This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
STEADY, AS SHE GOES
HANDS
BROKEN BOY SOLDIER
INTIMATE SECRETARY
TOGETHER
LEVEL
STORE BOUGHT BONES
YELLOW SUN
CALL IT A DAY
BLUE VEINS
One could only imagine what our ears would hear when the likes of Jack White, Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler; collectively now referred to as The Raconteurs, got together. I have to admit, I put my headphones on not having a clue as to what to expect. The short, ten track cd, starts off with “Steady, As She Goes,” which is rumored to be the conception of this Supergroup; although the band contends that they are not a Supergroup, merely some friends playing music, many would argue. The song was written when long time friends Jack White and Brendan Benson got together to hang out, and soon after they decided to put a full band together and write more songs. This first single has a real sixties vibe to it with bluesy rock influences infused. It would be hard to find a category to throw this one under in the music store.
This album in no way should be referred to as “Jack White’s side project.” The songwriting is amazing and a shared task. This is showcased right away with the track Hands.
Broken Boy Soldier, which happens to be one of my favorite songs in this collection screams out the influences of Led Zeppelin and bands that followed in their deep footsteps; only a little darker. Next up is Intimate Secretary which reminds me of The Beatles, so as you can see, through just the first four tracks the influences have really run the gamut. The harmonies on this tune are great.
The band slows it down a notch with the mellow track Together which continues in the vein of a Beatlesesque vibe and has shared vocals between Brendan and Jack.
When the next song starts, I can’t help but feel like this cd is like putting my Ipod on shuffle. Each song brings a little something new to the table. Level has some great, crunchy guitar work going on with keyboards to frame it.
Store Bought Bones has been heralded as one of the best songs on the disc by Jack White fans, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. This song gives everyone in the band a chance to showcase their talents a bit and is nothing short of infectious.
Yellow Sun is another one of my favorites. It’s just such a feel good song. I might start playing it when I wake up each morning to get me ready for the world.
The disc finishes up with Call It A Day, which in my opinion is not one of the best tracks on the album and then the amazing encore inducing Blue Veins, perhaps the best song on the album.
As someone who was never a big White Stripes fan, I was more than impressed. I’d recommend it to any music fan because there’s going to be at least a song or two on here that you will identify with and listen to over and over again.
I would love to see this band live, I can only imagine the energy and passion. Each of these musicians rocked alone, but together, they are simply amazing.
Reviewed by: Mary | May 2006
