Waterloo To Anywhere

'Dirty Pretty Things' debut has engendered a somewhat tepid response, especially from the British press - probably because the Libertines` implosion left such a scar on the psyche of Anglos and Anglophiles.

But Carl Barat`s new project confirms the "sensible Lib" brought as much to his old band as glorified former mate Pete Doherty. The scathing 'Waterloo,' in large part a flipped bird to Doherty, is a good old-fashioned mod-punk`n`roll record - nothing more, certainly nothing less.

Scorchers like "Deadwood" have immediate impact, while more self-searching entries like "Last of the Small Town Playboys" and "The Enemy" are genuine growers. Plus, the swaggering delight "If You Love a Woman" proves Barat can channel Mick Jagger as well as he can Joe Strummer. A perfect summer blast of piss and vinegar.

Source:Monsters And Critics