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First of all, I have to admit I'm no Libertines fanatic. I don't live for the latest news of Pete Doherty's battles with drug addiction, I own only one stripy scarf, and I don't believe Albion truly exists. But the NME covers them so religiously, I am completely aware of what Babyshambles gig Pete Doherty has missed now and what Carl Barat thinks about it all. But this band isn't just a freak show for the media; they create such a following because they are right in the center of the exciting London music scene. Up The Bracket, The Libertines's debut album, was packed with amazing energy and rawness; it sounded like rock 'n roll should sound. So, it was with an eager ear that I picked up The Libertine's self-titled second attempt. This is undeniably a band that can put together hits. The opening song "Can't Stand Me Now" never had to grow on me. The first time I heard this song build, powered by Gary Powell's drumming, it was impossible to keep still. The exchange between Carl and Pete keeps the listener interested, and the lyrics are extremely relevant given the situation between the two at the moment.
This quick moving tempo continues for many of the songs on the album; Gary's drumming is ever present, leading the guitars through a whirlwind of sound, ensuring that even the most musically-challenged can keep the beat. But it is the vocals of Carl and Pete that give the songs their distinctly raw edge. If someone like Bono sang "Don't Be Shy," the song would be completely different. The band do slow down occasionally, especially in songs such as "What Katie Did" and "Music When the Lights Go Out". That does not mean they miss a beat musically. Another notable song, "Tomblands" is extremely catchy, though there is an unmistakable feel of a pirate's ballad coming off it.
The Libertines are not simply a band of drunken singalongs for the pub; their lyrics hold their fair share of social commentary. 'Campaign of Hate' finds the band dealing with the identity crisis that many of today's youth seems to struggle: "Poor kids dressing like they're rich (mods)/ Rich kids dressing like they're poor (o my god)/White kids talking like they're black/ I tried it with Charlene/And I spent three days on my back." The bands current situation seems to take center stage again in the album closer "What Became of the Likely Lads?" The listener can’t help but wonder how much of a role their personal life has in the lyrics. This could be the band reflecting again, warning themselves of what could go wrong if they are not careful: "Oh what became of the Likely Lads?/ What became of the dreams we had?"
Even though the constant parading in the media has put many off the band, there is something endearing about a band that does not try to lie about themselves. They have problems like the rest of us, and do not try to hide this from the media. Nor do they try to hide it from their listeners; one feels like they are being updated on what the boys are really thinking. This makes for very heartfelt music.
On the whole, this is a really enjoyable album. But in comparison to Up the Bracket, a certain edge seems to be lost. Maybe this is just a sign of The Libertines growing up and calming down, but hopefully they don't grow up too quickly: their unruly antics have become their trademark, both in the newspapers and on the radio.
This quick moving tempo continues for many of the songs on the album; Gary's drumming is ever present, leading the guitars through a whirlwind of sound, ensuring that even the most musically-challenged can keep the beat. But it is the vocals of Carl and Pete that give the songs their distinctly raw edge. If someone like Bono sang "Don't Be Shy," the song would be completely different. The band do slow down occasionally, especially in songs such as "What Katie Did" and "Music When the Lights Go Out". That does not mean they miss a beat musically. Another notable song, "Tomblands" is extremely catchy, though there is an unmistakable feel of a pirate's ballad coming off it.
The Libertines are not simply a band of drunken singalongs for the pub; their lyrics hold their fair share of social commentary. 'Campaign of Hate' finds the band dealing with the identity crisis that many of today's youth seems to struggle: "Poor kids dressing like they're rich (mods)/ Rich kids dressing like they're poor (o my god)/White kids talking like they're black/ I tried it with Charlene/And I spent three days on my back." The bands current situation seems to take center stage again in the album closer "What Became of the Likely Lads?" The listener can’t help but wonder how much of a role their personal life has in the lyrics. This could be the band reflecting again, warning themselves of what could go wrong if they are not careful: "Oh what became of the Likely Lads?/ What became of the dreams we had?"
Even though the constant parading in the media has put many off the band, there is something endearing about a band that does not try to lie about themselves. They have problems like the rest of us, and do not try to hide this from the media. Nor do they try to hide it from their listeners; one feels like they are being updated on what the boys are really thinking. This makes for very heartfelt music.
On the whole, this is a really enjoyable album. But in comparison to Up the Bracket, a certain edge seems to be lost. Maybe this is just a sign of The Libertines growing up and calming down, but hopefully they don't grow up too quickly: their unruly antics have become their trademark, both in the newspapers and on the radio.
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