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The Deal: Former Libertine frontman/current Babyshambles singer/notorious drug abuser Pete Doherty adds an 'r' and releases long-awaited acoustic album.
The Good: Let's cut to the chase – Doherty, 30, is now reportedly sober as of press time. Whether he was sober or completely wasted during the recording in the fall of 2008, the debut solo efforts showcased here are simply fantastic. You can hear the sadness in his voice during "Salome" and, actually, most of the other tracks on the album. The slow emotion of "I Am The Rain" builds to an upbeat conclusion. He offers a hint of jazz with the piano-backed "Sweet By And By." The album also gets some musical help from Blur guitarist Graham Coxon. Doherty's vocals have soaked up the scratchiness that make you think of smoke and booze.
The Bad: My only complaint is that this album was delayed for so long thanks to his drug-fueled fog that lasted for years. One can only hope that more music like this is in the works.
The Verdict: There are moments when you think, "He must be wasted!" but his rhythm remains intact, and it almost adds to the aura of the entire disc. Luckily, the disc is not a reminder of "what could have been" but evidence of the talent that exists behind the papparazzi target and gossip fodder. Throughout his career, Doherty is often labeled as a talented musician whose latest effort is his best – Grace/Wastelands won't put that to rest. I hit play with hesitation and finished listening convinced that it's one of the best albums I've heard this year.
Astralwerks; Release date: March 24, 2009
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