The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

The Racowho's? I'm sure some people upon viewing the title of this article said that in their heads or even out loud. Perhaps you've heard of Jack White? Or even Brendan Benson? No? Yes?

At the end of last week The Raconteurs finished their second studio album. They recorded the album with Warner Bros. Records and they told them, "We're releasing this next Tuesday, got it?" This morning this listener had to venture out and buy this album. I came home and started listening away.

The Raconteurs are composed of:
Jack White - Vocals, guitar, and synthesizers
Brendan Benson - Vocals, guitar, and keyboards
Jack Lawrence - Bass guitar
Dean Fertita - Drums and percussion

When I listened to this brand spankin' new album I knew it was an instant classic for me. I liked it seven times better than their last album, Broken Boy Soldiers. Not that that I didn't enjoy that one, but Consolers had track after track of foot tappin' beats that you just can't stop listening to. The Raconteurs are more of an Indie band with a Garage Band Revival attitude attached.

The magnificent track listing:

1. Consolers of the Lonely
2. Salute Your Solution
3. You Don't Understand Me
4. Old Enough
5. The Switch and the Spur
6. Hold Up
7. Top Yourself
8. Many Shades of Black
9. Five on the Fire
10. Attention
11. Pull This Blanket Off
12. Rich Kid Blues
13. These Stones Will Shout
14. Carolina Drama

My choice tracks would be: Consolers of the Lonely For the amazing sound and beat of the drums. A good opener to a fantastic album. Who can't grin at an opening line like: "Haven't seen the sun in weeks, my skin is getting pale. Haven't got a mind to speak ,and I'm skinny as a rail. Hold up for the unique guitar sound and comical lyrics. I can always smile at something that says: "...Took me to a freak show, but I feel I've seen it all before." And Five on the Fire upon just listening to the song once made me want to get up and dance around with myself, incredible.

This music listener gives it a nine and a half out of ten. The Raconteurs prove that it's the music that makes the band and the talent they put forward. Not what they look like or how popular they are. Consolers of the Lonely will be an album you can listen to over and over again with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.