Consolers of the Lonely
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Free Music Notes for Consolers of the Lonely
Free Music Review: Simply one of the best albums of 2008 and new directions for the Racs
Hit: 5 Stars
First of all, forget whatever you thought you knew about The Raconteurs. This album would be hard-pressed to be much more different from "Broken Boy Soldiers," their 2006 debut. From Jack's first searing guitar notes of the title track, which opens the album, through the quirky Dylan-esque "Carolina Drama" that closes it, this album shows that the Racs did not just drive up to the stop light and then continue on after the light changed. They hung a right and buried the gas.
What's different from "Broken Boy Soldiers"? The energy level is higher, for one thing. While there is a mix of different paced songs on the album, overall they've taken the energy to a new level. The first album had a "sound" that extended throughout the entire album; this does not. It's also not as polished an album as their first (and that's a good thing, not a bad thing - nor is it a criticism of "Broken Boy Soldiers"). While Brendan's pop-meister sensibilities and skills are evident (their cover of Terry Reid's "Rich Kid Blues" is a good example), they are not as pronounced as on "Broken Boy Soldiers". There are some rough edges to the sound that add to the energy and a dark edginess that lurks in the background ("Top Yourself" is an excellent example). Some of their influences, such as country, are more obvious (Dirk Powell's fiddling is lovely). And Jack III's love of the blues is much more evident. The use of the Memphis Horns on some tracks raised my eyebrows until I heard them; the use is sparing and fits beautifully (I can't begin to count how many rock songs have been ruined by the addition of horns - Jackie Bollweevil and Brendan Boy knew exactly what they were doing here). And some of Jack's slide work will positively make your skin crawl!
It's premature for me to add any detailed commentary on the individual songs (I've only given the album three careful [translate: headphones] listens, although it's been playing constantly since I got it), but "Carolina Drama" is definitely my fave so far - it's killer good. Side note: "Five On The Five" has evolved considerably since it was played in concerts on the 2006 tour.
What I can say is, even though it's only March, this is easily one of the best albums of 2008, and it's going to be very heavily played at this house for a long time to come. My advice is to buy this album, put it in your car stereo, turn it up all the way, and drive around town with all the windows down (even if it's snowing, and definitely in the rain) - that is what rock `n' roll was intended for, and this is most definitely rock `n' roll of the first order.
While this album is very different from "Broken Boy Soldiers", it is absolutely outstanding in every way. This is grand stuff, indeed. So much for the sophomore album jinx.
The Racs are back,
Pickin' up the slack.
Free Music Review: The Racountours bring noise to the lonely
Hit: 5 Stars
Somewhere between Broken Boy Soldiers and "Consolers of The Lonely," Jack White and Brendan Benson decided to toss the pop out the window and turn up the guitars. The distortedly wonderful result totally smacks down anyone who claimed the first album was a White Stripes Side Project or White helping out an old friend. "Consolers" makes the statement loud and clear from the first crashing chord and ringing snare drum on: The Raconteurs are a rock band.
And like the Led Zep fixation that appeared on The Stripes' Icky Thump, so goes this album. There are also more than a little salacious Stones jonesers banging ("Hold Up" being the prime love letter candidate for White's new friendship with Jagger and Richards, see his cameo on Shine a Light). But there's also a sense that The Raconteurs wanted to expand wildly and delve into their classic rock collections, down to the old timey cover art's shades of The Band or Bob Dylan, who are also echoed in the country cool of "Old Enough."
Both White and Benson sound enthusiastic about these songs, something the more refined "Soldiers" was missing. Where BBS was all about the craft, "Consolers" is more about the feel. You even get to hear someone give directions ("double track this") during the title track, amping up the wall of sound until it pile-drives you into submission. This is an album that gets off on its power, and band seems more than eager to show off their chops and the new chemistry. Benson and White are often indistinguishable from each other as they trade vocal leads, that's how in-synch they've become and just how eager to play this album sounds.
To that end, the rock may still be classic, but the detours are very cool and in context. The Spaghetti Western "Switch and The Spur" weaves a desert tale that seems derived from "Thump's" cover of "Conquest," and the closing "Carolina Drama" is positively Dylanesque. The continual referencing the blues - Terry Reid's "Rich Kid Blues" cover in particular - give "Consolers" its gravity, all while incessantly driving from song to stylized song. It may be derivative, but it's my kind of derivative, and so far, it is one of this year's best.
Free Music Review: "...white milk dripped down with the blood..."
Hit: 5 Stars
Drama. (My one-word review)
This is not a continuation of Broken Boy Soldier. It is the Raconteurs creating a complete package of material that is in a whole 'nother building from BBS.
This release feels more collaborative and polished. Some songs do seem to have a bit too much going on with extended instrumentals and even some of the chorus/harmonizing might have been pared down because it comes off as a bit 'indulgent.' This is really my only complaint and it is minor. I gave it 5 not 4 stars.
A couple songs sound like what used to be called 'acid-rock' in the early 70's and would have fit in nicely between my Grand Funk Railroad lps and The Who. Specifically, Hold Up & These Stones...fit this description. They are 'reminiscent' not carbon copies.
"Old Enough" has an almost bluegrass flavour to it. Brendan and Jack harmonize as well as CSNY here.
"Top Yourself" is a lyrically fun, risque piece that probably could have been sub-titled: 'master of your own domain.' Nothing here the kiddies can't listen to. Subtlety abounds.
"Many Shades of Black" is uber-dramatic. The singing is sublime. The lyrics, melody and horns make it an atmospheric piece that makes me think of a small dark (aren't they all) nightclub featuring a band too good to be there. I don't know why....
"Carolina Drama" My review title uses a line from this song. It is a song with a driving beat, driving lyrics and a melody that you can't help but fall into. It is my favorite on the record and should become a classic, much like Eminem's, "Stan" or even "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia." Have a listen, you'll understand. It is brilliant and perfectly sung.
"Jack's Voice." Okay, it's not a song title but I have to comment. I think he is one of the most underrated singers out there. He pulls off a brilliant punk-like warble (in this and all his endeavors). He can sing sweetly. There is an 'unpredictable' aspect to his voice that is endlessly fascinating to listen to; random cracks that may or may not be intentional. Brendan is a fantastic singer. But for me, Jack is infinately more interesting.
cheers,
Laurie
Free Music Review: The most fun you will have with an album in 2008
Hit: 5 Stars
G
GL
GLO
GLOR
GLORI
GLORIO
GLORIOU
GLORIOUS.
This album puts a smile on my face. The Raconteurs have figured it out. I am a big music fan. I listen to everything worth a d*mn that comes out and I enjoy a lot, but CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY is one of those albums that made me realize what it is all about.
FUN. d*mn d*mn FUN to listen to.
G#&D*#M FUN. This album will keep a smile on your face the entire time (the entire SUMMER TIME, wow if this album doesn't own the Summer I don't know what will). It is as good as it gets and I am so glad it got released just in time for the glory days of the SUN. Jack and Brendan are like identical twin rock god's who decided to make music together. Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler just complete the circle of perfection. It is like somebody in the sky sat down and put this band together.
I enjoyed BROKEN BOY SOLDIERS but I could tell they were rookies together when recording because I didn't appreciate the album as much until I saw them live. EVERYTHING was there, they just needed time. THIS ALBUM captures the talent and passion they have live. AMAZING AMAZING ALBUM. This album reminds me of seeing them on stage. Killing every instrument like I know they can.
I will listen to this non-stop for the next several months (ha atleast). THE WHO, DYLAN, ZEPPELIN, all echoes. But the Teurs do it their own way. They deserve to be one of the biggest bands in the world. They really are that good.
My respects to the talented kids in the band. I hope y'all make it to a smaller venus in the DC area and I hope I make it front row (yeah I'm selfish!).
Y'all put a smile on my face and those I've introduced the album to so far.
Keep killing it. As good as this album is you still have so much potential and talent to be tapped. Damn y'all are good. Keep killing it.
OH YEAH PS:
BUY THIS DAMN ALBUM. WOW. WOW. That is all I can say to sum it up. (oh yeah and damn FUN SO if you are reading this review still go ahead and make the best purchase you have in awhile)
Free Music Review: Amazing - Like a Drug That Induces Stupor
Hit: 5 Stars
Just completing this album in the first week of March the band surprisingly unleashes it without any foreknowledge so that nobody, "the fans, the press, radio, etc., has an upperhand on anyone else regarding it's availability, reception, or perception," said Jack White, in Rolling Stone.
"Consolers of the Lonely" kicks of the album with the title song "Consoler of the Lonely." This songs tambourine shakes and shuddering bass adding to a carefree and high-spirited kick off comes off well as the first song on the new album.
"Salute Your Solution," the first single for the album is a fast-paced stomper starting with a strong Jack White guitar riff before a muffled bass riff kicks in halfway through, adding a psychedelic twinge. The album then breaks into a mixture of 4 stars and five star songs. Those I consider to be 5 star songs in the first half of the album, including the two just mentioned, are "Old Enough", "The Switch and the Spur", and "Top Yourself."
For the second half of the album the songs I gave 5 stars to included: "Rich Kid Blues", "These Stones Will Shout", and "Carolina Drama", which is a slower, blusier song as White tells the story of a troubled boy with "blue tatoos" named Billy, is one of my favorites.
Overall, this is an astonishing follow-up for White and his second band.
The songs show this band as having or showing their ability or achievement in the rock music genre, although the band is clearly influenced by a number of different genres that come out in their music.
The Raconteurs album definitely shows the effective and forceful, but not forced music the band is capable of producing. Each song stands strongly by itself, but, the combination is a contour of a body constructed so as to offer minimum resistance to a fluid flow. It all comes together perfectly.
This is an album that will stay in my music rotation for a long time to come. I look forward to the album growing on me as well, as I listen to it even more. Job very well done.