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Babyshambles (UK)
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January 31, 21:00
Formed in spring 2004, just as the Libertines were beginning to fall apart, Babyshambles became the main vessel for Peter Doherty's poetic, chaotic rock when he was ousted from the Libertines for his increasing drug use and erratic behavior. Babyshambles released their self-titled debut 7" in April 2004, and settled on the lineup of Doherty, guitarist Patrick Walden, bassist Drew McConnell, and drummer Gemma Clarke by that summer. That fall, things went relatively smoothly for the band, with a sold-out U.K. tour and the release of a second single "Killamangiro" on the Libertines' former label, Rough Trade. But by December, the band had to cancel or halt shows because Doherty was unable to perform; one of these sudden cancellations sparked a riot at the London Astoria. Clarke left the band early in 2005 and was replaced with new drummer Adam Ficek. Despite the band's ongoing tumult - which included Doherty's arrest for allegedly assaulting and blackmailing documentarian Max Carlish (these charges were dropped that spring) - Babyshambles began work on their first album. Teaming up with former Libertines producer Mick Jones, the band worked on the album through the spring and summer of 2005 and released the single "F**k Forever" that August as a teaser for the full-length.
"Down in Albion" was released in the U.K. that fall and Babyshambles toured in support of it, although the band canceled almost as many gigs as it actually performed. Doherty's wild behavior continued and his numerous run-ins with the law, which included being held on suspicion of stealing a car and possession of class A drugs in early 2006 and being arrested three times in one day, made Babyshambles' existence as perilous as ever.
"Down in Albion" was released in the U.S. that spring. "The Blinding" EP arrived in fall 2006. In November 2006, the band gave away mp3s of songs in progress to fans via the internet for free. Finished versions of some of those songs are on this album. Peter: "We really didn't know at the time that these songs were ever going to be finished or even end up on any album. Some did and obviously they're the same titles but I don't think you've ever heard anything like it sounds on the album, particularly ‘Delivery’ which I don't think I've ever sang in tune live.. haha!."
A broad range of influences shine through on this album, from the Kinks, through to punk, Stone Roses, a touch of Soul 2 Soul, 80s' indie, Madness, Blondie, Motown, Britpop and even one inspired by their UK number four hit single ‘F** Forever’.
Lyrically, the album captures the many facets of Peter's character: storyteller, lyricist, street poet, hopeless romantic and chronicler of British life. From capturing the feeling at sunrise after a night on the tiles, to delving into a self-destructive 20 year marriage (‘Baddie's Boogie’) this is an album of rare emotional breadth. The album even manages to immortalise Peter's doodle invention (and ‘Down In Albion’ cover star) French Dog in one of the album's highlights 'French Dog Blues'.
"Shotter's Nation", Babyshambles' first full-length for EMI/Parlophone, arrived the following fall, boasting more polished production and focused songwriting. ‘Shotter’s Nation’ was recorded at Olympic Studios in Barnes, west London and produced by Stephen Street (Morrissey/The Smiths, Blur). The album has already been hailed in the press, with the NME proclaiming - “It is a concise, invigorated and coherent collection of punch-packing pop songs. Babyshambles have far exceeded all expectations. This record is the work of a bunch of musicians hell-bent on making the best record they have in them”.
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