We’re used to hearing about Pete’s drug-addled mishaps and use of profanity, numerous references to literary genius, the class-system, drink and sex in his music. What Doherty isn’t really known for (especially when with the Libertines) is his tenderness and this is because Doherty in the Libertines (alongside his partner-in-crime, Carl Barât) was a train-wreck. 2004 rolled around and then booze, fags and heroin (among many things) were found to be the catalysts which set the Libertines explosion ablaze. But the focus of this article, “Flags of the Old Regime”, shows a tenderness – of sorts – which isn’t found that frequently.
The song is about his friend; the late Amy Winehouse and “Flags” is suitably sombre, emotional and heart-felt. This is the correct platform by which to exhibit these emotions too, as Pete’s other projects (the aforementioned Libertines and Babyshambles) would not fit as well.
As far as vocals go, likenesses will be drawn between Pete and Alex Turner’s pieces on his Submarine EP and Arctic Monkeys tracks like “505” or “Love is a Laserquest”, but we still have the same drunken Doherty drawl that we’re used to. “So let’s have it” Doherty begins. He knows he’s in for some flak and so, lyrically, Doherty is clearly taking a retrospective view over the last four years. He references how you can only go so far before you have to stop and take account of what you’ve done but the most heart-wrenching segment of this song is when he talks about missing Winehouse (“Oh me, oh my / Amy / You won’t be coming down tonight”).
Despite this, we’ve heard similar things to this before from Pete; just in a different context. What’s incredibly different is the backing. While previous solo works, such as “Last of the English Roses” have had an acoustic guitar focus; the keys, strings and organ are completely different. Furthermore, the limited percussion utilised on the track adds a whole new dynamic to the track that you wouldn’t find on much of this libertine’s back-catalogue. This is a Doherty lament and, I’m surprised to say, it’s pretty good. Pete is now clean and his music now takes on a new perspective on life; he’s no longer the junkie who doesn’t give a fuck, he’s the guy who lost a soulmate and is hurting. It’s only taken him three and a half years to get sober and record this.
Oh, and as a final note, the profits from the song go to the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
“Flags of the Old Regime” will be out on digital and physical formats in the near future.