Babyshambles - 'Shotter's Nation' (Parlophone) Released 01/10/07

Whether or not Doherty purposefully set out to expose so much of himself on ‘Shotter’s Nation’ will probably – like much of his private life - always remain open to speculation. But with a song as nostalgic as, ‘There She Goes,’  which evokes an image of his first meeting with a loved one, perhaps even Kate Moss, “How could I let go since I caught a glimpse of your white plimsolls / Twisting and turning to Northern Soul,” it’s hard not to at least speculate.

For all the lyrical revelations displayed on the album, it’s easy to overlook the music that they ride so elegantly on top of. McConnell’s bass is thrust to the fore on, ‘French Dog Blues,’ and ‘Baddies Boogie’ (both of which expose Babyshambles funk influences) with the latter perhaps being the albums unexpected highlight, thanks to its frenetic rhythm and acerbic lyrics (“Look out for the man who will bum your wife and then shake your hand”). 

While Street’s main influence may have been to bring Babyshambles under control in the studio, subconsciously, he’s made an impact on the production of the record as well. There’s anthemic ambition - the type that might even justify their forthcoming arena tour - in ‘Deft Left Hand’ which, with Whitnall’s powerful guitar hook, is genuinely a song you would never have expected from the band. And, then there’s the new Kinks punch and ‘Smithsian’ riffs of impassioned lead single ‘Delivery.’

After eleven songs, it’s suitably Doherty who takes centre stage on the LP’s Bert Jansch featuring closing track ‘The Lost Art Of The Murder’– which sees him offer his own analysis on the last two years of his life. Whilst the tabloids might say he’s out of control, the evocative image of him arm-out-stretched seeking salvation in the lyric, “Roll a four, roll a nine, find yourself washed up in paradise / Roll a four, roll a nine, I lost my phone in paradise / Pay as you go,” suggests he’s far more aware of his own situation.
 
He may be one of the UK’s most famous musicians for all the wrong reasons, but with ‘Shotter’s Nation,’ he and his bandmates seem more intent than ever to make sure they’re now known for all the right ones.