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The Libertines - What a Waster Audio CD

A fair review of the The Libertines "What a Waster" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all The Libertines reviews here, or go back to the The Libertines tabs.

The Libertines Band: The Libertines
Title: What a Waster
Rating:
Release Date: 2002-08-27
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: What a Waster 2: I Get Along 3: Mayday

The Glory That Might Have Been
This band had the charm of the early Beatles coupled with the drive of the Sex Pistols and the Clash (Mick Jones of the Clash produced much of their music). The late, great Libertines might be the most important band of the past decade, based primarily on their amazing first album, Up the Bracket.

What a Waster is not one of the more instantly accessible songs on the album -- but I Get Along is very catchy, and if this is your kind of music, Waster will grow on you.

Honestly, I'd pass up this single and get the Up the Bracket CD -- all this 3-song sampler will do is whet your appetite for more.


They could be the saviours of punk
What a Waster is The Clash or Sham 69 fronted by Suggs, and I Get Along sounds like a rawer, punkier, edgier Strokes. This is a fantastic single. Forget anything said about The Strokes being the saviours of punk: these guys could be the real champions.

This band are brilliantly London-esque, and these two songs convey it. They are swagerring, melodic, 2-minute punk rock tracks which are just cool. I can't wait for their debut album, and my anticipation is even greater as it is being produced by no less than Mick Jones, the Clash legend himself. The Libertines are the best new band in ages. Buy this, do whatever it takes to get your hands on it.


The Libertines do Rancid doing The Jam doing The Who

I heard one verse of "What a Waster" at the record store, and I had to rush over to the Import bin to find it.
I'm always a sucker for the latest Clash/Jam/Buzzcocks/Sham69 knockoff, and I say that with the most reverence. These guys will be lumped in the new - Hives/Strokes/White Stripes group of driving guitar (Punk) Rock. No samples, no keyboards, no vocal modification, just head-pounding late 70's era-sounding punk rock.

The title track is a driving, foul-mouthed-yob's take on drug addiction. The feel of the song is definitely The Jam ("All Mod Cons")/Thin Lizzy guitars with vocal stylings that belie Joe Strummer, post dental work, for all of you in your late late-30's. Sounds like polished Rancid for you late 20's-year olds. Strokes, for the kids. Almost anthemic, except that there's no chorus to pump your fist to.

"I Get Along" sounds like a Strokes (nee Buzzcocks/Troggs) outtake. Poppy, driving.

Sorry for the old references. I grew up with the Clash and all. By all means, I do not mean the 3 stars to be bad. I highly suggest any fan of The Strokes and White Stripes to run right out and buy this CD. (Or order it on Amazon. ) I would wait for the US release, and save a couple of bucks, though. I think that 5 stars should be reserved for "Blonde on Blonde," "London Calling," Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions," and the like.

After the 8-year(?) morass that has followed Kurt Cobain's suicide, this is the kind of music that makes rock-n-roll fresh and exciting again.

Buy this and play it at your 'nSync-loving sister. There's a little bit of an issue with expletives, so be carefull she doesn't tell your mom.


You can see a complete list of all The Libertines discography, or go back to the The Libertines tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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