Consolers Of The Lonely

Consolers of the Lonely (2008, XL Recordings) The Raconteurs' second studio album. ****

The first listen is actually a bit challenging, and for a band that you have to love, it's honestly scary. However, once you rewind and try again, all the beautiful little parts come out and come together, forming a solid album. When you go back and listen to Broken Boy Soldiers, you think maybe that's how their supposed to sound and that Consolers of the Lonely is a step backwards or in the wrong direction since it's much more focused on hard rock. That isn't the case. Jack White was born to play the blues, and while the White Stripes may be a way for him to do a practically one-man minimalist show, the Raconteurs is a band. White may be the most important factor, but when you listen you can't imagine him playing with anyone else. Benson proves he can sing, lead or harmony, as well as shred his guitar like White. Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler are an outstanding rhythm section that is reminiscent of John Paul Jones and John Bonham. All four members of the band are unique, all are excellent at what they play, and the Raconteurs wouldn't be the same if one of them was missing.

Not every track is a gem, but the opening hard blues rockers "Consoler of the Lonely" and "Salute Your Solution" show that the band had finally accepted embracing their hard rock influences, having the appeal and sound of White Stripes tracks but with a much warmer and full sound. "Old Enough" is a southern rock/folk number that really swings, the album's finest moment. Lawrence creates a very Entwhistle-esque bassline, and the fiddle and organ sounds only accentuate their 70's influence. This track also proves the band have not lost their playfulness. As with Broken Boy Soldier's "Intimate Secretary," the lyrics here are equally fun, though they do have a darkness to them. "And how have you gotten by so far/Without a head and no visible scar?"

"The Switch and the Spur" bring in unexpected horns that may seem intrusive, but then cement themselves as belonging. The romping Rolling Stonesy "Hold Up" is one of the standout pieces, featuring excellent shredding by White and Benson while Lawrence and Keeler lay down a pounding head-banging beat. A Hammond organ finds its way prominently into "Rich Kid Blues," played skillfully by the bands fifth unofficial member, Dean Fertita, who also gives a magnificent piano performance on "You Don't Understand." Benson and White continue to harmonize flawlessly and extend their Sam and Dave approach to singing.

This is a great album with just a bit too much filler. A shame, because this could be a true classic if some of it was cut out. Hopefully everyone is still getting along so that we can see a third album, because this is a band to be reckoned with. I dare say they are better than the White Stripes. Why? Because there are few bands who play as well together as they do. You can't imagine anyone else pumping out the shifting bass and drum rhythm on "Old Enough" other than Lawrence and Keeler, who, with Fertita's Hammond organ performance, sound like Radle, Gordon, and Whitlock from Derek and the Dominos. You can't imagine any other vocalist coming in with spunky attitude after Benson's monotone delivery on "Salute Your Solution" other than White. A band with immeasurable amounts of potential. (Consoler of the Lonely, Salute Your Solution, Old Enough, Hold Up)

-Stephen
www.politicianrock.blogspot.com

Much better than their last effort - Rock & some ballads ;).
Overall it's worth the investment, particularly if you enjoy listening to the lyrics and what they have to say. Jack Whites influence runs rampant (so if you don't care for him, charnces are you won't like this).

The Raconteurs are ... radical. Don't even listen to Consolers of the Lonely if you have sensitive ears. It sounds like Jack White left the tape running - thank god. This is what all the old fogies wish they could hear (today) from an early super group like Led Zeppelin in their prime. They tweak and twist all sonic sensibilities just far enough without breaking any confidence in how the story ends. It cuts across generational boundaries in music taste in a way that nothing this year has done - so far. If you ever wanted the White Stripes to pick up a few more instruments, this is your chance to hear what that could sound like with masterful musicians holding them in hand. Rating - A Keeper - Have it Mounted! texasflycaster.com

If you want something a little different this is it. If you like the White Stripes you will love this. I heard it on WFUV in NY which plays lots of great music and purchased it only hearing one song. The whole album is great

The riffs and hooks seem so obvious and derivative. I don't know where I've heard them before (perhaps 40 years of classic rock radio ??) As another reviewer mentioned, there's something "off" here. I realize that reviews are supposed to describe things, but I just can't explain it. I liked the first album. But for some reason I'm just not connecting with the songs on this album. Some of the lyrics are cool, but that alone doesn't make up for lackluster songs. Instead of a full band approach, it seems like a Jack White production all the way. I felt the same way about Loretta Lynn's comeback album a few years ago, which Jack White co-wrote, produced and played on.