Pete Doherty-Vocals/Guitar
Carl Barat-Vocals/Guitar
John Hassall-Bass
Gary Powell-Drums
2004 has been one of the most turbulent years for The Libertines. Vocalist/Guitarist Pete Doherty was basically chucked out of the band by co frontman Carl because of his drugs problems. The tension between the two seems to fuel this album because if you are a fan of the band you recognize which member every jibe and twisted lyric is aimed at. This band have been in the gutter press so much and it's really given them a bad name and they don't deserve it because this album is great. It adds so much to the sound they perfected with 2002's Up The Bracket.
Here's an analysis of each track
Can't Stand Me Now (3:23)-This song is a fragile anthem. It starts with an almost rock and roll vibe to it and then the verse kicks in with Carl and Pete exchanging conflicting lines that are obviously aimed at one another. The rhythm section hold the song together well. The lyrics are great and because of the band's current situation they are even more tortured and meaningful. Pete even touches on the subject of his drug use and why Carl blocks him out because of it. The outro is great with the two vocalists harmonizing and a great harmonica solo. A real standout track-5/5
Last Post On The Bugle (2:32)-This song starts with a solid drum riff and a simple lead guitar motif. It is a lot more punky than the previous track and is basically just sung by Pete. Gary's drumming is great on this song going from moderate to aggressive in a couple of seconds. The replacement of the third chorus with a lead guitar part and Pete's 'la la la' part is a good addition to the song. Overall this almost hits standout territory-4.5/5
Don't Be Shy (3:03)-A more slow rock and roll vibe to this song. Pete can't really hit the notes on this song but I suppose it adds to the rough feel of the record. The instrument playing is great as usual and John gets what could be called a 'bass solo' on this song which albeit not amazing technically it adds a lot to the song. Overall a good song even though Pete's singing may not be liked by some people on this song-4/5
The Man Who Would Be King (3:59)-This song is very interesting for two reasons. One: It has parallels with Tell The King from Up The Bracket (The Libertines debut album) because the lyrics almost follow on from it and the guitar intro is the same but the rest of the song is a lot more deep and sarcastic. Two: The Libertines use a piano and a trumpet (at the very end) on this song which shows they’re branching out from they’re punk/indie roots. The track is really a standout with a great guitar sound, sarcastic and dark lyrics and the rhythm section keeping the song from sounding too depressing at the sudden moments of aggression-5/5
Music When The Lights Go Out (3.02)-This song is a bit more upbeat than the last song and is beautiful with it’s acoustic guitar and lounge sounding lead guitar. The lyrics are very reflective. The chorus has a kind of funk/rock n roll stomp to it, shows Carl’s talent as a guitarist and it’s a great sing-along. This is my favourite song on the album-5/5
Narcissist (2:10)-Carls first proper track on the album is a punk/rock n roll stomper which shows the band still have the sense of humour they had on Up The Bracket. The guitar lines are ludicrous and the lyrics have wit to them. It’s great to jump around to and is an all round good song-4/5
The Ha Ha Wall (2:29)-A simple, catchy song which has some great lyrics about how inspirational music is. The rhythm section on this song is great and it’s got that 1970’s recording feel to it like most of the album but it’s really noticeable here. The guitar solo is nice and as usual not too technical but at least fits in and adds to the song-4.5/5
Arbeit Macht Frei! (1:13)-The shortest song on the album and the fastest. It’s really funny but it makes a good point that Britain is racist. It’s a great track to liven you up when you’re down. People have said the song itself is racist but it’s nonsense since The Libertines are part of the Love Music Hate Racism group and the lyrics are blatantly not racist. A great little ditty-4.5/5
Campaign Of Hate (2:10)-A social look at their hometown London. This song sounds a bit like Boys In The Band off Up The Bracket. It’s nothing really that special. I like it how it gradually speeds up at the end and the backing vocals are great. It’s one of the weaker songs on the album but still good enough for a 3.5/5
What Katie Did (3:49)-Carl’s next song is one of the biggest standouts. It has Beach Boys backing vocals and it’s simply gorgeous. You need to listen to it because words can’t describe how good it is. There are some great sparks of lyrical genius and a false ending at one point which confused me at first. Still one of my personal favourites-5/5
Tomblands (2:06)-The punk vibe is back. This song has some great drum and bass work and is very energetic. No one really sings main vocals on this song because they harmonize together all the way through. There is a double solo at the end which is interesting-4.5/5
The Saga (1:53)-Another short punk song. I think Pete’s lyrics are aimed at Carl again especially when he sings ‘I’m not the one with problem. It’s you who’s the problem). The song isn’t great but isn’t as weak as Campaign Of Hate-4/5
Road To Ruin (4.41)-This song has a prime London Calling era Clash influence to it with the reverb on the guitar. It also has an organ which gives it a sinister vibe to it. I didn’t like this song at first but I listened to it again and it grew on me. It has some good guitar work and Pete joins in with the solo’s. I didn’t realize that Pete is almost as good as Carl on the guitar. 4.5/5
What Became Of The Likely Lads (3:16)-This song is awesome. It is quite sad because it highlights how the problems the band are going through may never be resolved. It has a big sing-along chorus and has Pete and Carl trading lines. This is another big standout track. I can’t say that much about it except LISTEN TO IT YOURSELF-5/5
France-This song isn’t listed on the back since it is hidden. It’s Carl on his own with an acoustic guitar. It’s a beautiful song and finishes the album well because it fits with the previous track-4.5/5
Things I liked about the album-
Their influences have broadened and it shows in the music
The song structures are more varied and wide
Pete and Carl’s singing fit well together
The songs are **** good generally
Things I disliked about the album-
Pete’s singing on a couple of tracks drags a bit but it’s not too noticeable.
It sounds a bit too rough occasionally
Overall-5/5
This is my best album of the year. I think it’s representative of how the British rock scene has got so much better this last year and it’s an improvement over Up The Bracket which was also an amazing album. :thumb:
