With all the hype surrounding Arctic Monkeys' new record, Babyshambles first album in six years slipped by almost unnoticed. Since 2007's Shotter's Nation, Doherty has reformed The Libertines, made a solo record, and even opened up a Camden shop? But although excitement for The Sequel To The Prequel hasn't been especially high, Babyshambles' third LP has been September's surprise package. Doherty is back.
Like a musical Mount Etna, Doherty has been dormant since the release of "Grace/Wastelands", but this year the man has erupted, spewing out jaunty, heroin tinged lava. The Sequel To The Prequel's a genre spanning album, which begins with a punky opener, Fireman. Fireman is one of the album's stronger tracks, and in fact the shortest. After Fireman the album goes from strength to strength, as track two is the 'Shambles' latest single 'Nothing Comes To Nothing'. Nothing Comes To Nothing is one of Doherty's finest moments, as it features Doherty's classic songwriting style and catchy melodies.
Elsewhere on The Sequel To The Prequel, Farmer's Daughter is the main highlight. Doherty's distinctive voice is at it's best since the early Libertines days, as Pete reaches notes most men that far past their peak would find nigh-on impossible to hit. Elsewhere, the title track shines a positive bouncy light on the album, with a sound that can only be described as "bumpkin-y".
Although the album is fairly strong throughout, if not very strong throughout, it weakens towards the end, as the last few songs are quite uneventful. But despite this, the 'Shambles' third album is a fantastic affair, littered with a bit of magic AM lacks, and some of Doherty's best work since he parted ways with Carl Barat. The Sequel To The Prequel is September's must-hear album.
Rating: 8/10
Out: Now (Released 9th September)
Key Tracks: "Farmer's Daughter", "Sequel To The Prequel", "Picture Me In A Hospital"
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