The Raconteurs combine artists, genres on debut album
By Lisa Wakeland, Staff Writer
March 12, 2007 | 7:05 p.m.
In 2005, two friends came together to write a song, inspiring the creation of The Raconteurs. This “new band made up of old friends” released their debut album Broken Boy Soldiers on May 16.
Jack White (of White Stripes fame) teamed up with Detroit singer-songwriter Brendan Benson, and together they wrote the lead single “Steady, As She Goes.” They then joined forces with Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler from the Cincinnati band the Greenhornes. Both White and Benson play guitar and keys and sing while Lawrence and Keeler handle the rhythm section on bass and drums, respectively.
The song that spawned the band starts with the garage-rock simplicity of the White Stripes, but a completely catchy riff emerges during the chorus. It’s a radio-friendly tune but doesn’t abandon the rock roots of The Raconteurs. “Hands” has telling lyrics about a girl who makes life better: “when you’re with me there’s a light and I can see my way.” In fact, most of the lyrics on Broken Boy Soldiers seem like they’re telling a story, which makes sense – a raconteur is a skilled and amusing storyteller.
Straying from the pop melodies, the title track swings into Celtic-sounding heavy metal. The powerful music almost drowns out White’s wailing vocals. Psychedelic guitar riffs laid over the rhythm section make the title track one of the strongest songs on the album.
Unlike the White Stripes, The Raconteurs created a musical partnership with each member contributing to the band’s dynamic sound. Benson sings the lead on the melancholic but reassuring ballad “Together.” His smooth voice complements White’s strained vocals, creating harmonies that are both contemplative and soothing.
Shifting genres with ease, Broken Boy Soldiers is a schizophrenic sound buffet. From the explosive but melodic hard rock “Store Bought Bones” to the indie, bluesy-rock blend “Level” to the alt-country-tinted “Yellow Sun,” The Raconteurs encapsulate an array of musical personas. However, nothing seems out of place. The effortless transitions come from both the talent of each musician and the chemistry among them.
Recently, the band moved to Nashville because they said being together (instead of flying in for rehearsals every couple months) is important to keep the spark going. Claiming they bond through bowling, basketball and flash cards, the band’s chemistry is unmistakable. White, the most famous member of the band, said he appreciates the differences between The Raconteurs and the White Stripes. “Dual songwriting is something I always wanted to do, and never have. And I couldn’t think of anyone better to do it with,” he said. “We were building off each other so much and pushing off each other so much, really nurturing all the way, and I love that.”
Benson agrees that the support fueled the band’s strength. “A lot of times, I think collaborations are just a series of compromises that each other makes. But with Jack it was different,” he said. “I think because of the mutual respect and because I was turned on by his ideas.”
A soulful closer, “Blue Veins” recalls the style of old blues singers from the 1920s. The painfully expressive song serves as a reminder that The Raconteurs can transcend genre constrictions and still be at home. White, Lawrence and Keeler all said they would like to continue working with their other bands and believe The Raconteurs can coexist with other projects. Benson is the only one who is wary of returning to previous projects. “I got sick of myself,” he said. “This is the band I always wanted.”
Benson will get his wish of The Raconteurs staying together – at least through the summer. Throughout June, the band is touring Europe and will hit the United States in mid-July. The 13-date tour includes a stop at Lollapalooza in Chicago.
---
Visit the official Web site at TheRaconteurs.com