The Libertines - Up the bracket.
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Pete Doherty it seems like you cannot open a newspaper with out some headline or other screaming about his on/off relationship with Kate Moss or his appalling drug habit.
What you don't seem to read about is ... Read review
Can Up the Bracket, the debut album from London dandies The Libertines live up to the ... more
hype? Sure, they walk the walk: it's hard to see how four doe-eyed indie dreamboats with greasy hair, cider-stained leather jackets and a wide-eyed mythology that pla...
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CanUp the Bracket, the debut album from London dandies The Libertines live up to the hype? ... more
Sure, they walk the walk: it's hard to see how four doe-eyed indie dreamboats with greasy hair, cider-stained leather jackets and a wide-eyed mythology that places them as chivalrous defenders of Old Albion could fail to capture the attention of a nation of students dead-set on aping the Strokes' sense of louche retro-cool.Certainly, though, there's some fine pedigree toUp the Bracket. With the Clash's Mick Jones at the production helm, gravelly tracks such as "Horror Show" and "The Boy Looked at Johnny" rattle along like phlegmy first-gen punk classics. But like the Strokes, The Libertines manage to imbue snotty garage-rock with a sort of wistful romanticism--an effect that adds genuine soul to their raucous clatter. Although there's no sign of "What a Waster", the snotty single with which the group made their name, there's no shortage of excellent tunes here: "Boys in the Band" is an affectionate hymn to the groupie, with frontmen Pete Doherty and Carl Barat hollering "And they all get 'em out / For the boys in the band". "I Get Along" proves that behind their shambolic veneer these boys have an eye for a tight, nervy but undeniably classic songwriting style that pricks memories of the Jam or the Buzzcocks. Very, very promising. --Louis Pattison
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Advantages: Some great tunes, Petes Vocals Disadvantages: Petes drug habit and the bad press it gives the band.
The Libertines - Up the bracket.
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Pete Doherty it seems like you cannot open a newspaper with out some headline or other screaming about his on/off relationship with Kate Moss or his appalling drug habit.
What you don't seem to read about is his music, the thing that gave him his fame in the first place, so im here to tell you about it.
The Libertines formed ... ...
Track seven - Up the bracket.
Well the album is quickly back on track with this.
This was also a single from the album and definitely one of the best tunes on the album.
Musically this is a balls out punky pop number which contains some of the catchiest moments on a rock record.
The guitars race through the tune giving out sharp colourful hooks all the way through like a Day-Glo version of the clash. more
The Libertines - Up the bracket. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pete Doherty it seems like you cannot open a newspaper with out some headline or other screaming about his on/off relationship with Kate Moss or his appalling drug habit. What you don't seem to read about is his music, the thing that gave him his fame in the first place, so im here to tell you about it.
The Libertines formed in about 1998 when Carl barat and Pete Doherty were introduced to each other by Pete's sister, it wasn't long before they were playing guitars, writing songs and planning their careers in the music world.
After this first meeting the boys started to play lots of small gigs with various different band members over the years, even including a 63 year old drummer at one point!
The lads had a few ups and downs but come 2002 they had what will in years to come be heralded as a classic album.
Band Members. - - - - - - - - - - -
The group that appeared on this record were:-
Pete Doherty - Guitars/Vocals Carl Barat - Guitars/Vocals John Hassall - Bass Gary Powell - Drums
The album was produced by ex Clash member Mick Jones, and the link with the clash does come across in a fair few songs!
The song writing duties were shared between Barat and Doherty.
The Album - - - - - - - - -
The version of the album that ive got contains 12 songs, some have a few bonus tracks or a free DVD its worth shopping around to find the best deal.
Track one - Vertigo.
The album really kicks off as it means to go one, with a bouncy guitar driven tune which is by no means heavy or grinding, but jumpy and colourful. The drumming is perfect with a nice beat holding the tune together beautifully especially when it's combined with the stuttery bass line.
The main vocals are performed by Carl barat with Doherty giving the backing vocals and helping out with the almost beatlesesque harmonies.
Barat has a similar voice to Pete so it's sometimes difficult to tell them apart but barat has a slightly deeper voice.
Track Two - Death on the stairs.
This kicks in with a great tunefully guitar intro which is soon joined by the bass and drums. The tune is a fairly quick paced with a simple but nice twiddly guitar line running behind the wall of drums and bass.
Vocally this song has the pair sharing vocal duties, Carl sings some sections and Pete does the others, this works brilliantly as the two voices complement each other very well.
Track three - HorrorShow.
This song is about Pete's addiction to drugs, and is the first time you really get to here Pete's unique style. Tune wise this is a simple juttery pop punk type rock number, with fast paced guitars jumping all over the place and a drumbeat which the Clash would have been happy with.
Pete really makes this song, with his almost drunken style of slurred singing, now this might sound like he's a bad singer but in reality it gives the tune a little something else, almost like a cross between Shane McGowan and Joe strummer.
Track Four - Time for Heroes.
Probably the first song most people will have heard from the band, and one of the best. This song is a lot better produced and a bit more commercial sounding than most others on the album, with Pete's vocals a bit more refrained and clearer. Musically this is a catchy number with more than a slight hint at The Clash and The Jam. The music seems to be a little further back in the track giving more emphasis on the vocals than on other songs.
Pete produces probably his finest performance on this track, with a clearer delivery and a good show of his talent.
Track Five - Boys in the band.
On of my all time favourites, and one of the songs that got me into the band when I first heard it played live on Jools Holland's later show.
The song opens with a very catchy bouncy guitar riff which jumps all around the room with you, the bass and the drums do their job well.
The main parts of the song are sung by Carl, who gives a quite rocking performance.
The chorus changes the song from decent number to quality song with a catchy use of backing vocals and a distinct change to the main tune which works very well. The highlight of this track has to be Pete's clever almost comical backing vocals.
Track Six - Radio America.
This seems a very odd choice for the album, as it doesn't sound anything like the rest of the collection.
The song is an acoustic number with Pete tacking main singing duties and unfortunately failing, not a complete waste of time but not one to recommend the album on!
The guitars are out of tune and Pete's vocals don't rally work here, which is a shame as some of Pete's best work is his solo acoustic stuff.
Track seven - Up the bracket.
Well the album is quickly back on track with this. This was also a single from the album and definitely one of the best tunes on the album.
Musically this is a balls out punky pop number which contains some of the catchiest moments on a rock record. The guitars race through the tune giving out sharp colourful hooks all the way through like a Day-Glo version of the clash. The drums really offer a lot on this song giving it a great backbone and a really bouncy feel to it.
Pete's vocals are top notch on this one and again go a long way to show how talented this young man is and hopefully he can regain this in the future.
The song also contains one of the catchiest choruses ive heard in the last few years with some nice harmonies.
Track Eight - Tell the king.
This is a little slower and more downbeat than the previous song, but still a great tune. Musically it is a fairly simple song with some twiddly guitars thrown over some simple effective drums and bass.
The vocals are again shared between the two singers, and again this works really well.
A good tune to relax to and just listen to the clever vocal interplays and the more mellow side to the libs.
Track Nine - The boy looked at Johnny.
This starts very poorly, with a bad vocal style with the band almost sounding like they've had a few too many shandys, but this is almost a false start as the song really comes into itself during the catchy chorus.
Definitely not one id recommend the album on but as a filler its not one I skip very often.
Track Ten - Begging.
This song opens with a simple drumbeat which lasts quite some time, then the guitars start to come into the tune sounding a lot like 'the sebadoh', then a bit later carls vocals come in with a quite rocking performance.
Again this isn't the best song on the album by a long shot, and musically apart from the nice intro guitars there isn't really a lot to shout about, but as part of the album it fits well.
Track Eleven - The Good old days.
An essential Libertines song, a much darker brooding number which see's the band really show a side to their music that really should get more of an airing.
Pete's dark vocals work brilliantly with the downbeat mood of the guitars and drums.
Track Twelve - I Get Along.
The bands first single was a double a side with this and 'what a waster', and at the time people were naming them the new Strokes mainly due to this tune, a very catchy number but not a fair view of what the album contains.
The number features Carl on front man duties and he pulls this off very well, with an almost shouted chorus and a strokesy verse pattern.
A great tune to have a few bevies to and just jump around like a mad version of tigger!
OVERALL - - - - - - - -
Well as you can probably tell I would recommend this album, it has a bit of everything.
It isn't an instantly great album, but after only a few listens it will begin to grow on you like a bad sore. Pete does a decent job on this album as do the rest of the band, and hopefully one day he will be able to show this sort of talent again.
If you like this album I would also recommend the bands self titled second album, which shows the band in a less rocking mode but still a tuneful and talented group of musicians.
Also if you search around on the net you can find a lot of demos and bootlegs which the band have kindly aloud fans to download for free, which is a good way to find out whether this band is for you or not. Pete has also released a few acoustic albums for free download on his babyshambles website.
Advantages: Good debut, some quality tracks Disadvantages: a little hit and miss, there will be no more Pete Doherty on lead vocals
...of this track is pretty up beat and his voice actually fits in well with the guitars, but it’s the chorus where he really stands out. The drums keep the beat moving along well and Karl’s backing vocals are fairly good as well.
We then move onto “Horror Show”. Which starts with a drum count in mixed with short bursts on the guitar. Then the sound suddenly changes and the vocals come in again sounding fairly similar to the other tracks. The drums ... ...the drums and guitars start up almost instantly. The vocals come in shortly afterwards and the pace of the album has really been picked up again. This is a highlight of any Libertines gig as it shows Pete’s vocals at their best and also the unpredictable moments during his singing. The next track is also a brilliant song, “Tell The King”. Is slower but almost sounds like something the Jam would have done back in the day. The guitar really carries ...
Andy.mack 22.09.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Up The Bracket - Libertines (The)
Advantages: British Rock Will Never be the same again Disadvantages: The band broke up, so there wont be another one
Up The bracket is without a doubt, my favourite album of all time, everything about the album makes me sit up and take notice, makes me dance, and makes me realise just how talented these cockney lads were. Every so often, an album is released that makes the entire country look at themselves, and a band reflects england as well as it ever could be, like the sex pistols and oasis, The Libertines, do just that.
For orginality, the libertines do the ... ...together, and i find that up the bracket works much better.
On top of this, there is a large amount of definite singles on the album, which make it good, but even better when your realise that the songs that were not released are most certainly on a definite par at least with the singles. Here is a breakdown of each track.
Vertigo:
Starting out with a solid riff, and clapping as well as drumming, it sets out the pattern of very upbeat guitar, ...
briggsyrocks 13.04.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Up The Bracket - Libertines (The)
Advantages: A truly stunning album, with a definite swagger and personality. Melodic, very energetic. Disadvantages: Preconceptions will mean that some people miss out. Ignore them.
...without this track. It breaks up the two halves of adrenaline, and prevents monotony setting in. A very necessary 6/10. 7) Up The Bracket - To the title track, the second half of the album, and a return of the energy from before. A roaring, relentless anthem, perfectly suited to Doherty's vocal style. Every aspect of this song is superb, from guitars, to drums, to singer. The low key, garage-y production is ideal here. A wonderful track, worth the ... ...the band. Quiet beauty sums up this song perfectly. Doherty's vocals are a little out somehow on this song, but it's hard to say why. The lyrics are good, though. 9/10 9) The Boy Looked At Johnny - The high tempo energy doesn't go AWOL for long, and this track storms in with as if it's on fire. The verses are relentless, before transforming into tuneful, beautifully melodic choruses. Another great guitar solo, but my favourite part is definitely ...
jonwebb5 01.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Up The Bracket - Libertines (The)
Advantages: Uplifting, great value for money, inspiring. Disadvantages: Parental Guidance for Lyrical Content
Up The Bracket was the debut album from The Libertines- a four piece post-punk revival band from London. They made their name playing in various bars around London, most noticeably Filthy Macnasty's Whiskey Cafe in Islington. The album is definitely my favourite of all time and is awash with clever lyrics, distorted guitar riffs, screaming and shouting. The opening track, Vertigo, is a mixture of all of this and throws you right in the mood for the ... ...pride'. Other noteworthy tracks include; Up the Bracket, Death on the Stairs and I Get Along. Lyrically, the album is nothing short of genius and the voices of the two singers match each other with their opposite behaviours: Barât being a kind of mumbling, soothing character and Doherty a slurring, passionate maniac. It's clear from the lyrics of some songs that the writers have a variety of influences. From Vertigo you'll hear the line 'Lead pipes, ...
S.B.James 26.09.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Up The Bracket - Libertines (The)
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Advantages: Groundbreaking first release from monsters of rock Disadvantages: You will fall in love
This band is a personal favourite of mine, and I love the raw edgy feel this album has to it. It is exactly the same album as Up The Bracket (reviewed elsewhere) but includes a DVD showing the members of The Libertinesup to their usual antics, gigging and generally roaming the streets of London. It is well worth buying if you are a fan as its informative and enjoyable and, as Pete Doherty (co-frontman) is no longer with the band perhaps a fond throwback to how they were. This album without the DVD is widely available from most record shops, with prices usually between £13 and £16 although it is often in shops sales so keep a look out for it.
The Libertines have set the standard for bands of today, and since they have kindly thrown in a riveting yet somehow poignant DVD this album is worth its weight in gold, definately not to be ...
Advantages: Great melodies; some excellent lyrics; mainly good vocals; lots of energy; drumming; invention Disadvantages: Lack of consistency; some of the experimentation doesn't come off
The Libertines self titled second album was released five years ago in 2004 - the same year that the band broke up. It can't have been anything less than an utterly surreal whirlwind for those involved, when you consider the conditions the album was written and recorded under. Firstly, there was the problem of their superb debut, 'Up The Bracket'. The expectation on them to produce something not just equal to it, but actually exceeding it, would have been an enormous, constant pressure, and probably meant that the process of creating this album was fraught with tension. Secondly, there were the behind-the-scenes problems. Pete Doherty's drug problems led to him missing tour dates, turning up late to rehearsals, and eventually being kicked out of the band. Soon after the album's release, they would cause the band to break apart altogether ...
Advantages: Melody, songwriting, Beatle-esque Disadvantages: Too shambolic for some
their middle-class conservatism (so much like their parents?) and forgotten about Pete, he will have no-one. The hype surrounding Doherty - the acres of tabloid coverage, the run-ins with the law, the squalor, the model girlfriend - none of these, for any band or artist, should matter. He is a creation of our age, that person who once every few years happens to be doing the right thing in the right place at the right time, and that same person who, once the times change, will be discarded and forgotten. My point is this: listen to The Libertines without giving a flying f**k about Pete Doherty; the music is far more interesting.
"TheLibertines" is the self-titled follow up to 2002's "Up the Bracket", which gained critical acclaim by just about every music press the country over. At a time when rock music was failing in the UK (we had ...
Product Information for "Up The Bracket - Libertines (The)" »
Product details
Title
Up The Bracket
Performer
Libertines (The)
Genre
Rock & Pop
Sub Genre
Alternative
Release Date
21/10/2002
Recomended Retail Price
15.99 GBP
Label / Distributor
Rough Trade / PIAS UK/Sony DADC
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Format
Performer
EAN
5050159806522
Catalogue Number
RTRADECD 065
Additional notes
Album Notes
This is the debut album by the East London four-piece indie act whose music has been compared to that of The Smiths and The Strokes, amongst others. 'Up The Bracket' was produced by ex-Clash guitarist, Mick Jones. Included is the single, 'Up The Bracket', and the double A-side tracks 'I Get Along' and 'The Boys In The Band'.
Titles on disc 1
1.
Vertigo
2.
Death On The Stairs
3.
Horror Show
4.
Time For Heroes
5.
Boys In The Band
6.
Radio America
7.
Up The Bracket
8.
Tell The King
9.
Boy Looked At Johnny
10.
Begging
11.
Good Old Days
12.
I Get Along
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