Hit refresh on the NME‘s news page just about any day of the week and one thing becomes abundantly clear: they really want the Libertines to reunite, almost as much as the rest of the word lusts for one more leg of Led Zeppelin dates. And so it was this morning, as the weekly rag boasted about its exclusive interview between Pete Doherty and Carl Barat, captured at the Shockwaves Awards on Wednesday. In it, Mr. Babyshambles promises a proper reunion in 2010, while Barat insists they never stopped being 2/4 of the Libertines in the first place. He has a solo album to attend to first, however, so while that gets worked on, we’ve assembled a list of songs and solos you ought to study for maximum rock ‘n’ roll enjoyment if and when the Libertines crash these shores next year.
“What Became of the Likely Lads”
The ultimate end-of-naivete buddy-buddy love song. Listening to it, you can just imagine Carl and Pete giving each other a big hug. And probably making out just a little.
“Time for Heroes”
Putting police brutality on blast with the fiercely biting opening line, “Did you see the stylish kids in the riot? / We were shoveled up like muck / Set the night on fire.”
“Can’t Stand Me Now”
Makes you wonder if these guys ever wrote about anything other than their own tumultuous relationship. Plus, Pete on harmonica.
“What Katie Did”
Shoop-shoop-shoop-de-lang-de-lang. A touching love song to Kate Moss. Not to mention title similarities to a great episodes of Lost–”What Kate Did,” Season 2.
“What a Waster”
Foul language, Brit slang and drug references galore. Angry much, dudes?
Best Pete solo: “The Blinding”
Pete in full rock-messiah mode produces the Babyshambles hit no one thought he had in him.
Best Carl solo: “Gin and Milk”
Head-bashing riffs and Carl’s hectic vocal temper more than fill the Pete void.
