You just wouldn’t get a story like Pete Doherty’s was then, now, would you? Firstly we don’t need the paparazzi because virtually everyone on the planet is a potential citizen snooper, secondly who messes with heroin in 2025 and last but not least, is there even such a thing as a supermodel now, just celebrities with their own shows who are either more or less relatable?
Then however he was that most poisonous thing, a raggedly glamorous low life, a junkie thrown out of his own band and a man stupid enough to rise above his station and be in a relationship with a beautiful woman. That Babyshambles even came together seemed to be by accident as opposed to any design; initially a pick up outfit for live shows, using osmosis a quartet formed and using a process which even they seemed to not understand, eventually recorded Down In Albion.
Then opinion on it was colored as much by where you stood on Pete – waster or genius – as much as the music itself. Now, whilst it’s not really true to say it’s aged well, the druggy, knowing in jokes can be seen for the straight up provocation they were, but it can’t be argued that Mick Jones’ demo-level production suits the material’s rawness and Albion, Kilimanjaro and Fuck Forever are pleasing little ditties and no mistake. You wouldn’t get a story like it now, which is why its worth sampling Down In Albion‘s questionable thrills again, if only just to confirm your prejudices.
You can read a full review here.
The Voice Of Unreason 