The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
On March 25th, I stumbled out of my bed, trying to wake myself up. For some reason or another, I suddenly remembered that Consolers of the Lonely, the second album from The Raconteurs, was released that morning. I dropped down in to the chair in front of my computer and purchased the album on iTunes. When I got out of the shower, I started the album and I was amazed. I found this new set of songs form The Raconteurs to be extremely intriguing.
I was mesmerized by the first signature Jack White blues riff that opens the album. The first song, “Consoler of the Lonely” is a fantastic display of blues rock that gets your foot a-tappin. It features duel singing from both Jack and Brendan. The staccato lyrics that come about a minute fifteen into the song (“If you’re lookin for an accomplice”) are sung with a definite Jack White uniqueness. The album progresses to an all out rock song that is the first single off the album, “Salute Your Solution.” Next comes a piano rock ballad, “You Don’t Understand Me,” followed by a country-folk song, “Old Enough,” and then a Western-inspired tune “The Switch and the Spur.” The variety exhibited throughout the entire album proves that The Raconteurs are not just musicians, but masters at musical arrangement and lyricism. Later in the album comes “Many Shades of Black” another ballad featuring Mariachi horns, which is a personal favorite. The album comes to a great conclusion with “Carolina Drama,” which tells the story of a dysfunctional family. The ending to said story is up for interpretation.
Despite the hurried release and the four-day-early leak, The Raconteurs have surprised the world with a great album. I was so engrossed in the album, I listened to it straight through four times the day it came out. Some songs do have more of a White Stripes feel, but its clear that overall The Raconteurs are not a Jack White side project. They are their own entity. Out of 5 stars, I’d give it four and a spot on my own personal favorite albums.
Check out the new Raconteurs video:
By Trav
