If only… If only they could patch up their differences, three-fourths of Dirty pretty things and one-fifth of Babyshambles could come together to be the full four quarters of the Libertines. If so, Babyshambles’ Albion and Dirty pretty things’ Waterloo to Anywhere could be culled together to form a true classic. But it would seem that that will never be.

Both bands miss each other – it’s there in the lyrics of Pete Doherty and Carl Barat, and also in the patchy nature of both albums. Where the Libs debut Up the Bracket and brilliant self-titled sophomore effort felt like the full and complete article, both Albion and Waterloo to Anywhere are missing the vital ingredients that made both those albums such classics. Which is not to say that they’re not enjoyable – elements on both are very, very good, but combine those ingredients together again and you may well get a full slice of brilliance.

Waterloo to Anywhere is certainly a stronger album than Albion. The songs might not shine quite as brightly as the mind-blowing ‘Shambes singles “Fuck Forever” or “Albion”, but as a whole it feels like a much more complete album. Produced by Dave ‘Jet, Dandy Warhols, Wolfmother’ Sardy and Englishman Tony Doogan, the likes of “Bang Bang You’re Dead” and “The Enemy” are excellent little rock songs. Throughout, the album is a scattergun of noise – the guitars of Barat and Anthony Rossamundo are scrapings on a blackboard, while the rhythm from the Libs section of bassist Didz Hammond and powerhouse drummer Gary Powell is great.

But too often you’re looking for the Doherty yang to Barat’s yin. Together, the songwriting duo is nigh untouchable. But separated as they are now, they’re merely solid rather than strong. The subject matter of both albums clearly address one another – “Doctors and Dealers”, “Bloodthirsty Bastards” and “Last of the Small Town Playboys” are all clearly barbed attacks at those Doherty surrounds himself with. They’re all pretty strong songs, but where the Libertines second album in particular had moments that resonated long after the album had finished, Waterloo to Anywhere is a good listen rather than a slice of amazing songwriting.