Premature Evaluation: The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely
The best laid plans and all that. We know the Raconteurs tried their darndest to get Consolers Of The Lonely to everyone at the same time with a super short release schedule, but it's impossible to prepare for everything (in this case, the dreaded, institutionalized iTunes leak). Realistically, the fact that Jack and Brendan and the boys didn't get their sophomore follow up to Broken Boy Soldiers into everyone's hands today (3/25) as planned won't hurt much besides Jack's feelings in the long run. Plus, it allowed for interesting interactions with your beloved Web Sheriff. And the music?
We're being super premature, but the first few times through we like enough of Consolers Of The Lonely's 14 tracks. It's interesting how it opens with two of the biggest rockers -- the roarin' title track and also roarin' first single "Salute Your Solution." Then it moves into a more bluegrassy, pastoral (the Southern soft-rock of "Old Enough"), barroom (see "You Don't Understand Me") vein. Of course, you know the Raconteurs -- they haven't blown their rock 'n' roll load that early. There's the unhinged "Five On The Five" and its "I look nothing like the kids in the videos" flood stomp? (Technically, Jack, you do look like the kid in the White Stripes and Raconteurs videos, but whatever.) Or, later, the pretty awesome "Rich Kid Blues" and its U2-style late-song dramatic arc. Stadium-sized, boys! So, plenty of old-fashioned, not-so-old-fashioned rock to keep things moving right along...
It's early in our relationship with Consolers, but too many tracks sound serviceable rather than inspired. Like, "Attention" and "These Stones Will Shout" ... pretty rote. Some of it feels useless. We dig a bit of it, too -- for instance, the slippery changes and bold horns in "Many Shades Of Black." It's an example of why Jack's stuff sounds so rooted, while followers just sound like him: His listening and research obviously go deep (even if he doesn't have good Spanish ... speaking of which, "The Switch and the Spur" keeps making us sing "Conquest" in a note-so-great way). Yes, there are many shades of white, err, black: It's evident in the way he works his best tunes.
It's wrong to focus entirely on Jack: Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence, and Patrick Keeler obviously bring their own considerable talents to the table, and are what keep this from being another White Stripes album. Brendan's voice is good, less shredded, harmonizing compliment for JW. Jack Lawrence's bass lines are often sick. And, think about Patrick's drumming and percussion on the title track and "Five On The Five," etc. It's just that on so few listens, it's White's fingerprints that are most evident. Disagree? Listen to "Carolina Drama" again. That one sorta drags, but you know what we mean.
Bottom line: much of Console's a retread. Um, that's why the call it the blues? (We kid). Despite our complaints, we have to wonder, are there really any JW hold outs at this point? The man's a bad ass, even when his songs go down a bit too easily.
Consolers Of The Lonely is out now on XL/Warner. You can download it at the band's site.
Posted at 6:19 PM in Premature Evaluation
Tags: The Raconteurs
I agreed up until the end. I think Carolina's Drama is the best song on the album.
Posted by: Ben at March 25, 2008 6:29 PM | ReplyScore = 1
They ape Zeppelin fairly successfully on Rich Kid Blues. Probably my favorite of the new songs
Posted by: Spencer at March 25, 2008 6:52 PM | ReplyScore = 0
I tried so hard to like this album. And it only pisses me off, because I feel like Jack White knows he's one of the music industry's golden boys and he's letting it go to his head. This is one of those instances where people will faun over the final product because of who is producing the music, rather than ever examining the actual content. (for other examples see "In Rainbows"). I mean, did he even try with this project?
Posted by: Ju Bean at March 25, 2008 6:58 PM | ReplyScore = -8
Actually, I thought the content of In Rainbows was excellent, regardless of who produced it. I think you'll find that the majority of people feel the same way. Old, well-liked artists CAN still produce good albums, you know.
Posted by: The Other Matthew in reply to Ju Bean's comment at March 25, 2008 8:04 PM | ReplyScore = 3
Upon first listen, this record is nothing extraordinary. I think I'm on my third run-thru and its slowly but surely growing on me. I feel that it lacks the first album's innovation. I also don't see any one gem. I wish they got rid of some of those slow songs, they're just totally unecessary. Really reminds me of Icky Thump, too.
Posted by: Ashrey at March 25, 2008 7:06 PM | ReplyScore = 2
I think the album is stellar, especially as a sophomore release for these guys. I think that on Broken Boy Soldiers the guys kind of played it safe, the album was very focused musically as they tried out this whole supergroup thing, and it worked because they Absolutely Nailed! that 60s vibe. With Consolers they're branching out a lot more and it's anything but a retread of the first album which I'm incredibly grateful for. My only request I think would've been more lead vocals from Brendan, just because. I don't think there's really a bad song on the album, I think the difference between "demanding" songs from most other artists and "demanding" songs from Jack White are that Jack's are catchy. The album's a good 14 tracks long but it moves along at a pretty good clip, it doesn't drag.
Posted by: cheers, kid at March 25, 2008 7:29 PM | ReplyScore = -1
Yeah I think it might be one or two songs long and a couple do drag on a bit.
I think the Raconteurs have a classic album in them.
Posted by: Ben at March 25, 2008 7:38 PM | ReplyScore = 1
A solid effort overall. The first two tracks definitely rock the hardest and there are several glimmers of genius sprinkled throughout. "Pull This Blanket Off" reminds me of that Kid Rock/Sheryl Crow tune...I think that's a bad thing.
I'll give it a....65 out of 81.
Posted by: bbak at March 25, 2008 7:57 PM | ReplyScore = 0
The album sounds great. It does seem to have more of Jack White all over it than even Broken Boy Soldiers did.
And, yes, Jack White is a bad ass.
Posted by: Shapiro at March 25, 2008 8:27 PM | ReplyScore = 2
I never liked Jack White's vocals, he seems to shout everything.
Posted by: Ryan at March 25, 2008 8:41 PM | ReplyScore = 0
sorry to be a dick, but seriously, who writes these things lately? complete sentences, at least?
Posted by: karmaonion at March 25, 2008 8:49 PM | Replyjack white is a total badass. also, the video for salute your solution is badASS.
Score = 0
what? no report on the early Elephant Shell iTunes leak?
Posted by: Obamazing at March 25, 2008 8:53 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Teh bedder dan nu Pawnick Ad Teh Dikso.
Posted by: Gary at March 25, 2008 8:53 PM | ReplyScore = 0
the music store chain i work at got it in time(thursday of last week). album is boring.
Posted by: evan at March 25, 2008 8:55 PM | ReplyScore = 0
"Rich Kid Blues" is a Terry Reid cover, so in a way, it makes sense that it sounds kinda Zeppelin-esque.
Posted by: Shaun at March 25, 2008 9:05 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Apparently Jack wants to go in the studio with Meg in December. The man's a fucking machine.
Posted by: Justin in reply to Shaun's comment at March 25, 2008 11:32 PM | ReplyScore = 1
You seem to suggest Brendan Benson is on The Greenhornes/Blanche. Either way, I'm loving this album, more than Icky Thump and Get Behind Me Satan. Jack White can officially retire the Stripes.
Posted by: Mitchell at March 25, 2008 10:09 PM | ReplyScore = 0
You're right, that was a confusing/convoluted sentence. Fixed.
Posted by: brandon in reply to Mitchell's comment at March 25, 2008 11:29 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Jack White delivers.
Posted by: joni at March 25, 2008 11:57 PM | ReplyScore = 1
I love Jack White, but have to say in this band I love Brendan Benson on vocals with Jack as his guitar accomplice. I feel like this album has too many songs with Jack at the helm, but I still enjoy the album.
P.S. Which track is Pelle from the Hives on?
Posted by: cabbers at March 26, 2008 12:27 AM | ReplyScore = 0
warning: blog spam
there is also nice review at this here blog:
http://illegalmp3s.blogspot.com/
Posted by: jumpin' jack flash at March 26, 2008 10:08 AM | ReplyScore = 0
I love the album it is definitely stronger than Broken Boy Soldiers from the first play and I look forward to the live shows where this album is going to blow up on stage.
Posted by: Mandy at March 26, 2008 10:56 AM | ReplyScore = 0
I don't think Brendan Benson gets nearly the credit he deserves for his share of the songwriting here... lumping him in as another non-Jack member does serious disservice to his contributions. Granted, he had more to do on 'Broken Boy Soldiers,' but I'd argue that the songs that work the best here are the ones that Benson fronts and White works as his foil -- like on the mentioned "Many Shades of Black."
Posted by: drake at March 26, 2008 11:01 AM | ReplyScore = 2
they switched it up. more rock n roll than the first. of course all the songs arent gonna be great but some are awesome. carolina drama is fantastic, as are consoler of the lonely and salute your solution. its no masterpiece but it is a good solid album
Posted by: cold war kid at March 26, 2008 11:36 AM | ReplyScore = 1
I loved BBS precisely because it felt like Jack's indulgences were reigned in and we got to hear him shine in the context of a band. This feels like a Jack White solo record with the other 3 as his backing band. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but this is too similar to White Stripes for my tastes.
Still, there are some really good songs and I will go back to this one many times in the coming months. I'll echo what others have said about Carolina Drama - it's a great song and a perfect capper for the album. I am underwhelmed by Many Shades of Black however. I'll spare you a URL plug for my review but you can get it through my profile if you're so inclined.
Posted by: grayflannelsuit at March 26, 2008 12:48 PM | ReplyScore = 1
Much more sonically interesting than their debut, yeah a lot of the tracks sound like White Stripes tunes but The White Stripes haven't been sounding like The White Stripes lately (and these boys can tour). Jack White needs to let go of his horn fixation and Brendan needs to step it up with the introspective lyrics of Lapalco, and just drop the cliches. I'll admit I skip a good five tracks, but when I get to the good ones, they are really good. I'm digging Top Yourself right now, yes Jack's written similar lyrics (You Don't Know What Love Is) but never has the execution been so good. Carolina Drama somehow reminds me of those old country storytelling, as well as Dylan epics like Isis and The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest. Can't wait to see these guys live.
Posted by: Mitchell at March 26, 2008 2:15 PM | ReplyScore = 1
just heard this. after first listen, a good bit of it sounds completely uninspired to me, musically and lyrically. it may grow on me, but i'm currently dissapointed in this.
Posted by: KBJ at March 26, 2008 5:21 PM | ReplyScore = -2
I really enjoy "Old Enough" and a few other tracks. I don't really think they could release a bad album but so as whole it's definitely good. I just feel like some of the tracks are a little blah.
Posted by: jneslo at March 26, 2008 9:23 PM | ReplyScore = 0
WEB SHERIFF
Protecting Your Rights on the Internet
Tel 44-(0)208-323 8013
Fax 44-(0)208-323 8080
websheriff@websheriff.com
www.websheriff.com
Hi Stereogum,
On behalf of XL Recordings and Warner Bros Records, thanks again for plugging “Consolers Of The Lonely” … .. if your readers would like a good quality, non-pirated, preview clip, a widget of the promo video for “Salute Your Solution” (which is featured elsewhere on Stereogum) is available for fans and bloggers to embed from the band's site at http://www.theraconteurs.com/widget.html .
Regards,
WEB SHERIFF
Posted by: WEB SHERIFF at March 26, 2008 10:11 PM | ReplyScore = -7
When does this album come out in New Zealand??
Posted by: Ronan at April 1, 2008 8:57 PM | ReplyScore = 0
jack white is a truly gifted songwriter/musician/performer.in my opinion the best the world will ever see. every song ever written is perfection in its own right.i saw the vidio for seven nation army,and asked my wife "who is this?" "i think they are called the white stripes." she said. i got in my truck and went to get elephant.its all i listend to all week.i started back at the beginning with the first album and now have 2 copies of everything white stripes/raconteurs. one set for playing and one set in the safe to give my daugter someday.some songs took a few listens for me to realize how exellent they were.now i know anything jack does is top notch.i recommend to everyone who reads this to go get what you don't have and play it till you get it.
Posted by: rob at April 15, 2008 7:20 PM | ReplyScore = 1
I will agree with many that the first time I heard the whole album, nothing really stood out for me. By the subsequent next few listens, I can say that this album is totally awesome!!! As far as "Rich Boys Blues" goes, I don't know if anyone will agree with me on this, but it sounds very much like a Styx (Babe, Mr. Roboto) track to me.
Posted by: mE at April 20, 2008 1:24 PM | ReplyScore = 0
i love my men jack you'll need to support white artist to .not only kanye west or beyonce
Posted by: mimi at April 21, 2008 9:29 PM | ReplyScore = 0
There are a few forgettable tracks but as a whole I'm really into this record. And Carolina Drama is absolutely the best track, in my opinion.
Posted by: 12 :51 at April 29, 2008 7:58 PM | ReplyScore = 0