Babyshambles is a band formed by Libertines mate, Pete Doherty back when The Libertines went on hiatus. During its history, Babyshambles released three albums, its first being Down In Albion (2005). As Babyshambles were only largely popular in the UK, and were minor in the US (I was a big fan myself), their popularity bypassed (somewhat) the US mindset of music. But if you were a big post-punk fan with the likes of PiL and Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers, then you can easily get behind this band.
On December 12, Babyshambles recognizes their 20th Anniversary with a reissue of their debut, Down In Albion. Distributed via Rough Trade, and with fresh remastering, Down In Albion will be reissued with five bonus tracks. Two of the bonus tracks (“Gang Of Gin”, “352 Days”) were recorded with the album and anticipated for B-sides but were never released. Another session recording DID get a B-side release (“Why Did You Break My Heart/Piracy”) on “Albion”. The last two (“Do You Know Me”, “My Darling Clementine”) are from a BBC1 session. The album will include a tribute to late Babyshambles guitarist, Patrick Waldon. (His portrait is embedded within the sleeve in a UV gloss.)
The 20th Anniversary of Down In Albion will featured on 2LP and DD. For the LPs, there will be 2LP Cream-color vinyl, and a Limited Edition 2LP Blue-color Art Deluxe vinyl, with the special cover still in hand-drawn design by Pete Doherty. There are also celebratory bundles with merch to be acquired as well as a bundle that includes both color editions.
Down In Albion (20th Anniversary 2025 Remaster) – Babyshambles
LP1
Side 1
01 La Belle et la Bête (with Kate Moss)
02 Fuck Forever
03 A’rebours
04 The 32nd of December
05 Pipedown
06 Sticks and Stones
Side 2
07 Killamangiro
08 Dead Boys
09 In Love with a Feeling
10 Pentonville (with The General)
11 What Katy Did Next
LP2
Side 3
12 Albion
13 Back from the Dead
14 Loyalty Song
15 Up the Morning
16 Merry Go Round
Side 4
Bonus Tracks
17 Gang Of Gin
18 352 Days
19 Do You Know Me
20 My Darling Clementine
21 Why Did You Break My Heart/Piracy