There’s something about the ability to create music that is emotional, big, hard, stripped down, not too dressed up but definitely dressed for an outing, while at the same time, enormous in delivery. To call The Libertines just a rock band, just a bunch of kids, just another sound in the new resurgence of 60s rock and 70s punk, would be equivalent to witnessing a tsunami and calling it another day the beach. The influences of many are heard within the latest Libs release, but there is a unique desperation in their music that stands apart. I would have to say the most appealing thing about all Libertines music is inside pain that manifests such beauty, as much will, there is never an indication of insincere sentimentality. No hidden agendas. Poets, artists, edge-walkers, harnessed rage, tumultuous energy infinitum. The Libertines, they can rock you into frenzy and then pull you into a Mexico sand bar sunset, lamentations of lost love or love on the verge. Then without a thought, back to the beat driven riffs, shock into the grit of naked bulb reality. Yes, you’re back, but you’re different. Anyone inclined to classify The Libertines with the phrase of just another anything need go no further than this CD for a new set of values. This latest creation is nothing short of witnessing a birth, one that will change the expectations of bands to follow. And so I take a slight departure to review not all, but most, of the tracks on The Libertines self titled second release.
The Libertines Can’t Stand Me Now
“If you wanna try, if you wanna try…there’s no worse you could do.” They start with a wonderful loss of love song; some head bobbing beats, harmonicas, vocals that send a little tingle. A voice that always makes think of the inherent heartache in sending away the very sweet thing that is so soft, yet dangerous enough in flirty innocence to be forever forgiven.
