Carl Barât: Carl Barât | CD review

Ally Carnwath

Saturday, 02 Oct 2010

(Arcady)

Legacy has proved a tricky thing for the sometime Libertine. His previous band, Dirty Pretty Things, were almost swallowed by the indie landfill he and Pete Doherty inadvertently created, while the Libertines' reunion has given his solo debut a promotional boost but could hamper his chances of establishing a distinct individual profile. Carl Barât makes a creditable stab at resolving these tensions though, retaining the wit and mischief of old while eschewing scruffy garage for a richer, more classical pop sound. Brassy single "Run With the Boys" will be too MORish for many, but the Spector-like "What Have I Done" and orchestral closer "Ode to a Girl" swoon beautifully.

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Ally Carnwath

Ally Carnwath writes on Africa and music for the Guardian and Observer

Ally Carnwath

Saturday, 02 Oct 2010

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