Okay, so in 2002 you jumped on The Strokes collective dicks like a hooker on Sunset with Hugh Grant. Then, you thought if you jumped on The White Stripes tip, you were a golden hipster, proclaiming White Blood Cells as the CD to end all CD’s even though it was the groups third proper. Maybe The Hives were more your speed, Swedes doing the aforementioned longer, better and with Rolling Stone style. Well, that’s okay, you certainly were not alone, shit, even Spin proclaimed The Strokes as Band of The Year in 2002.
Forget all that you have learned and make way for The Libertines debut Up the Bracket. This is a brilliant English rock album done by Brits doing English rock. This Rough Trade gem is produced by Ex-Clash dude Mick Jones-instant credibility-and is a dirty guitar, youth oriented East London fest. Think The Kinks, Smiths, Clash and Crass all mating together in an all out orgy and someone gets knocked up. This is the result, a swaggering ditty with all the right elements to make you tingly inside.
'The Boy Looked at Johnny' is the best Cockney thing since 'Parklife.' Some of the best songs are at the end: 'Begging' and 'I Get Along' are neat anthems. The American version includes 'What A Waster' which was produced by Bernard Butler (ex-Suede) and is the song of the year so far. It doesn't get played on the radio much because the bit about 'you two-bob cunt.' It is a reflection of today's wasted youth, with real feelings of melancholy.
Do yourself the biggest favour of your pathetic life and shell out the kale for a copy of Up the Bracket, slug down a few bronson’s, grab your tassel and bust a moby, this CD is deck! Forget about the East Village, this is East London!!!
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