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96 of 102 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply one of the best albums of 2008 and new directions for the Racs, March 25, 2008
First of all, forget whatever you thought you knew about The Raconteurs. This album would be hard-pressed to be much more different from "Broken Boy Soldiers," their 2006 debut. From Jack's first searing guitar notes of the title track, which opens the album, through the quirky Dylan-esque "Carolina Drama" that closes it, this album shows that the Racs did not just drive up to the stop light and then continue on after the light changed. They hung a right and buried the gas.
What's different from "Broken Boy Soldiers"? The energy level is higher, for one thing. While there is a mix of different paced songs on the album, overall they've taken the energy to a new level. The first album had a "sound" that extended throughout the entire album; this does not. It's also not as polished an album as their first (and that's a good thing, not a bad thing - nor is it a criticism of "Broken Boy Soldiers"). While Brendan's pop-meister sensibilities and skills are evident (their cover of Terry Reid's "Rich Kid Blues" is a good example), they are not as pronounced as on "Broken Boy Soldiers". There are some rough edges to the sound that add to the energy and a dark edginess that lurks in the background ("Top Yourself" is an excellent example). Some of their influences, such as country, are more obvious (Dirk Powell's fiddling is lovely). And Jack III's love of the blues is much more evident. The use of the Memphis Horns on some tracks raised my eyebrows until I heard them; the use is sparing and fits beautifully (I can't begin to count how many rock songs have been ruined by the addition of horns - Jackie Bollweevil and Brendan Boy knew exactly what they were doing here). And some of Jack's slide work will positively make your skin crawl!
It's premature for me to add any detailed commentary on the individual songs (I've only given the album three careful [translate: headphones] listens, although it's been playing constantly since I got it), but "Carolina Drama" is definitely my fave so far - it's killer good. Side note: "Five On The Five" has evolved considerably since it was played in concerts on the 2006 tour.
What I can say is, even though it's only March, this is easily one of the best albums of 2008, and it's going to be very heavily played at this house for a long time to come. My advice is to buy this album, put it in your car stereo, turn it up all the way, and drive around town with all the windows down (even if it's snowing, and definitely in the rain) - that is what rock `n' roll was intended for, and this is most definitely rock `n' roll of the first order.
While this album is very different from "Broken Boy Soldiers", it is absolutely outstanding in every way. This is grand stuff, indeed. So much for the sophomore album jinx.
The Racs are back,
Pickin' up the slack.
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32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"...white milk dripped down with the blood...", March 26, 2008
Drama. (My one-word review)
This is not a continuation of Broken Boy Soldier. It is the Raconteurs creating a complete package of material that is in a whole 'nother building from BBS.
This release feels more collaborative and polished. Some songs do seem to have a bit too much going on with extended instrumentals and even some of the chorus/harmonizing might have been pared down because it comes off as a bit 'indulgent.' This is really my only complaint and it is minor. I gave it 5 not 4 stars.
A couple songs sound like what used to be called 'acid-rock' in the early 70's and would have fit in nicely between my Grand Funk Railroad lps and The Who. Specifically, Hold Up & These Stones...fit this description. They are 'reminiscent' not carbon copies.
"Old Enough" has an almost bluegrass flavour to it. Brendan and Jack harmonize as well as CSNY here.
"Top Yourself" is a lyrically fun, risque piece that probably could have been sub-titled: 'master of your own domain.' Nothing here the kiddies can't listen to. Subtlety abounds.
"Many Shades of Black" is uber-dramatic. The singing is sublime. The lyrics, melody and horns make it an atmospheric piece that makes me think of a small dark (aren't they all) nightclub featuring a band too good to be there. I don't know why....
"Carolina Drama" My review title uses a line from this song. It is a song with a driving beat, driving lyrics and a melody that you can't help but fall into. It is my favorite on the record and should become a classic, much like Eminem's, "Stan" or even "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia." Have a listen, you'll understand. It is brilliant and perfectly sung.
"Jack's Voice." Okay, it's not a song title but I have to comment. I think he is one of the most underrated singers out there. He pulls off a brilliant punk-like warble (in this and all his endeavors). He can sing sweetly. There is an 'unpredictable' aspect to his voice that is endlessly fascinating to listen to; random cracks that may or may not be intentional. Brendan is a fantastic singer. But for me, Jack is infinately more interesting.
cheers,
Laurie
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20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rushed to get released, but you can't tell in the quality! Great Record!, April 1, 2008
Jack White is so influential and popular right now that when he tells the record company that he wants this album released on a certain date or else he is going elsewhere...it happens!
Sometimes a rushed release date has its drawbacks such as mistakes in the packaging or poor sound quality. However, this album is superb in every way! The album artwork is cool with the retro photograph, the sound quality is great (the opening guitar sounds massive), and the songs are all well written and recorded.
I cannot top the other reviews here going into a whole lot of detail on the songs etc, but I have listened to the album all the way through at least 4 times. It is a little more rockin' than the first release. The guitars sound great (probably recorded really raw with an old tube amp and a microphone). It is a great album! If you like The White Stripes or The Raconteurs 1st album, then pick this one up...you won't be disappointed!
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