Album Reviews November 2005 Part 3
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Despite the hype surrounding the album, ‘Down In Albion’ does not disappoint. Embracing an eclectic range of influences and styles, ‘Down In Albion’ is a journey through the world and undeniable talent of the troubled Doherty. From the reggae tinged verses of ‘Sticks and Stones’, to the warm pop tones and harmonies of ‘What Katie Did Next’, there really is something for everyone here. Dramatic opener ‘La Belle Et La Bête’ (complete with cameo appearance from Kate Moss), sets the tone perfectly, whilst ‘8 Dead Boys’ erupts into a harrowing punk explosion, reminiscent of The Libertines’ early work. Spot on production from Jones captures the excitement and exuberance of the live shows expertly, whilst ensuring that the album remains easily accessible. Live favourites such as ‘Fuck Forever’ and ‘Loyalty Song’ are transformed into anthemic masterpieces, whilst new single ‘Albion’ and penultimate track ‘Up the Morning’ are both cathartic and surprisingly uplifting.
Having survived the media storm that has surrounded them for the past year, Babyshambles have answered their critics in style. Doherty, a junkie though he may be, produces songs with such honesty, melodic awareness and poetic idealism that this is almost irrelevant. Irrespective of the band’s antics outside of the studio, they have produced a masterpiece of a record within it. This is easily one of the best records of the year, and arguably the best songs of Doherty’s career. 9/10 Jack Marshall
Louis XIV: The Best Kept Secrets Are Kept - After a hectic summers touring, the Louis XIV boys returned to their studio (which interestingly is a refurbished church), to put the finishing touches to ‘The Best Kept Secrets Are Kept’. Before signing to ‘Atlantic Records’ in August 2004, the band released a self-titled debut album on their own ‘Pineapple Recordings Group’ label.
This new record gathers the best of that debut album, as well as tunes from other self released EPs and some new songs just to add extra glow to the already dazzling collection. The fact that lead man Jason Hill recorded, produced, engineered and mixed this record verifies its authenticity. Louis XIV were in exclusive control. They experienced little or no pressure from outside sources that are often guilty of grooming bands and distorting their original sound. The end product is rough and ready, but impressively creative.
They originally hail from San Diego, but their musical appeal is universal. Every song is unique and offers something different. ‘Finding Out True Love is Blind’ is unashamedly sexual. Hill’s voice drips like hot wax over the intimidating riffs provided by guitarist Brian Karscig. ‘Hey Teacher’ is a snappy little number, whilst the lyrics for ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ are nothing short of genius, guaranteed to please. ‘A Letter to Dominique’ is pure class. The bouncy tune works well with the sardonic lyrics. Dare I say it, this track reminded me a bit of The Beatles. The strange thing is that the subsequent track, ‘Illegal Tender’, reminded me of the Rolling Stones. Somehow Louis XIV sounds like both bands on a single album and they really pull it off, whilst somehow retaining their personal originality. 8/10 Stephen Thompson
Story Of The Year: In The Wake Of Determination - This is the second album from the St. Louis quintet SOTY, and it stands up to their debut ‘Page Avenue,’ venturing into new territory as the band mature. Once written off as ‘The Used’ copyists, SOTY have struck back to produce and record one of the most diverse punk albums of recent years.
The record jumps from punk, to emo, to punk again with more than a sprinkling of modern hardcore. As a result, it isn’t an album you will pick up and love.That’s not to say that it isn’t a good album. On the contrary, this is a polished and accomplished second outing, and they skilfully avoid ‘second album syndrome’ by continuing to churn out melodic and memorable pop-punk. If you like the old album, but fancied a bit more ‘bite’ in the songs, then this will suit you perfectly. Opener and album highlight ‘We Don’t Care Anymore,’ is a definite anthem for many members of our generation and although the songs don’t tend to get any stronger, they certainly don’t get any weaker. This is a strong album. No frills, just good, modern pop punk. It won’t change your life, but it definitely won’t hurt it either. 8/10 Stuart Davis
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