Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Album of the Week: Consolers of the Lonely

by: Daly Tongren



Everyone’s favorite pasty rock genius, Jack White, formed The Raconteurs with pal Brendan Benson back in 2005. Consolers of the Lonely, the band’s second album, was released in 2008. As eclectic as it is dynamic, Consolers keeps The Raconteurs as one of the most frequently played artists in my iTunes library. 

Lyrically, every track is a detailed work of art. In true Jack White fashion, the songs are made up entirely of lines that could be just as powerful standing alone as they are a unit. 

Power ballads “Salute Your Solution” and “Five on the Five” are fast-paced fireballs of nasally vocals and screeching guitars. Horns and a heavy bass line back up the Grimm-esque fairytale that is “The Switch and the Spur.” “Top Yourself” is 4 minutes and 26 seconds of sass and slide guitar. There is an overwhelmingly apparent blue grass-y feel accompanying the lively “Old Enough.” 

Consolers of the Lonely is diversified rock and roll in its purest form. It’s The White Stripes’ rocker child who has grown up idolizing its trendy yet deranged cousin, The Dead Weather.    

I challenge any listener to keep still while Consolers is on. At the very least, a foot tap will escape. I can guarantee you that.  

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