(originally posted on QFTJ in April 2008)
The Raconteurs indulgent second album is raucous fun that let’s you easily pretend you’re sitting along in the studio with them (granted if you were, you ears might be bleeding — the band is back and louder than before). If you’re not familiar with the group, the Raconteurs are the “super” conglomeration of the White Stripes’ Jack White, pop solo artist Brendan Benson and the Greenhornes’ rhythm section of Patrick Keeler and Jack Lawrence. For whatever reasons, there seems to be an odd polarizing factor to this band, as people are drawn to it, but tend to be torn on whether or not they like it (at least, like it more than the White Stripes). Check for yourself.
Quarters for the songs: Rich Kid Blues; Carolina Drama; Many Shades of Black.
Worth listening, if you like: The White Stripes; Brendan Benson; Ryan Adams; The Killers; Arctic Monkeys; Nine Black Alps; Spoon; The Detroit Cobras.