Babyshambles - Shotter's Nation

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 19 / 10 / 2007

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Review

'Shotter's Nation' is the second album from Peter Doherty's second band, and his fourth if you include the two he recorded before that with the Libertines. 'Shotter's Nation' is quite a shock really as it has a lot of stunning masterclass material. When he is in the limelight Pete comes across as a bit of a mess, but he seems to be cleaning himself up a bit at last and that is reflected in this new recording. It opens with 'Carry On Up the Morning' which is sung in the sloppy cockney fashion that Pete does so well. Musically it's not too clever. It's as basic as they come, but with that innocence also comes charm. 'Delivery', the first single, is as catchy as a classic Kinks number with an upbeat London street feel to it. 'You Talk' is the first of three tracks here co-written with Pete's ex-girlfriend Kate Moss. This sounds quite punky and is more in the vein of the Libertines, but muck slicker and not so messy. It will make a near perfect single if it ever becomes one. 'UnBiloTitled' is slow and full of melody. An anti-love song, it is possibly about his break up with Kate. 'Side of the Road' is fast and furious, and, full of punk energy, a 21st century song to pogo too. 'Crumb Begging Baghead' is a coolly delivered number, with big chunky riffs and massive drums. 'Unstookie Titled' has a lot more depth to it than the previous number, being slowly delivered and involving a lot of clever word images. 'French Dog Blues' is another co write with Kate Moss and this time also Ian Brown. It is much more full-on in its sound, and even has its own website www.frenchdogblues.com. With a very catchy intro, it again recalls the Libertines. 'There She Goes' is basically a re-write of the Cure's 'Love Cats'. Involving a very similar melody but different lyrics, it sounds both lo-fi and somewhat jazzy in its beats. 'Baddie's Boogie', the last of the songs that Pete wrote with Kate Moss, is jangly and fast. Reminiscent of a loved-up Cure number, its big chunky bass lines carry it along. 'Deft Left Hand' is another catchy, riff-heavy number with jangly guitars and a smashing melody. It ends with 'Lost Art of Murder' which features folk legend, Bert Jansch, on guitar. It is soft and acoustic, very laid back, and , while very basic, is absolutely charming and works well in its own atmosphere. This is a very pleasant album and one of many surprises.

Track Listing:-

1 Carry On Up The Morning
2 Delivery
3 You Talk
4 UnBiloTitled
5 Side Of The Road
6 Crumb Begging Baghead
7 Unstookie Titled
8 French Dog Blues
9 There She Goes
10 Baddie's Boogie
11 Deft Left Hand
12 Lost Art Of Murder