The Libertine

Rock'n'roll can pretty much burn off pure mythology alone, but what happens when the soap opera of drug abuse and broken friendships threatens to overwhelm the music? That's the problem the Libertines' eponymous second LP must face up to – and while it sometimes struggles to live up to the magic of its predecessor, 2002's Up The Bracket, it's still peppered with enough inspiration to explain why people still care about this band. Co-frontmen Carl Barat and Pete Doherty tackle their problems head on with the opening "Can't Stand Me Now", an anthemic, harmonica-accompanied number with echoes of The Cure's "Lovecats", that sees Barat sum up The Libertines' troubled history in the album's most quotable line: "The boy kicked out at the world/ The world kicked back a lot fucking harder". Further rollicking moments come on the Barat-sung "Narcissist" and knockabout closer "What Became Of The Likely Lads?" But there's some workmanlike moments, and almost inevitably, they feature Pete at the helm: see the hoarse, off-key "Don't Be Shy". All told, a merely good record. If The Libertines truly want a place in rock history, they'll have to prove they have the discipline to channel their undeniable inspiration. --Louis Pattison

This is a very sad album. It's like listening to two people you love arguing in the next room. The Libertines, Britain's best new band, fall apart in front of your ears.

"Can't Stand Me Now" is a great start and a perfect example of why they were so refreshing. Carl Barat and Pete Doherty were a classic song writing team, whose contrasting styles (and voices) complemented each other brilliantly. Tracks like the exhilarating thrash punk of "Arbeit Macht Frei" and the astute social observation of "Campaign Of Hate" shows just how much we need them. They deserve an award just for keeping the English language alive. When did you last hear the phrase 'the cut of my jib' in a song?

The music is much the same as the first album: raw, scratchy, bare bones guitar and a hyperactive rhythm section. The Clash's Mick Jones doesn't really produce, he just records what's there. It's all about the songs, the strength of the tunes and their unique vision of British life.

Pete Doherty's personal difficulties have been well documented. He sounds like a man who knows something's wrong but is struggling to put it right. His vocal on "Don't Be Shy" is loose and incoherent. Like three or four other songs, it rambles and grinds to a halt, as though it hasn't been finished properly. Pete lashes out angrily on "The Saga" at the vultures feeding on his situation and denies he has any problems. It's a fantastic song, but he does have problems.

Carl obviously cares deeply for his best friend. But by the end of the album you feel he has given up. The final track, "What Became Of The Likely Lads?", is heartbreaking. Carl gently chides Pete one more time, they reflect on their shared dreams and wonder how it all went wrong. There doesn't seem to be any way back.

This is a compelling, voyeuristic listen. It's almost a classic album. But what a terrible waste of a great band. --Nick Reynolds

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In the late nineties in the East London squat scene, two troubadours and dreamers Peter Doherty and Carl Barat met and bonded over music and a common romanticism. They resolved to form a band with a name that reflected their attitude: a libertine is someone who is unrestrained by convention or morality. The Libertines are born.

Their songs have become anthems: "What a Waster", "I Get Along", "Up the Bracket", "Boys in the Band", "Time for Heroes" and "Don't Look Back into the Sun". They sing and play and live this life that sits in the previously unexplored point halfway between the urban assault of The Clash and the arch romanticism of The Smiths. The new album is produced by Mick Jones and engineered by Bill Price (who worked on London’s Calling, and with Guns n’ Roses).

THE LIBERTINES The Libertines (Deleted 2004 UK 14-track CD album featuring the second release from the London indie band. Includes the singles Cant Stand Me Now and What Became Of The Likely Lads. Complete with picture sleeve lyric booklet RTRADCD166)