Taken from his second solo album, ‘I Don’t Love Anyone (But You’re Not Just Anyone)’ is a fine example of the natural song writing ability of Peter Doherty. Following on from a relentless touring schedule over the past three years with The Libertines, the return of his solo music offers a far more peaceful, tranquil sound.
‘I Don’t Love Anyone (But You’re Not Just Anyone)’ may be recognisable to the eagle eared Libertine/Doherty fan – it has relentlessly been bootlegged in demo form over the past decade, though the current studio adaptation of the song offers a far more diverse range of both sound and lyricism.
“The song opens with a quiet yet absorbing guitar solo – a feat which Doherty is well known for”
It is taken from forthcoming solo album Hamburg Demonstrations, which is set to be released on 2nd December this year. It will be Doherty’s first solo excursion in almost seven years, featuring a reworked version of ‘Flags of the Old Regime’ now entitled ‘Flags From The Old Regime’ along with a number of new songs and reimagined demos.
The song opens with a quiet yet absorbing guitar solo – a feat which Doherty is well known for. It naturally grows into an opening chorus which cleverly devises a loving, romantic theme. What is interesting is the range of instruments on offer: the former Babyshambles frontman is joined by a number of multi-talented musicians, including former bandmate Drew McConnell.
“[Doherty’s] music provides a fitting soundtrack to peaceful existence in the modern age”
Hamburg Demonstrations will be Doherty’s second solo album release after 2009’s Grace/Wastelands. At a time when his previous works only included edgy, punk sounding anthems, the album promoted a gentler, softer side to his sound. Songs such as ‘Sheepskin Tearaway’ and ‘Last of the English Roses’ were a prime example of this.
2016 has already been a busy year for Peter Doherty. January saw The Libertines embark on their first ever arena tour, playing in well-attended venues such a Manchester Arena and London’s O2 Arena. Next came an intimate solo tour, featuring many new songs which are bound to be featured on the upcoming Hamburg Demonstrations. Doherty played across the country to sell out crowds, with the highlight surely being at London’s impressive Hackney Empire.
Doherty recommences his solo touring commitments in November with a number of dates spread across France, the most iconic of which comes on the 16th of November at the Bataclan in Paris. Following the closure of the venue for the best part of a year after last November’s tragic attacks, this gig is arguably one of the most historic of Doherty’s career, especially considering the global significance of the venue. Certainly, Peter Doherty is a true preacher of solidarity and unity and his music provides a fitting soundtrack to peaceful existence in the modern age.
If ‘I Don’t Love Anyone (But You’re Not Just Anyone)’ is anything to go by, one can expect Peter Doherty’s upcoming solo album to be rather tranquil and melodic, a far softer affair than the ferocity of the Libertines and Babyshambles.
Charlie Barnes
Charlie is listening to ‘Guilty Pleasure’ by Habitats
Image courtesy of Birte Fritsch via Flickr (CC Search)
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