Review Summary: In conclusion there is too much filler for this album to be a classic buit there is an awfull lot to like about the Libertines final outing.
The Libertines have always shown a tendancy to vacillate, with their capricious, drug riddleled frontman Pete Doherty they have always fitted the traditional rock n roll stereotype. This is both their greatest asset and weakness, for example the debut album Up the Bracket had moments of unfathomable brilliance but also had a lack of sophistication and structure. With Doherty's drug problems still on going many were surprised they even finished the album.
The album begins strongly with "Can't Stand me now", a fragile song that builds up to an anthemic indie classic, it reveals the inner turmoil between the band and represents a musical leap forward from their earlier work. The album is then continued by "last post on the bugle" which is another pleasant track with a steady drum beat and nice vocals. The next track "Don't be Shy" represents one of the worst songs on the album with almost unbearable vocals by Doherty and a long instrumental section at the end that just drags. "The man who would be king" is another good song with interesting lyrics.
"Music when the lights go out" is one of the best songs on the album, reinforcing the emotions of conflct previously heard in "can't stand me now". Starting as a sweet ballad with a an accoustic guitar it swiftly converts into a thunderous chorus remanissant of the clash. The next 4 tracks are mediocre which represents the low point of the album. It's not that they are bad as such it's just they fail to reach the levels of what the Libertines are capable of.
It is then "What Katie did" that brings the album back, which shows how Barat and Doherty have matured as songwriters. The songs lyrics are especially admirable, as they represent a love affair between Dohety and heroin. With euphenisms like "hurry up mrs Brown" and "Polka dots fill the sky" representing the withdrawal effects of heroin.
The album then swiftly runs through to the finale "What became of the likely lads" which reveals us to the fate of the band. See what really makes The Libertines great is their passion. The belief that anyone can be a Libertine is concreted into their estableshment which makes their songs describing the break up of the band all the more depressing. As they are our band.
