Hard to believe over two years ago I was starting my site blogging about The Libertines. Those posts are really embarrassing and amateurish; I was still finding my way around a new medium and unfamiliar forum. I’d like to think the quality of entries has improved in time but I also miss the good ol’ days when it was anything goes with this space – and I was certainly posting with more velocity. Maybe it was a bit more fresh then, now I’m certainly more studied. Perhaps the thrill of the blog might have waned for me, or maybe I’m not getting such a kick out of things lately - um, growing up, but I’ve put too much into this site to abandon ship.

Coming full circle, I’m absolutely delighted with the Babyshambles debut (official) release, Down in Albion – Pete Doherty’s project gives me shivers of joy as the Libertine’s debut did three years ago. I’ve always stood by Pete – in the way I’ve always preferred Keith to Mick and George to John and Paul (and Ringo) – the dark horses appeal to me more. I wish the press would just let poor Pete alone and let him continue to take his drugs and do whatever and just make his excellent music – man, what a songwriter and talent. If Mark E. Smith (the Fall) can make it this long…

.Down in Albion is a hugely shambolic affair but each track, if not a gem, is a least a diamond in the rough. And one thing I’ve always appreciated about The Libertines and, specifically, Pete Doherty, is that the bullshit and poseur aspect is nil and this music is absolutely sincere and raw – and original - in the way that rock and roll should be. And if the press hasn’t documented out Pete Doherty’s troubles enough, through Babyshambles he serves it up himself without shame. So there’s no cribbing the Smiths, Joy Division, Bauhaus, etc – the usual points of reference (and sampling) for the recent crop of hot bands – Babyshambles is straight from the heart. These songs stand up, even if Pete Doherty can’t always manage that. And I tend to appreciate the sketches more than the polished masterpieces. That Mick Jones produced Down in Albion (he also was also a presence on both Libertines albums) gives the effort special validation – in fact, the sprawling album reminds a bit of later Clash releases, with its myriad musical elements (in particular dub reggae), only without the over-production that tainted London Calling and Sandinista for me (I was a bit of a three-chord punk purist at the height of my adolescent Clash romance).

Feels great to be in love with a record again….Down in Albion is by no means perfect but it is giving me a real charge today. I could do a track by track analysis, but that would be overkill. I will say the wonderful and witty opening track, “La Belle et le Bete” could be the “Ballade du Pete and Kate.” Poor Miss Moss has been getting unfair rap too – and its really unfounded because I’ve been around the biz and its not like everyone didn’t already know and she’s hardly the only offender – total tabloid retaliation methinks (remember she won that big defamation suit?). Anyways, Babyshambles is not yet widely available domestically in the US but when it comes around it should be a real shot in the arm for those up for experiencing it.

Haha, I think it is oddly appropriate that I have actual chimney sweeps doing sooty work in my ramshackled fireplace at my city rowhouse as I write this. Here’s to my favorite Ragamuffin!

Comments

[torn and frayed]

That's interesting. I've sort of avoided listening to Babyshambles, but obviously I should rectify this. Hope you are fine, another Manila sunset here and Warren Zevon on the turntable ...

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That's interesting. I've sort of avoided listening to Babyshambles, but obviously I should rectify this.

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