Give Pete a Chance (Shotter's Nation - Babyshambles)

Member Name: bondgirlk8

Product:	Shotter's Nation - Babyshambles
Date:	14/10/08 (208 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cleaner, fresher sounding Babyshambles.

Disadvantages: Cleaner, fresher sounding Babyshambles!!

Give Pete a Chance (Babyshambles - Shotter's Nation)

What is it about Pete Doherty that is so offensive? I don't understand. Yes, he has issues. Yes, he's repeatedly in the media for less than pleasant reasons, and there's the continued question over whether or not he should be in jail, but why does this so heavily influence the public perception of whether he can or cannot write music? Isn't it especially unfair to dislike him without even listening to his work? I urge you people, in the words (well very nearly) of John Lennon: Give Pete a Chance.

In an age of manufactured mediocre music, Pete Doherty stands out as a shining example of raw ability and talent that is so lacking in today's mainstream. He should be celebrated for this talent rather than condemned and dismissed purely because of the personal battles he so clearly struggles with. Such a struggle is hardly a new phenomenon amongst unusually talented people, and we must know by now that it is that very struggle that makes them such good artists. Take away the battles and the inspiration is gone. Just look at Amy Winehouse to whom the media/public seem to have reacted to in an equally strong yet bizarrely opposite way, going so far as to almost will an overdose to somehow 'preserve' that talent. How disturbing for poor Amy, however, record sales soar. Not so for Pete Doherty, an equally talented musician with an equally damaged soul.

Shotter's Nation is the first full length album released by Babyshambles since they were signed to major record label Parlophone, and the follow-up album to 'Down in Albion' the 2005 album released under Rough Trade Records. Released by any other, perhaps more mainstream, perhaps more media-approved band, Shotter's Nation could have been an overnight success headed straight for the number one slot. Instead it was destined to peak at an unimpressive number 5.

On first listening, you are stuck by two amazing revelations:

1. Babyshambles can play in time - who'd have thought it?!
2. Pete is actually singing - yes, singing!

Of course, this is much less of a revelation to any Libertines fan, who were well aware of Pete's talents long before the somewhat messy Down in Albion.

The major record label and the production of Stephen Street (of The Smiths, Morrissey, Blur, Kaiser Chiefs, etc. fame) has no doubt contributed to this cleaner, more finished sound, which in my opinion (as someone who didn't dislike Down in Albion) is on the whole a good thing. It isn't as Brit Pop as might be expected, although there is a bit of an early-mid 90s feel. The main influence seems to come straight out the 60's - or perhaps what the 60's would have been, if only Punk had come first.

It's very hard to select the best tracks from Shotter's Nation, it is not your standard 'a few great singles and a bunch of fillers' kind of album. It is a very consistent album made up of 12 very good tracks:

CARRY ON UP THE MORNING: A great track which provides an excellent opener for this album. It sounds very Libertine-esque but in a cleaned up and somewhat sharper way.

DELIVERY: The first single from the album, released September 2007 and the albums greatest success to date reaching number 6 in the UK chart. A catchy and upbeat enjoyable track with a definite post-punk Kinks sound in line with the general 60's inspired feel of the album.

YOU TALK: The second single released from the album, however, it never even made it into the top 50, peaking at 54 - an undeservedly low position. Perhaps the Kate Moss involvement was a bit off-putting? A great track nevertheless.

UNBILOTITLED: A really good track which sounds, like much of the album, to be truly heart-felt. The whole album has a remarkably honest feel which no doubt reflects Doherty's turbulent journeys of the time.

SIDE OF THE ROAD: A bouncy number with a good bit of nice crashy-bangy stuff - bring on the mosh-pit!

CRUMB BEGGING BAGHEAD: The start does slightly make me think of that great quote from Peep Show 'the longer the note, the greater the dread' but once you get past that, it's pretty good.

UNSTOOKIE TITLED: Fabulous guitar intro, followed by a great song with inspired lyrics.

FRENCH DOG BLUES: One of the more 'indie' style tracks that will have you believing you are back in the golden days of the 90s.

THERE SHE GOES: I really enjoy this track. It has a lovely jazzy feel about it which sounds quite unique within the current music scene.

BADDIES BOOGIE: A great track which has the potential to be a great single. It really sticks in your head.

DEFT LEFT HAND: Another potential single with a definite 90's feel. The indie feelings are definitely stronger in the second half of the album. Dare I suggest this sounds all a bit Blur? I hasten to point out I mean proper Blur - the pre-Parklife days before they got far too big and much less good.

LOST ACT OF MURDER: A superb acoustic track with remarkably crisp clear lyrics bringing the album to the perfect close.


I love this album. It reminds us of just how good Doherty is, and suggests that he might be able to recreate the magic he had with the Libertines, and perhaps even better it.

© BondgirlK8 October 2008

Summary: A brilliant, massively under-rated album. Put your media driven prejudice aside - you might like it