What a Waster

by

The Libertines

Edit

This is a fantastic single. What a Waster is The Clash or Sham 69 fronted by Suggs, and I Get Along sounds like a rawer, punkier, edgier Strokes. 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.

I'm always a sucker for the latest Clash/Jam/Buzzcocks/Sham69 knockoff, and I say that with the most reverence.

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. 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.