Late to the Party: The Raconteurs

All too often the facial expressions and responses you get from admitting you’ve never heard of a band can be downright embarrassing. It’s almost always followed with “How they hell haven’t you heard of them? Yes you have. There’s no way you haven’t heard them!” Well, let me take my medicine on this one. Yes, I’d heard of The Raconteurs, but no, I hadn’t ever heard any of their stuff. But I’m damn glad I can say I’ve rectified that now. Hopefully you’re not in the same camp as I was, but if you are, you gotta hear this.

Let me start by saying, no Virginia, good, original rock isn’t dead, and the Raconteurs have proved this. Formed in 2005 by Jack White (White Stripes and The Dead Weather), Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence (also of The Dead Weather, as well as The Greenhornes and Blanche) and Patrick Keeler (Greenhornes), the Raconteurs don’t fall into the typical “super group” category for the fact that the members have worked together before and come from similar musical genres. But who cares? It takes nothing away from the product they put out, especially their second album, “Consolers of the Lonely.”

Admittedly not the biggest White Stripes fan, I was skeptical upon first listen, but any cynicism was quickly dismissed while inspiration took over. “Consolers” is inspiring for someone who’s grown tired of add-distortion-and-call-it-metal rock or ruin-your-buzz-depressing drama rock because it goes back to what makes (made) bands like Metallica, Primus, Tool, Led Zeppelin and even the Beastie Boys great. There’s more than just three chords. Strip away the guitar effects and the licks are just as good. The vocals are in tune and harmonies aren’t forgotten. There’s up-tempo and down-tempo. And there’s instrumental variety with piano, organ, fiddle and horns. Not to mention the influences. Hints of Zepplin, Black Sabbath, The Who, AC/DC and even some 311 and Queen can be heard at various points. But this isn’t to take away from the originality. The Raconteurs aren’t trying to sound like anyone, but rather put together a product that showcases both their individuality and group dynamic, and that product is good.

Thanks Eric!

Buy it on Itunes or at amazon.com.

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