• blog
• culture
• heave.tv
• interviews
• music
• Reviews

Sprung from the ashes of perhaps the most influential British band in the last ten years (The Libertines), Dirty Pretty Things have returned with another collection of pub punk hits. Romance At Short Notice sees Carl Barat and company bring the blood and guts sound that brought debut Waterloo To Anywhere to a brighter level.

"Tired Of England" is a catchy little lament in the same vein that Billy Bragg's "A New England" or The Clash's "London Calling" chastises, and at the same time, praises the homeland. Asking, "How can they be tired of England?" while pointing out its faults, Barat channels more Kinks than Clash this time around. British punk and indie bands in the 70's and 80's sang of a country that had lost its identity. The 90's gave us Brit-pop which returned England to the English, but with a catch. American influence from film, music and fast food had also crept in. "Tired Of England" is a cynical little middle finger to the aristocracy, but mostly to the Royal Family.

Interesting side note, in another sign that it's getting harder and harder for bands to make money off of album and single sales these days, Dirty Pretty Things made an appearance June 20th on the streets of Camden playing for money. $75.00 ain't bad for a 15 minute set.