The constant churn of music is a beautiful thing. Sure, some folks wax nostalgic about the “good ol’ days” of rock and roll, but true growth comes from taking those well-worn sounds and breathing fresh life into them.
Bands like Radiohead were already pushing boundaries, while The Libertines were proudly waving the flag for classic punk. But in the midst of this musical evolution, one figure remained unconvinced: Noel Gallagher, the ever-outspoken frontman of Oasis, couldn’t quite grasp the appeal of The Libertines’ frontman, Pete Doherty.
This clash of perspectives wasn’t just about personal taste; it highlighted a fascinating crossroads in rock and roll. Was the future in sonic experimentation or a return to its raw, rebellious roots?
The Libertines’ Divisive Debut
The Libertines’ 2002 debut album, Up the Bracket, wasn’t an instant crowd-pleaser. Its rough edges clashed with the polished indie sound that dominated the scene. This waywardness created a clear divide: some saw it as refreshing, others as messy. However, the album’s true power lies in its staying power.
Repeated listens reveal the brilliance behind their “everyman punk,” exemplified by tracks like “The Boy Looked at Johnny” and “I Get Along”. After all, isn’t the best art the kind that sparks debate?
Up the Bracket felt like a melodic evolution of hardcore punk. Bands like The Replacements in the US had paved the way with their disaffected energy decades earlier. It seemed the Libertines were carrying the torch, channeling that raw punk spirit for a new generation.
Noel Called Pete “Overrated” and “Marginally Talented”
Never one to shy away from controversy, Noel Gallagher set his sights on Pete Doherty. In a now-infamous interview with Stuff Magazine, Gallagher launched a verbal tirade, saying “[He’s] overrated. He’s marginally talented but not anywhere as good as me.”
He delivered the final blow by implying Doherty’s fame relied solely on his relationship with a supermodel, stating, “no one outside of NME would give a shit about him.”
This outburst was classic Gallagher. His entire public persona is built on a foundation of sharp, often barbed, critiques aimed at anything he perceives as inauthentic rock and roll. However, Doherty’s musical credentials paint a different picture. The Libertines embodied many of the core elements Gallagher himself championed: raw energy, catchy melodies, and a rebellious spirit.
Beyond the Noise
Beyond the notorious headlines surrounding their personal lives, the songwriting partnership between Doherty and Carl Barat was pure magic. Their dynamic mirrored the classic duos of punk rock history, like Mick Jones and Joe Strummer of The Clash. Their creative back-and-forth fueled a string of infectious pop anthems.
Tracks like “Can’t Stand Me Now” may not be groundbreaking in subject matter, but that wasn’t the point. Their music was designed to evoke a visceral reaction, to make you want to move and sing along. This focus on raw emotion aligns perfectly with the spirit of punk rock.
So, when Noel Gallagher dismissed Doherty as “overrated”, it raised eyebrows. After all, Gallagher is known for his deep admiration for the Sex Pistols, a band whose success was built as much on attitude and image as musical innovation. Why wouldn’t the same principles apply to The Libertines?
Doherty’s Vision is Beyond Punk Revival
Pete Doherty wasn’t content with simply rehashing the sounds of the first wave of punk. While Noel undoubtedly achieved rock and roll legend status with Oasis, The Libertines pursued a different direction.
Just like The Strokes across the pond, they breathed new life into the genre, injecting it with a youthful energy that resonated with a new generation. Their music wasn’t about pushing boundaries or creating groundbreaking soundscapes; it was about capturing the electrifying atmosphere of grimy clubs and transforming rock and roll back into pure, unadulterated fun.
Doherty and his bandmates weren’t interested in intellectualizing the genre – they just wanted to make music that made you want to move, sing along, and lose yourself in the moment.