede's dramatically powerful second album "Dog Man Star".
The songs don't measure out to Doherty's best work like say Baby Shambles 'Albion" nor does it pack the punch of tjhose classic Suede tunes. Still, they're not bad and add a little variety.
A worthwhile album. Indeed a Top 20 year-end type album, and if there are more to come from the Libs, we should suspect that it won't be too bad.
