Additional information
After Dirty Pretty Things disbanded in late 2008, Carl Barat embarked on several projects, including the book Threepenny Memoir: The Lives of a Libertine and a stint in theater, both of which left their mark on his self-titled solo debut. Like his former bandmate Pete Doherty and the Last Shadow Puppets, Barat trades Paul Weller and Joe Strummer for Scott Walker, Kurt Weill, and Jacques Brel as his inspirations. It's also a tried and true move for a rocker to show another side with an ambitious solo album filled with elaborate arrangements, and Carl Barat is no exception. The most memorable moments are the most flamboyant: "Je Regrette Je Regrette" adds charm to Barat's cabaret; "Carve My Name" exudes widescreen melodrama with lyrics like "Take away the poet's pen/I'll never speak of love again"; and "The Fall"'s toy pianos, strings, wilting roses, and windswept kisses are bravely indulgent. ~ Heather Phares
