Libertine by The Buck Pets: A Raw, Underrated Gem from 1990
Alright, let’s talk about Libertine, the debut album by The Buck Pets. Released in 1990 under Island Records, this slice of alternative rock feels like a time capsule buried somewhere between grunge's rise and the tail-end of '80s excess. It’s not perfect, but man, it’s got character—and that’s what makes it stick.
First off, kudos to producer Michael Beinhorn (yeah, the guy behind Soundgarden and Red Hot Chili Peppers). He brought some serious weight to the table here, teaming up with The Dust Brothers for arrangements that feel layered without being overcooked. And shoutout to engineer Ron Champagne and mixer David Bianco—these dudes made sure every guitar riff and drumbeat had its own space to breathe.
Now, onto the tracks. You’ve got five versions of "Libertine," which might sound excessive at first glance, but hear me out. The Album Version is where it all clicks. Chris Savage, Ian Beach, Andy Thompson, and Tony Alba come together like a garage band with something to prove. There’s an urgency in the vocals, raw and unpolished, while the guitars swagger with just enough grit to keep things interesting. This isn’t your polished, radio-friendly alt-rock—it’s messy, alive, and real.
And then there’s the Extended Dance Mix, which honestly shouldn’t work as well as it does. I mean, who expects a dance remix on a rock record? But somehow, they pull it off. It stretches the song into new territory, adding synths and beats that give it this weirdly hypnotic vibe. If you’re into late-night drives or zoning out with headphones, this one’ll grab you.
What really stands out about Libertine is how unpredictable it feels. These guys weren’t chasing trends—they were carving their own path. Sure, the album leans heavily on reworking the same track, but each version adds a fresh twist, almost like they couldn’t decide which angle was best. Maybe that’s why it flew under the radar back in the day. Or maybe people just didn’t know what to do with a band mixing rock attitude with electronic experimentation before it became cool.
Reflecting on this now, it’s kinda wild how ahead of its time Libertine feels. Listening to it today, you can hear echoes of bands that came later—bands that got way more credit. So if you’re digging through bins at a used record store or scrolling Spotify for hidden gems, don’t sleep on The Buck Pets. They may not have changed the world, but damn if they didn’t leave a little dent worth noticing.
Oh, and fun fact? Libertine means someone who’s free-spirited and unconventional. Fitting title, huh? Almost like the album itself decided to live up to its name.
