Since the birth of The Libertines in 2002, Pete Doherty has been a key figure in the music industry in Britain. Unfortunately, over the past 5 years, it’s become for all the wrong reasons. After being kicked out of his own band, The Libertines, Pete went on to work on his side project ‘Babyshambles’.

In 2005, Babyshambles released their debut album, “Down in Albion”. This was seen as lack-luster and as a result, Doherty’s talent in regards to music was questioned. On top of this, he was labelled a “crack junkie”, because of his habit, that was keenly followed in the public eye. As well as this, Doherty was blamed for corrupting his girlfriend at the time, who is also in the public eye as a super-model. His reputation in England and globally has been shot.

In my opinion “Down in Albion”, was a record about music and not selling records. When you look at the history of The Libertines, the two main figures, Pete Doherty and Carl Barat had two idealogies. These approaches described where they thought the band should be heading. Carl was keener on the idea of making money and music helped achieve this. Pete, with his ideas of Albion (initially a place of equality and anarchy), saw money as an accessory and not a key in daily life. It is for these reasons that, when the key figures of British music released their new bands respective debut albums, Barat and his band, ‘Dirty Pretty Things’ outshone Babyshambles. Dirty Pretty Things’ album, Waterloo to Anywhere contained tracks that could have all been released, whereas on the other hand, Babyshambles’ tracks were more obscure and the final product was a messy debut.

Now, skip forward to 2007. The Libertines are seen as responsible for setting up what the Indie rock scene in England is today. All the major acts have ties to this amazing band which lasted just over two years. Pete and Kate have broken up, and Pete and Carl did a surprise reunion gig earlier in the year. Pete is still going through rehabilitation to kick his habits, however he is constantly being picked up for carrying substances. He was even banned from London for a while due to his drug problem and was accused of making his cat be addicted to heroin….

But none of this matters, Doherty is back on track. He’s about to release one of the albums of the year, “Shotter’s Nation”. With the first single, “Delivery” it is clear that Pete is back. His lyrics are sharp and punchy, and to me, this is as good a single as “Fuck Forever”. Also from the album, “Badies Goodie”, has a Libertine-esk feel to it which was the first track to really grab my attention on the first listen. When you compare this track to the first song off ‘Shotter’s Nation”, “Carry on up the Morning”, it’s clear that time away from Carl has had it’s effect as this is much more of a Babyshambles song.

So totally buy this record. If you’re one of the kids trying to get a grip on the indie rock scene that is England, this is possibly my favourite rock album to hit the stands this year. Only Arctic Monkeys would have a chance of out weighing this muva of a record.

Babyshambles - Delivery
Babyshambles - Carry On Up The Morning
Babyshambles - Baddies Boogie

Oh yeah, and just to clear up that Pete is looking away from drugs, ’shotter’ is slang for drug dealer.

-knackered converse.