- Audio CD (29 Oct 2001)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: Contra Music / Universal
- ASIN: B00005QJ1F
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 26,124 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Libertine is the fourth album by Gene. Arriving at the height of Britpop with their 1994 debut Olympian, Gene were met with acclaim and the not-unjustified tag of London's answer to The Smiths. But as Britpop waned so did interest in Gene. Still, their defiant streak kept them going; rearing their heads at regular intervals with singles--"Fighting Fit", "We Could Be Kings", "Where Are They Now?"--clearly aimed at reminding the world of their existence. While their Libertine desperately lacks the kind of instant anthems that might reverse their fortunes, it is their most considered and affecting album to date. The Smiths references still stand proud in Martin Rossiter's voice and the dry wit of lyrics such as "O Lover"'s--"They're only broken plates / at least it's not your face that has to be Replaced"--along with grooves that slink as The Style Council's once did. And their resolve is similarly undiminished according to the 10CC-style hobo-country-reggae of "We'll Get What We Deserve". But it's the quietly epic "Does He Have a Name?" and "A Simple Request" --in which Rossiter pleads "When will I start happening for me?"--which assure that Gene have lost none of their grace or charm. If anything the slow-burning magic here suggests Gene thrive on all the blows life throws at them. --Dan Gennoe
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, lads. Carry on!,
This review is from: Libertine (Audio CD)
I doubt that Gene will ever surpass the brilliance of their second album, "Drawn to the Deep End." But "Libertine" comes close.I don't hear the Smiths influence so much anymore (which is good), but I do hear a more mature, polished sound, with string quartets embellishing the mood when need be. Similarly, Martin doesn't scream at the top of his lungs anymore (again, which is good), yet songs like "Walking in the Shallows" tell you that these guys can still rock out. And Martin's lyrics are brilliant in describing the agony of lost love. I'm a rarity -- a Gene fan in America. Most people here have never heard of Gene. Same for Suede and Pulp, unfortunately. But I'll go to my death convinced that British rock beats American rock anyday, and Gene are still great purveyors of my favorite type of music. Let's hope they keep going for awhile.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quite simply brilliant,
By A Customer
This review is from: Libertine (Audio CD)
Gene have come up with a more sophisticated sound without losing their unique identity. The switch in record labels seems to have paid off with a recording of excellent quality, which is why it's a pity that Libertine doesn't include the brilliant 'Rising for Sunset'. Nevertheless the boys go from strength to strength and without a weak track on it, Libertine may even be their best yet. Keep em coming lads!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gene continues to remind the world of their presence,
By Nick R. Notario (Wichita, Kansas United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Libertine (Audio CD)
With this, Gene's fourth album, they provide those who still care about brit-pop a beautiful more mature sound than previously. The way they weave the polyphony of instruments is seamless, with the incredible voice of Martin. They seem to know how to create great coruses which hit home if you love beautiful meaningful music. Why can't more bands be like these guys. I am from the heartland of America, and see a need for Gene and other UK bands in the US. This band rocks when it's necessary and slows down when it's necessary..perfect.
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