It's depressing watching all the hope I had for this band being washed down the tubes amidst impossible drug problems and separate tours. The result of that kind of mess is evident in the new record, which avoids the infamous 2 word spinal tap review, but just. Up the Bracket showed so much promise, and who can honestly say that they deliver on The Libertines? I really want to love these guys but the songs just aren't there. Not only are the songs not there, but neither is the production. I'll be listening to Up the Bracket for years to come but I seriously doubt that the new record will have that kind of staying power.

Did I mention that there isn't a single song on The Libertines stronger than the weakest on Up the Bracket (with the exception of Radio America)? It's true.