Babyshambles - Shotters Nation (2008)

Review by Chris Wood

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Babyshambles Shotters Nation Tracks 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

Seemingly unable to get out of the headlines, the one thing that Pete Doherty needed to do prior to the release of "Shotters Nation" was to make a great album. Regardless of the media maelstrom that surrounds him, he needed to patch up the discrepancy between his less than appealing image as 'Junkie Pete', and his wonderful ability to create profoundly inspiring art.

British filmmaker Roger Pomphrey has attested to Pete’s credentials, saying that  'He is a true Romantic with a God-given ability for melody and verse'. And this sentiment remains true for "Shotters Nation".

A more concise and defined effort than their first LP "Down In Albion", "Shotters Nation" still hits us with an unrelenting British-ness, very much picking up from where "Down in Albion" left off.

"Shotters Nation" has received mixed reviews to date. Those not too appreciative labelling it as derivative and managing nothing more than average Brit-pop at best. Yet, the overwhelming majority have lauded this as one of the best albums of 2007, a feat strengthened by the accompanying commercial success.

Despite this being the first Pete Doherty venture on a Major Label and without producer Mick Jones behind the desk, the album does not appear suffer from over production, something that the likes of Peter Doherty would vehemently despise. It is very much a step forward in concept and sound, whilst maintaining the same Bohemian ideals Pete has built his reputation on.

In summation, it's exactly what the Babyshambles could have hoped to produce.

The cover of "Shotters Nation" appears innocuous at first, yet gradually strengthens its visual appeal over subsequent viewings as you rifle through the inside sleave. The funny thing is that as you do read Pete's lyrics trying to figure out terms like 'Arcadia' and 'Albion', along with finding out who Umberto Eco is, the cover art itself renders itself a likely candidate as a platform for Pete's wildest poetic inspirations.

Adorning the cover is an image based on Henry Wallis' 'The Death of Chatterton'. Thomas Chatterton, a young poet who killed himself, apparently because the English literary world has shown nothing but apathy towards his work, has been likened to Doherty. The comparisons between the two are numerous, and you get the sense that Pete is all but too aware of this. Both were of considerable talent and status, yet suffered at the mercy of the malicious public eye.

In the case of Pete however, stories purporting lies and misinformation are circulated on a much larger scale.

Opening track Carry On Up In The Morning sets the tone for the rest of the album, beginning with what I would expect to be Pete carving out a messy tune that is nothing short of utterly captivating. Surely anyone accusing the Babyshambles of subjecting their music to over-produced recording techniques would have no ground to stand on after listening to this track. It’s purity and honesty are what help carry the song.

Highly acclaimed first single Delivery is infectious from the very moment you hear The Kinks-like guitar scratching thrawl in All day and All of the Night. In typical Pete Doherty fashion, he shares his innermost thoughts and feelings for those of us willing to listen.

'I’m fucked, forlorn, frozen beneath the summer, don’t sing along or you'll get what I got. Here comes a delivery, straight from the heart of my misery. Here comes a delivery, straight from my heart to you'

You Talk caught a wide section of the media’s attention as it was co-written with Kate Moss. Initially not offering much in the way of aural inspiration, it gradually cements its place within the context of the album after a few listens. The surprise of the "Shotters Nation", There She Goes is a departure from the typical Babyshambles sound that we have come to expect. It immediately summons comparisons with The Cures Love Cats, however bassist Drew McConnell has said ‘we wanted a song reminiscent of Lou Reeds Walk on the Wild Aide’. Whatever they were aiming at, or weren’t aiming at for that matter, it appears that their efforts haven’t gone unrewarded.

There are a lot of people who are unaware Doherty's superior intellect, and with this they remain unaware of the musical and lyrical command this affords him.

'When she gets up in the morning, she writes down all her dreams. Reads like the book of revelations, or the Beano or the unabridged Ulysses'

These lyrics taken from The Libertines What A Waster is just one example of Pete's lyrical prowess. What sets "Shotters Nation" apart from "Down In Albion" is the 2nd tier songs, that in my mind are equally as compelling. Side Of The Road, UnBiloTitled, French Dog Blues, and my favourite Deft Left Hand are what truly make this album a masterpiece.

Whilst not breaking new ground and unseen domains, "Shotters Nation" is beautifully crafted and delivered with style and poise. It is a clear sign that he is artistically acute, his hedonistic lifestyle vindicating his work beyond doubt.

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

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