https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqM11bt9QvI&feature=kp The Libertines are a never ending soap opera with the same ending to every episode, boy meets boy, boy takes loads of drugs, boy loses boy. But when they first splurged into the limelight their clipped punk, aligned with irresistibly catchy choruses, did much to force the guitar back into fashion. More than any other band of their age they totally got the gang mentality of The Smiths, which would be the key to their enduring appeal. Cant stand me now created the space for Arctic Monkeys to claim the throne as the leading UK guitar band of their generation. Its storytelling was based on a conversational narrative, but tragically The Libertines would fail to match the consistency and work ethic of their successors. The song itself shamelessly cribbed the equally wonderful Another girl, another planet by the oft-forgotten The Only Ones. And it painted a picture of a band in complete chaos. Pete Doherty had been sent to prison for burgling the flat of his co-writer Carl Barat. This ultimately led to their reconciliation, which was wonderfully documented here. The music was a very British concern, with flashes of The Smiths, The Clash (unsurprisingly guitarist Mick Jones produced both of their albums) and The Jam. They were deliberately and decidedly unpolished, which bucked the trend of the 00s quite brilliantly. This is a fascinating glimpse into a love story between two songwriters who knew it would all end in tears, but kept getting back together anyway. Because as miserable as they are when theyre with each other, theyre even more wretched apart. Their tale is summed up in one line. I know you lie, I know you lie. Im still in love with you.
What makes music fantastic? Star quality, amazing music, breathtaking lyrics and the ability to bring something new to the table, even if that means a new take on the classics. That's what I love to listen to and write about.
As well as writing for What Culture, I occasionally write a blog http://tedney.blogspot.co.uk and sometimes use Twitter, but sparingly @TedneyNash