Libertines
Though groups rarely like to admit it, they often need outside help - someone who champions the band. It can be a Rock legend, manager or producer with impressive musical credentials and/or a track record for finding and developing new talent. Having such a person on board prods a record company to spend promotional dollars, which encourages the music press to write about the act. Pretty soon, if all works according to plan, the group gets a buzz going. Then the whole thing takes on its own momentum. But to kick-start the whole process a group usually has to do something fairly impressive.
Guitarist/vocalist Peter Doherty and guitarist/vocalist Carlos Barat started as an acoustic duo playing in London's King's Cross-area. In '02, they added bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell. The group got picked up by Rough Trade where they released the double-sided UK hit single "What A Waster/I Get Along." That success attracted Mick Jones, former guitarist with the legendary Clash, who produced the group's rough-edged neo-Punk, '03 debut album, "Up The Bracket."
"Up The Bracket" slams out the chords and rides sharp percussion. The Libertines come close to the Clash at times but they also generate a load of garage snot-Rock. Opening track "Vertigo" is a lively kicker, as are "Horror Show" and "Boys In The Band" (a groupie ode). There are a couple tracks like "Death On The Stairs" that don't really jell but they're close. "What A Waster" and "I Get Along," the two sided UK debut single, clearly illustrates what all the initial fuss was about. For those seeking no frills high-energy Rock, this is the ticket.