Under The Influence (Compiled By Carl Barat)

A collection of some of the songs that inspire him, Carl Barat's Under the Influence (which has a totally different meaning than former bandmate/professional addict Pete Doherty's "under the influence") is hardly shocking, given the sound of the Libertines and his solo work. His mix focuses on classic British music that, whether it's punk (the Stranglers' "No More Heroes," the Clash's "Remote Control"), glam (Bowie's "Oh You Pretty Things"), Brit-pop (Supergrass' "Sitting Up Straight," Pulp's "Sorted for E's & Wizz"), or garage/2-step (the Streets' "Fit But You Know It"), puts as much emphasis on memorable melodies and well-chosen words as it does on energy and attitude. However, Barat's picks from American artists are more interesting, or at least less conventional: Dylan's "Hurricane" is more of a cult favorite than a standard. The slightly skewed, moon-in-June sentimentality of the Mamas & the Papas' "Dream a Little Dream" can be heard in Barat's own ballads, while the lo-fi cheek of the Moldy Peaches' "Who's Got the Crack" reflects the Libertines' most shambolic moments. Some music geeks might be disappointed that Under the Influence includes songs as well-known as the New York Dolls' "Personality Crisis" and the Smiths' "Bigmouth Strikes Again," but it takes a certain kind of confidence to choose well-loved songs that sound good together, instead of relying on obscurities to impress people.|