I don't get the media obsession with Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse. It's like they are surprised that young rock stars take drugs and go out on the lash. Then, ooooh, how outrageous, some actually become drug addicts and their lives spiral out of control. Well shock horror, let's now have a pull out special on the faith of the Pope and the defeacation habits of bears.

Even worse are those magazines that go into loads of sordid detail - but only because of their genuine concern. Oh please.

At least Amy isn't criticised for her lack of musical talent. You wonder if these journos have ever heard a Libertines or Babyshambles song. How can someone listen to 'Can't Stand Me Now' and then say that Pete is talentless? It's worth the money just for one line:

Poor little boy kicked out at the world
The world kicked back a lot fucking harder

How very prescient. It's like they're all jealous that he had the gall to go out with Kate Moss. Pete Doherty may well rip off Byron in lifestyle as well as lyrically, but that doesn't make him talentless. Which they'll probably suddenly realise after his death, in a Princess Diana-type turnaround.

I've seen Babyshambles twice: once at Manchester Apollo in February when Pete was totally on form and they were comparable to The Jam at their very best. Then again at V in Stafford, when Pete was obviously out of it, and despite what the die-hard fans would have you believe, the show was dire. Didn't even get a write up in the NME, presumably because if they can't say anything nice about Pete they won't say anything at all.

Albion
by Babyshambles
Down in Albion
They're black and blue
But we don't talk about that
Are you from 'round here?
How do you do?
I'd like to talk about that

More gin in teacups
And leaves on the lawn
Violence in dole queues
And the pale thin girl
Behind the checkout

If you're looking for a cheap sort
Set in false anticipation
I'll be waiting in the photo booth
At the underground station

So come away, won't you come away
We could go to
Deptford, Catford, Watford, Digbeth, Mansfield
Ohh anywhere in Albion

Anywhere in Albion
Anywhere in Albion

Yellowing classics
And canons at dawn
Coffee wallahs and pith helmets
And an English song

Reebok classics
And canons at dawn
Terrible warlords, good Warlords
And an English song

Oh if you're looking for a cheap sort
All glint with perspiration
There's a four-mile queue
Outside the disused power station

Now come away, oh say you'll come away
We'll go to
Chatsworth, Telford, Yeovil, New-cast-le

If you are looking for a cheap tart
Don't glint with perspiration
There's a five-mile queue
Outside the disused power station
Now come away, won't you come away

We'll go to
Bolton, Oldham, Scunthorpe, Bristol
Anywhere in Albion

Anywhere in Albion
Anywhere in Albion
Anywhere in Albion
Anywhere in Albion...

[Some of the towns probably aren't right]