We Are The Music

The Raconteurs' album Consolers Of The Lonely - Can I just tell you, I have never heard an album like this before. This isn't just your average sit down and listen to it sort of album; this isn't a background music album. This is an album that the entire time that I'm listening to it, I want to be there with them, and I can't sit still because of it. My butt keeps wiggling in the seat because they pull you in with little things like on the opening track, "Consoler Of The Lonely" you hear the sounds of a small crowd, and even one of them speaking into the microphone "we'll want to double-track that" just makes these guys more human and all the more lovable for it. Then as the music continues, they pick up the pace and you become even more enthralled with the song. Definitely one of the shining tracks on this album in my opinion. The White Stripe's Jack White puts himself farther out there than ever before, and I can't help it, I'm beyond impressed. I never thought reverb and the fuzzed sounds that my own practice amp makes could sound so good. But then again, what can you expect from the group of friends (I'd say supergroup, but they really don't like that) that's obsessed with all things vintage? And songs like "Old Enough" bring you back to those good old days, with a wonderful string counterpart that's the perfect accent to Mr. White's amazingly unique voice. A sort of toe-tapping, head-bobbing song that makes you smile and think of the sunniest days of the year, playing in backyards and wrestling in the grass. A definite Beatles-esque feel is present through the entire album. But the song that really completes the album, that brings the vintage feel full circle, is the last track "Carolina Drama". To begin with, you won't find another song like this on any other album in this decade. They don't make music like this anymore; songs that truly tell stories and sound wonderful and even a little bit grungy as well. With that wistful chorus of women you start to feel like you're really there with Billy, watching this travesty occur. As the song climaxes (you read it right--how many other songs have you heard that climax?) I always feel my own fists begin to shake; the emotions are so perfectly portrayed in this, combining the music and the vocals into something indescribable. If you do nothing else, look this song up. It's one of the best of our time.

All in all, this album is incredible. It has it's ups and downs just like any other; some tracks that really shine and some that let the others shine. Regardless, it's one of the best releases we've had this year and I can't push you enough into picking it up.