2008 Woodie Awards
CD Review: Shotter's Nation good effort
Erin Shea
Issue date: 11/6/07 Section: Entertainment
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11/06/07 - Our favorite junkie's back and he's done it again. Frontman Pete Doherty and his band, Babyshambles, have produced a first-class record, Shotter's Nation, that more than makes up for the massive disappointment that was 2005's Down in Albion.
While the band was clearly wasted on about 99 percent of Down in Albion, they sound as if they've gotten it together on Shotter's Nation, a remarkably well-produced, cohesive album.
Doherty tends to be a bit inconsistent as far as his songwriting is concerned, but Shotter's Nation is by far his best effort since his former band, The Libertines', 2002 debut, Up the Bracket.
One of the best songs on the album is the poignantly sorrowful closer, "Lost Art of Murder." Doherty's voice is uncharacteristically soft and vulnerable, a change that is absolutely chilling as he murmurs lyrics like, "Get up off your back/Stop smoking that/Change your life/Think you'll change their mind."
This profound show of regret for wasted opportunities is remarkably touching, especially coming from Doherty, the quintessential tabloid screw-up.
"There She Goes" is another standout track - one that showcases the album's incredible variety. The jazzy, cabaret-style song features a fun, but almost hokey-sounding melody that really allows the rhythm section to shine.
The seductive bass line at the forefront of the song is highlighted by the rapid drumming that adds strength to Doherty's smooth vocals as he sings the chorus, ". . . There she goes/A little pain/Make no mistake/She sheds her skin like a snake/On the dirty road to fame."
I wonder who that's about? Who's that ex of his? Oh yeah, Kate Moss. Kate certainly does seem to be the inspiration for several of the songs on Shotter's Nation, including the track, "Deft Left Hand".
The song, which boasts some of the album's best lyrics, is a very introspective look at Doherty's tumultuous personal life, referencing both his and Kate's highly publicized drug problem.
The first single, "Delivery," is another gem, an extremely catchy rocker with opening guitar chords that for some reason reminded me of the Eagles. The brooding tune's brash guitar section is really what makes it such a great song and keeps Doherty's vocals bouncy, an interesting contrast to the lyrics.
Of course, here to even out all that brilliance is the rather dull opener, "Carry on Up in the Morning." While the song is well-written, with lively performances by the band, Doherty seems to be lacking his youthful, uninhibited vibe at times, which basically ruins the song.
While Babyshambles' work isn't yet quite up to par with the Libertines, it certainly seems to be heading in that direction and I, for one, wouldn't be surprised if they soon surpass Doherty's former band if this album is any indication of what's to come.
While the band was clearly wasted on about 99 percent of Down in Albion, they sound as if they've gotten it together on Shotter's Nation, a remarkably well-produced, cohesive album.
Doherty tends to be a bit inconsistent as far as his songwriting is concerned, but Shotter's Nation is by far his best effort since his former band, The Libertines', 2002 debut, Up the Bracket.
One of the best songs on the album is the poignantly sorrowful closer, "Lost Art of Murder." Doherty's voice is uncharacteristically soft and vulnerable, a change that is absolutely chilling as he murmurs lyrics like, "Get up off your back/Stop smoking that/Change your life/Think you'll change their mind."
This profound show of regret for wasted opportunities is remarkably touching, especially coming from Doherty, the quintessential tabloid screw-up.
"There She Goes" is another standout track - one that showcases the album's incredible variety. The jazzy, cabaret-style song features a fun, but almost hokey-sounding melody that really allows the rhythm section to shine.
The seductive bass line at the forefront of the song is highlighted by the rapid drumming that adds strength to Doherty's smooth vocals as he sings the chorus, ". . . There she goes/A little pain/Make no mistake/She sheds her skin like a snake/On the dirty road to fame."
I wonder who that's about? Who's that ex of his? Oh yeah, Kate Moss. Kate certainly does seem to be the inspiration for several of the songs on Shotter's Nation, including the track, "Deft Left Hand".
The song, which boasts some of the album's best lyrics, is a very introspective look at Doherty's tumultuous personal life, referencing both his and Kate's highly publicized drug problem.
The first single, "Delivery," is another gem, an extremely catchy rocker with opening guitar chords that for some reason reminded me of the Eagles. The brooding tune's brash guitar section is really what makes it such a great song and keeps Doherty's vocals bouncy, an interesting contrast to the lyrics.
Of course, here to even out all that brilliance is the rather dull opener, "Carry on Up in the Morning." While the song is well-written, with lively performances by the band, Doherty seems to be lacking his youthful, uninhibited vibe at times, which basically ruins the song.
While Babyshambles' work isn't yet quite up to par with the Libertines, it certainly seems to be heading in that direction and I, for one, wouldn't be surprised if they soon surpass Doherty's former band if this album is any indication of what's to come.