Can't Stand Me Now
"Can't Stand Me Now" is the first single from The Libertines' eponymous second album. The song was their biggest hit, and peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart and number 28 on the Irish Singles Chart. In the United Kingdom, it is their second highest-selling single after "Don't Look Back into the Sun".[1]
"Can't Stand Me Now" | ||||
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Single by The Libertines | ||||
from the album The Libertines | ||||
Released | 9 August 2004 | |||
Genre | Garage rock | |||
Length | 3:23 | |||
Label | Rough Trade Records | |||
Songwriter(s) | Peter Doherty, Carl Barât, Richard Hammerton | |||
Producer(s) | Mick Jones | |||
The Libertines singles chronology | ||||
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History
The song was written by Carl Barât and Pete Doherty with Mark Keds (also known as Mark Myers and credited on this track as Mark Hammerton) who was previously in a number of bands including Senseless Things, The Wildhearts and Jolt. The song is autobiographical, documenting the breakdown of Doherty and Barât's relationship which led to the ultimate split of the band later in the same year.
Release
The song received some exposure in the United States; WFNX in Boston debuted the song by playing it twice back-to-back before its official radio airplay release.
The promotional video for the song was filmed at one of the band's gigs at the Kentish Town Forum at the end of 2003 and was directed by ex-The Jesus and Mary Chain bassist Douglas Hart. The song was also featured in the third episode of the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood, "Ghost Machine", in 2006. It is featured in the EA Sports game Rugby 2005. It also features on the UK version of SingStar Vol. 2.
Reception
In May 2007, NME placed "Can't Stand Me Now" at number 13 in its list of the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever.[2] NME also named the song as the best track of 2004. In October 2011, NME placed it at number 26 on its list "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years".[3]
Cover artwork
The cover art features an orange X and yellow background (CD 1) / blue X and green brushed background (CD 2) cover art by Sophie Thunder. The CD is a black disc with the orange X graphic (CD 1) / white disc with the blue X graphic (CD 2) from cover art, track listing and Rough Trade logo in orange / blue, and black on white / white on black 'THE LIBERTINES' logo. Back cover is a silhouette, black-and-white photograph by Sophie Thunder of Pete and Carl standing in front of a window smoking a cigarette.
Track listing
7"
- "Can't Stand Me Now" (Doherty / Barât / Richard Hammerton) – 3:27
- "(I've Got) Sweets" (Doherty / Barât) – 3:04
CD 1
- "Can't Stand Me Now" (Doherty / Barât / Richard Hammerton) – 3:27
- "Cyclops" (Doherty / Barât / Peter Wolfe) – 4:48
- "Dilly Boys" (Doherty / Barât) – 3:07
- Can't Stand Me Now (music video)
CD 2
- "Can't Stand Me Now" (Doherty / Barât / Richard Hammerton) – 3:27
- "Never Never" (Doherty / Barât) – 2:25
- "All At Sea" (Doherty) – 2:50
- Available on US version
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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United Kingdom (BPI)[10] | Gold | 400,000 |
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References
- "BRIT Certified". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 20 December 2018. Type Libertines in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
- "The Greatest Indie Anthems Ever - Number One is getting close". NME. 2 May 2007. Retrieved 2 May 2007.
- 150 Best Tracks Of The Past 15 Years | NME.COM
- "Hits of the World – Eurocharts" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 116 no. 35. 28 August 2004. p. 53. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
- "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Can't Stand Me Now". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
- "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
- "The Official UK Singles Chart 2004" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
- "British single certifications – Libertines – Can't Stand Me Now". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 13 November 2019. Select singles in the Format field. Select Gold in the Certification field. Type Can't Stand Me Now in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.