Now we have all heard of Pete Doherty's famous antics with drugs, the police, prison, and Supermodel - Kate Moss, but what of his band; Babyshambles?
------------------How Babyshambles were Formed------------------
Pete Doherty (Babyshambles frontman) was originally a co-frontman in the ... Read review
Advantages: Amazing lyrics, You get to hear Kate Moss sing! and Pete Doherty if you like him! Disadvantages: Pete Doherty if you hate him!
...Babyshambles?
------------------How Babyshambles were Formed------------------
Pete Doherty (Babyshambles frontman) was originally a co-frontman in the band "The Libertines" with frontman Carl Barat. However, The Libertines decided to break up, for many reasons, which included Pete Doherty getting the axe in June 2004 due to his drug dependency, and they played their last show in Paris, France in December 2004. ... ...band; "Babyshambles"
Babyshambles first single, appropriately named, Baby Shambles, was released in April 2004, before The Libertines split, on High Society Records. So Pete did not have much time to rest between the bands. However, the Babyshambles got a bad name for themselves as they became as famous for not turning up to their gigs, as Doherty's drug addiction!
------------------Who are the Babyshambles?------------------ more
Now we have all heard of Pete Doherty's famous antics with drugs, the police, prison, and Supermodel - Kate Moss, but what of his band; Babyshambles?
------------------How Babyshambles were Formed------------------
Pete Doherty (Babyshambles frontman) was originally a co-frontman in the band "The Libertines" with frontman Carl Barat. However, The Libertines decided to break up, for many reasons, which included Pete Doherty getting the axe in June 2004 due to his drug dependency, and they played their last show in Paris, France in December 2004. Carl Barat has gone on to form his new band; "Dirty Pretty Things", while Pete Doherty went on to form his band; "Babyshambles"
Babyshambles first single, appropriately named, Baby Shambles, was released in April 2004, before The Libertines split, on High Society Records. So Pete did not have much time to rest between the bands. However, the Babyshambles got a bad name for themselves as they became as famous for not turning up to their gigs, as Doherty's drug addiction!
------------------Who are the Babyshambles?------------------
The Babyhambles are a 4 piece British rock/indie band, and their members are: Peter Doherty - Vocals and occasionally Guitar Patrick Walden - Guitar Drew McConnell - Bass Guitar Adam Ficek - Drums
The band released this debut album, Down In Albion, on November 14 2005 on Rough Trade Records. The album is produced by Mick Jones and includes tracks from different genres from the usual rock and indie genre, to an attempt at Reggae. The album received mixed reviews on release, and the general feeling was that the album sounded lazy, suffered from bad production and failed to live up to the standard of previous material by Pete's former band, The Libertines.
Track Listing:
1) La Belle et la Bête - 05:03 This song's title is in french meaning "Beauty and the Beast" as the english translation. It is a jolly start to the album with guitars starting the song. Pete Doherty then enters with a quiet vocal, the bass is then introduced and the song finally builds up to a vocal from Kate Moss, who is accompanied by held bass notes, and an upbeat drum rhythm, and a guitar. The lyrics are really quite good, and I feel that the french makes the song sound much more beautiful, and adds intelligence. "Is she more beautiful, is she more beautiful Is she more beautiful than me? Is she more beautiful, is she more beautiful Is she more beautiful than me? She's La Belle Et La Bete at the ball She's La Belle Et La Bete at the ball She's La Belle Et La Bete at the ball "
2) F**k Forever - 04:37 This is probably one of Babyshambles most famous songs. The song is immediately memorable due to the guitar playing at the start, and this introduces the upbeat, lively song. The lyrics are thought-provoking and the bass has an exciting rhythm. "Oh whats the use between death and glory? I cant tell between death and glory? New labour and Tory Purgatory and no happy families... Its one and the same, one and the same No, its not the same Its not supposed to be the same"
3) Á Rebours - 03.23 This is probably one of my favourite songs on the album. This is because I think that the lyrics in this song are amazing. They seem to be extremely intelligent, and clever. The tune is jolly introducing the song with a funky bassline, followed by Pete Doherty wails. The song is again generally jolly, with a guitar solo in the middle. The amazing lyrics include "You sent for me I was knock, knock, knocking on death's door You ignore, adore, a' rebours me You leave me washed up begging for more. If you really cared for me Ah you'd let me be You'd set me free But what you robbed me of is my... Oh is my liberty" and... "I defy you all You know twice as much as nothing at all It's still nothing at all"
4) The 32 of December - 03:08 Another jolly sounding song, like most of the songs on this album, but with a theme, which is much more sad. Flowing basslines, and guitars again in this song "Anybody want tea? Anybody, thank you, ah f**k me But don't speak And don't talk about it. Don't talk about the 32nd of December Thats the night im trying so hard to forget So all you do is you phone me, and I remember Remember what I try That I, what I..." (try to forget) is what we presume Pete is wanting to say... This song is clearly about a breaking of a friendship, or relationship. But it still sounds quite jolly.
5) Pipedown - 02:34 Another fast and exciting song, with different rhythmic patterns coming from, once again, exciting basslines. "Oh Paddy put the pipe down If you got the right sound If it's not the right sound Neither am I, oh my oh my"
6) Sticks & Stones - 04:47 This is a cool song. It involves whistling and everything. The introduction consists of a whistling tune, and the occasional guitar noise. Pete Doherty then begins to sing accompanied only by a bass note. The song then explodes and the other instruments (guitar, and drums) begin to play. This song features solos on guitar, and the whistling melody, which is really catchy! The basslines are exciting again, and quite often the guitar plays a reggae sort of rhythm, which makes the song sound abit different to the other songs on the album. The song also includes many contrasting parts. At some points the song really explodes, and it drives forwards extremely quickly, and then suddenly, the music will stop and the slow, quiet, whistling melody will begin again. The song resolves around the phrase "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me", but intelligently, in this song, the phrase is taken and changed around to make the words become more painful than being hit with sticks and stones would be. "Sticks and stones May break my bones Oh but your words They really kill me! Sticks and sto-o-o-o-ones May break my bo-o-o-o-ones Sticks and stones may break my bones Oh but your words they really kill me!"
7) Killamangiro - 03:13 Another one of Babyshambles most famous songs. Again it is easily identified with the introduction of drum beats and of voices building up to the singing. It is another fast song with a racing bass line, guitar melodies, and a steady drum beat. The title is also extremely clever due to the lyrics of the song. "They killed a man for his giro today Wasn't very game, I didn't mind I wasn't a money man anyway They killed a man for his giro today. Why? Why, would you pay? To see me in the cage Just a hole across the stage."
8) 8 Dead Boys - 04:16 This song starts with Pete Doherty's solo voice singing "8 Dead Boys, Sitting on a Wall" to the tune of the good ol' song "10 green bottles standing on a wall". He is then interrupted by a guitar strum, which then begins to play a tune. The guitar is then accompanied by the bass and drum, which enter and the song begins. The song is very upbeat, and fast driving, like many of the other tracks on the album. Examples of lyrics are: "Cause you look better now than the last time But you're still no better than before The life that you wanted wasn't in store You're being the dark horse again Hello, Hello Hello, My Love" However, I feel that some of the most moving lyrics in this song are the words, "When it suits you, you're a friend of mine", which are repeated 15 times in Pete's usual high pitched wails.
9) In Love With a Feeling - 02:51 This is a much nicer song, which is much slower, and what I'd class as "lovely", rather than the usual Pete mumbling... which I class as "mumbly" ha! It is a wonderful ballad, with great lyrics, with the usual setup of Pete's voice with bass, guitar, and drum accompaniment. However, the guitar also makes some cool, experimental, weird wails in different places, which give a good effect. The lyrics are really quite nice, and written about what seems to be falling in love with the feeling of love. However, this feeling could quite as simply be about Doherty's drug addiction, and some of the lyrics include: "I'm still waiting for you to show me fire Oh how's your fever Like an open book Oh you can read me!" and... also the lyrics seem to range all the way up to the obsurd of the following "Crazy" lyrics: "I'm in love with a feeling I know that it shows I'm in love with a feeling And I don't care who knows! Because of his hob knob Ohh la la, I think love was a dirty word Love all the time Only in a friendly way Not too friendly, not too friendly"
10) Pentonville - 03:49 This song is Babyshambles attempt at reggae. The vocals are performed by another guest performer, like Kate Moss, but this time the vocals come from "The General". The songs main theme is clearly about prison, and Pete Doherty's name is mentioned several times in the song. The song is almost sung without accompaniment, but there is some slight accompaniment from guitar in places. Pete Doherty also provides some backing vocals in places, and there is an echo effect on The General's voice. Lyrics include: "So A wing, B wing, C wing and G Wing Come help us sing A wing, B wing, C wing and G Wing Come help us sing! Because it's rough Pentonville tough It's hard Wicked and rough Yeah tough Pentonville rough It's hard Wicked and rough"
11) What Katy Did Next - 03:04 This song is a continuation to the song "What Katie Did" on The Libertines album "The Libertines". It is another song about Pete's love for Kate Moss. "What Katie Did" featured the lyrics "Shoop, Shoop, Shoop-De-Lang-U-Lang", and these are not present in this song, but, they do occur again later in the album, which seem to be another salute to the song. The song is a much slower tempo to others on the album, but the drum beat is driving, and there are some funky basslines present still. However, the general feel is that the song is much more laid back. The lyrics in this song are amazing, in my opinion. I really like the opening lyrics to the song, which are: "There's a lesson I have learnt If you play with fire you will get burnt Hell hath no fury Like woman scorned I'll tell you my story Make you wish you never, wish you... Wish you never never, wish you never been born" Also, the song is clearly a love song due to the song being a much slower ballad and also due to some much more beautiful lyrics of the chorus, which are: "If you love her, then tell her you love her and You could be kissing her soon If you need her, oh, tell her you need her and You won't be missing her soon Oh, but for a love to be true It must come from her too"
12) Albion - 05:24 Albion is the song which clearly titles the album. Albion being an old name for "Britain". This is again a much more acoustic, slower, and beautiful song. The introduction can be classed as an annoying "electricy" sound though, until this is broken by a tapping. This is when the song becomes beautiful, as an acoustic guitar begins to play. A slow drum beat begins and a slow bassline to accompany also. The lyrics in this song are also sublime, and this song is many peoples favourite on the album, and it is clear to see why. "Down in Albion They're black and blue But we don't talk about that Are you from 'round here? How do you do? I'd like to talk about that Talk over Gin in teacups And leaves on the lawn Violence in bus stops And the pale thin girl with eyes forlorn" Many different place names are mentioned as places that they can escape to in "Albion". The song is extremely beautiful, and the backing vocals on this track work extremely affectively when placed with Pete Doherty's lead vocals.
13) Back From the Dead - 02:52 This is another jolly sounding song, back to the main sound from the album. The bassline is again extremely intricate and funky. This song is again, much of the same as earlier... HOWEVER, this is the song, which includes the amazing lyrics "Shoop, Shoop, Shoop-De-Lang-U-Lang", even though they are only sung in the background quietly near the end. It is a good song, but not the most exciting on the album. "I heard it said You had come back from the dead You were playing so fine Scooping up the soul of the wine Now courage my boy When they look you in the eye Try not to look too scummy If you need some money And you want their money"
14) Loyalty Song - 03:32 Another slower song, but again, much the same to what has been heard on the album earlier. However, a harmonica is included in this song near the end. Lyrics are again good, but obscure in places: "And if I confide in you today I know you don't believe a single word I say I found solace in the flood And everybody knew that I would Cause I'm alright And there's a slight crack in my chimney"
15) Up the Morning - 05:43 I'm sure that it must be impossible to listen to this song without getting the chant of the chorus stuck in your head: "Up the morning, up, up the morning Up the morning, up, up the morning Up the morning, up, up the morning Up the morning, up, up the morning" This is how the song begins infact, with these words becoming louder as they are chanted by Pete Doherty. The song is much slower, with Doherty's voice only being accompanied in places by a single note. However, each time the chant gets to the end it becomes much louder and faster, allowing some time for guitar solos, before returning to the slow pace, with just Pete's voice. It sounds extremely sad in the way it is sung, and I believe that this is what the song is also meant to convey due to lyrics like "Everytime I see your face, It makes me sad, it makes me chase, Chase my love across the world, Even though you're not it's taste"
16) Merry Go Round - 05:20 The last song on the album seems to be a perfect song to finish the album with. It is an extremely quiet song, with simply an acoustic guitar introducing the song, and playing throughout. It is a beautiful ending to the album. The lyrics range from dark humour, such as "That boy's so shy, Why'd you punch out his lights?" to the lyrics of the song, which are mainly jolly, and nice, in sound. The chorus seems extremely happy with the lyrics: "The merry-go-round How merrily we go round How merrily we go round The merry-go-round" The song also includes some harmonies (especially in one place) that I can only describe as "Beatle-esque". I even think that this is a massive claim, but that is the closest in sound that I can think of for some of the harmonies in this song between Pete's vocal and the backing vocal. This is, therefore, obviously extremely impressive! The song ends with the acoustic guitar ending and Pete just singing with the quiet drum beat. This is then "cut off" by the sound of a mic being knocked or something, and then a quiet cymbal ring ends the album.
------------------Price------------------
The album can be purchased on play.com for £7.95 delivered, and the RRP is £14.99.
------------------Cover, Inlay, And Content------------------
The cover is a beige sort of colour with "Babyshambles Down in Albion" written in the top right corner in a navy blue "handwriting" font. There is also a triangular shaped doodle creature in the bottom left corner also. Inside the cover is artwork by Pete Doherty, which include photos of the band and Kate Moss, and also "scrap" handwritten versions of lyrics for the songs on the album. Not all song lyrics are present, however, and they are not in the correct order that they appear in on the album. However, it is much more artistic than pratical, and I think this is the point. The back of the inlay includes album information along with thanks and dedications. The back cover includes the track listings, the length of each track in minutes and seconds, and who the songs were written by, which is usually Pete Doherty and Patrick Walden.
------------------My Opinion------------------
It is easy to see why many critics called the album 'lazy', as Pete Doherty hardly pronounces the words at all, never mind clearly. However, for me, this adds an affect to the album. It really sounds like it is a man on drugs singing in a "I can't be fussed" sort of way! I personally love Pete's mumbling genius approach though... The laziness can also be shown through lyrics in songs like "Killamangiro" when Pete sings "On the off chance that you're listening, thought you might like to know la la li laaa" instead of the much more beautiful "On the off chance that you're listening, To the radio, I thought you might like to know you broke my heart"... Lazy, lazy Pete... The lyrics, however, are extremely clever (much like The Libertines) and this, I feel, makes the album seem intelligent, and therefore, more suitable for the more intelligent listener. Some of my favourite lyrics on the album have to be: 'I defy you all, You know twice as much as nothing at all, It's still nothing at all'... and these are the standard of the lyrics throughout
I think that if you like indie and rock music, you should probably like Babyshambles. The Babyshambles are very much like The Libertines, but lack the much more sober sounding voice of Carl Barat. If you were a fan of Pete's voice in The Libertines, then you will be happy to know that he sounds very much the same, and sings much more, as he is, obviously, the only frontman.
I was lucky enough to actually see Babyshambles last Wednesday 22nd February 2006 at Newcastle Carling Academy when I went to visit a friend up at Newcastle University, and surprisingly, Pete and the boys did turn up! It was a really good gig, and fun was had by all! I've been a huge fan of The Libertines, and Babyshambles since they have been on the go, and if you want to know how big a fan I am, you can ask Dempsey_review, as he's seen me sing Libertines songs while walking through the streets of Lincoln. Ha! (as random as it sounds)
Thankyou for reading, and remember.... Pete Doherty = Love
Advantages: encouraging continuation of a diverse form of indie/alternative Disadvantages: tough cookie to crack
...in Pete Doherty and the Babyshambles single of "killamangiro". Building up of songs on flexible and flamboyant basslines has given a relatively unique twist to the album, making it seem more interlectal musically than it most probably is, this is NOT a bad thing however.
On the downside of this predominately brilliant album, is the loss of originaility. To the untrained ear much of the material on "Down In Albion" would seem new and original, but ... ...are simply recreations of work written in the period between the breakup of The Libertines and the official formation of Babyshambles. This does not detract from the talent of the band, but is a little dissapointing. Another issue is of course the fact that the singles and "Killamangiro", "F*ck Forever" are differnt to the actual album versions, which supposedly does not make the album bad as such, but it is a bit misleading and creates a feeling ...
SamJohnson 19.01.2006 (23.01.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Babyshambles - Down in Albion
Advantages: impressive work with lyircs and melody, interesting artwork with the album Disadvantages: some people may find some of the lyrics offensive
Pete Doherty is now regarded as a major up and coming talent in the music industry. He has already established himself with his former band the Libertines, who allegedly broke up due to Pete's destructive lifestyle. Down in Albion firmly acknowledges Pete with the image of an artist/poet with a tortured soul. Now isolated from long term best friend and ex Libertines co frontman 'Carl Barat', Pete tries to make sense of his difficult lifestyle and ... ...with a feeling
I know that it shows
Yes I'm in love with a feeling
And I don't care who knows"
Pete addresses his problem with drug addiction throughout 'Down in Albion'. Infact Pete quite often makes reference to the word 'Albion' as a ship with no rules sailing to a Utopian land. However, in the song "8 Dead Boys", Pete recognises the fact that his drug abuse is ruining his life, though he also says he has delved very deep into heroin addiction.
...
simmy.uk 18.07.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Babyshambles - Down in Albion
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Advantages: Creative tracks, some quality songs, Pete Doherty Disadvantages: Doherty (If you're a hater), slightly inconsistent
'DownInAlbion' is the debut album of Babyshambles, a post-punk indie group fronted by ex-Libertines frontman, Pete 'Everybody's favourite drug user' Doherty. The band was formed in the aftermath of the break-up of the Libertines and deviates in a slightlly different musical direction to that of the Libertines.
The rest of the band has not remained so constant. The band are on their third drummer, no longer have a second vocalist, they have had at least two different bassists and three rhythm guitar players. This is due to varying reasons, including drug problems for the departing members, the band's own drug abuse, musical disagreements, altercations with the band's management and various other dramas. If my maths is right, after 5 years, the band already has six former members, although much of this turmoil within the band's lineup ...
Advantages: Proves that drug taking is a slippery slope to disaster Disadvantages: Takes up valuble space on a CD rack
I'd been waiting for this album, so much hype, so many headlines and to be fair preceded by a couple of pretty decent singles it was worth a pre order! Or so I thought?
For any of you less familiar Babyshambles are fronted by ex Libertine Pete Doherty, better known for his tabloid leading drug antics and for being model Kate Moss's lover.
'DownInAlbion' is sheer noise, I don't hear anything clever just predictable rabbitings from Doherty singing his own praises and boasting about his lifestyle of sex, drugs and what he calls rock 'n' roll. It's all been done before, 'Fucking Forever' isn't anything new, having girlfriend Moss sing backing vocals on 'La Belle Et La Bete' aint anything ground breaking and by the time you get to track 16 (yes 16!) you'll have a headache.
My favourite song, of 2004 had to be 'Killamangiro ...
Advantages: Lyrically sublime with raw anthems, filled with emotion and charisma Disadvantages: The band aren't quite as strong musically as the Libertines were
DownInAlbion is the Babyshambles debut album. Following the split of The Libertines, one of the biggest debates amongst Libertines fans was who would come out stronger from Pete & Carl.
After all the bad press Pete had succumb too, the release of this album was not only eagerly awaited by fans, but critics and newspapers were awaiting a huge flop so they could once more try and tear Pete's life to piece's.
Pete however had other ideas and came out fighting, releasing an album that was although not as strong as The Libertines stuff musically, it was every bit as strong lyrically.
Never shying away from making the album autobiographical, Pete spoke of addiction and his fallout with Carl, in a emotional and gripping album, whilst never losing the cheek and innocence that got him where he is today.
He may have his doubters ...
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