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Steady As She Goes...
by Lena
Hedayat, Staff Writer
Over
the summer The Raconteurs have been steadily gaining popularity.
Their debut album, Broken Boy Soldiers, was released May 16, 2006.
The story began when Jack White (vocals, guitars, keyboards,
synthesizer) and Brendan Benson (vocals, guitars, keyboards) wrote
the hit, "Steady as She Goes." This song led to the creation of the
band, which came to include Jack Lawrence (bass guitar) and Patrick
Keeler (drums). The recording took place in Detroit, Michigan during
the year 2005.
The Raconteurs are a relatively new
band, but everyone's already talking about them. In my opinion, I
haven't heard anything this good in a while. Their voices have an
almost British sound, and a unique blend. Don't just think because
you've heard the instant success, "Steady as She Goes", on the radio
that you've heard it all. This band goes way beyond the realm of
reality; when you listen to them, you're not hearing the same sad
love story over and over, or a song about some depressed teenager.
It's something fresh, exciting, and you will look forward to them.
They aren't one of those typical rock bands where you can't tell one
song from the next.
You hear the irregular heartbeat
sound in the simple beginning of "Steady as She Goes", but once the
overlapping harmony and guitars begin, you just want to dance and
sing along. Another big hit, "Broken Boy Soldiers", causes you to
sit up a little straighter and listen a little harder. The guitar
has a great sound throughout the whole song and has a 60s rock flare
to it, and you get so engrossed in the song, it seems to end too
soon. Another unusual but impressive, track that many of you
probably haven't heard, is "Level." It has an eerie beginning, and
changes the mood slightly. The thing about The Raconteurs is that
you can't quite guess their influence. They have a retro sound, but
it's hard to place.
Each member is involved in separate
bands, and have much music experience. If you are a White Stripes
fan, then you have probably heard of Jack White before. He was born
and raised in Detroit, worked for a few underground bands, and at an
upholstery shop, eventually opening his own store. White loved to
write songs, and when his business with upholstery wasn't doing too
well, he began his dream of starting a band. That was how The White
Stripes came about, and White became known. He, along with Benson,
wrote every song included in The Raconteurs' debut. Brendan Benson
also grew up in Detroit, and has three solo albums. He previously
worked with The White Stripes. Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler are
both part of the band Greenhornes. Lawrence has been involved with
other bands, and played bass for a singer, Loretta Lynn, whom Jack
White also worked with. Every member goes way back with one
another.
I suggest you try them out if you
haven't already. The Raconteurs are new, different, and fun to
listen to. They are definitely worth it. Together, these talented
guys are something pretty amazing. Each song tells its own story,
and, not coincidentally, a raconteur is a story teller. So let their
story begin.
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