Consolers Of The Lonely Review

Release Date: Mar 25, 2008
Label: Third Man Records/Warner Bros Records
Genres: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock
Number Of Tracks: 14
The Raconteurs focus just as much time on their tempo changes as their riffs to keep things interesting on Consolers Of The Lonely.

Sound:	8.7
Lyrics:	8.3
Impression:	9.3
Overall rating:	8.8
Users rating:	9.4
Comments:	68

overall: 9

Featured review by: UG Team, on march 25, 2008

Sound: The Raconteurs’ new album was released with relatively little publicity, but it could easily stand out as being one of the best records of the year. The quartet most famously known as Jack White’s side project continues to have an earthy, bluesy element running through much of the new album Consolers of the Lonely, but there is much more going on this time around. Sure you get rock and blues, but the arrangements have been taken to a different level. Unexpected tempo changes are more the norm than the exception, which often takes most of the songs on exciting and gutsy turns along the way.

While not all of the 14 songs on Consolers of the Lonely are immediately embraceable, often because of their storytelling format (with the focus on several verses) that may test audiences’ patience, it’s still obvious that each one was written with plenty of thought. There are some tracks that draw you in instantly, however, and that has everything to do with the amazing arrangements. “Consoler Of The Lonely” is a prime example, with the intro featuring a cool little lick that completely stops and is taken over the sound of just percussion. It is seemingly just a great, straightforward rock track, but it has a little twist -- the tempos switch every time vocalist Brendan Benson switches duties with Jack White.

“The Switch And The Spur” has more of the ballad format mentioned earlier, but The Raconteurs take the liberty of also giving it more of an epic feel. There is a repeating trumpet line and the horns, and it has the same majestic power you hear in the White Stripes’ “Conquest.” Tempo once again plays a huge part, and at about the halfway point the song speeds up, only to be taken back to it's original speed shortly after. The band has an incredible way of keeping things moving along, and “The Switch And The Spur,” although not necessarily the most infectious song on the record, is a beautiful example of The Raconteurs use of rhythm to create a mood.

Some of the tracks will need to grow on you, but Consolers of the Lonely has plenty of tracks that feature classic rock riffs. “Attention” and “Five On The Five” are standouts, while the first single “Salute Your Solution” gives the spotlight to the bass line for a good portion. While the first half of “Salute Your Solution” features your basic power chords with a manic vocal delivery, there’s an absolutely fantastic groove-oriented breakdown which features the guitar doubling the vocal part. If you like the no-frills side of the band, you’ll enjoy the first half of “These Stones Will Shout,” which centers around a clean acoustic and the lead vocals of White. It doesn’t stay laid-back long, though, with things taking a turn toward the electric about halfway through the song. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: There’s an old soul feel to the lyrics, which is a perfect match for the blues, vintage rock, or balladeering styles that often pop up in The Raconteurs’ songs. The words always feel authentic, which is aided by the fact that vocalists White and Benson deliver the words with such emotion. The title track features some simple, yet effective lyrics with such lines as, “If you're looking for an accomplice; A confederate, somebody's who's helpless; You're gonna find, you'll find yourself alone.” They range from wise preachers to the everyman, and that’s always an interesting mix. // 9

Impression: In some ways The Raconteurs is a project that is much more daring than the White Stripes for Jack White, and more importantly, it brings the talents of vocalist Brendan Benson, bassist Jack Lawrence, and drummer Patrick Keeler to the forefront. You’re getting a lot more than riffs with The Raconteurs, and it’s a credit to the band that they’re able to continually find different ways to hold your attention. Whether it’s the tempo changes, guitar effects, solos (from all the instruments, not just the guitars), or vocal delivery, there are an abundance of reasons to respect The Raconteurs. // 9

overall: 9

Reviewed by: Jakelman10, on july 24, 2008

Sound: The Racontuers are on of todays most musicly talented bands. The guitar from Jack White and Brendan Benson talent stretches beyond belief and it really pulls out to me and to most fans. The CD is the second for the band and it is better in my opinion. The band's lastest album does not seem to have a specific story line to it altough the lats song on the album, Carolina Drama, has an amazing story and is a great song. The band's wild music is somewhat held back in the record, for The Racontuers are a live band, some soud does not make it through your CD player. Many concerts are astonishing from them. Mainly ones form Austin's Music Festival. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: The band has to singers. Benson and White. White has the upper hand for guitar but Benson has a vocality that beats White because it has a tad more range. The accompinments of the bass and Drums help the bands sound lyric wise suprisingly. The Bass carries the song as the drums lays down the standard beat. The Drummer is one to be amazed by at ear. The band's genera is different form the White Strips because in the White Strips, Meg White, (drummer and Jack's ex-wife) lets white run loose and Benso, puts a leash on White. Jack does not go on his crazy Rock tandrums, he lets his guitar do the wor while Benson sings wonderfly. This helps add to the albu because the band's chemistry is good which shows through the songs. A song such as, You Don't Understand Me, is a good example. White does not scream and yell as he plays the piano melodicly, he sings light and it catches your attention. Benson takes the lead role of guitar and loves up to it which another great aspet of this album, everyone plays something different and it always works out. The one song I did not like was, Many Shades of Black. Horns and other rass instrements were used and it makes the band sound much different and unorginal. Orginality is their strongest vice. they did not write the song. It sounds bad and unatractive. // 8

Impression: The main message I got from this album was, "Wow." I had to listen to it a few times before it hit me, they are not a studi band, they simply play live. Their talent is caged and loced on records and can not be showed to the real world. I suggest anyone goes to their concerts because of how much better it sounds. Knowing that aready, it sounds pretty darn good. I loved it and it is a radition album for orginal Rok to keep on living! // 10

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: pacosdiner, on may 01, 2008

Sound: With the release of their new CD The Raconteurs proved that they are not just a Jack White side-project. Consolers of the Lonely is a huge step up from their debut album. They have found a way to use all their talents to create their own unique style. This album isn't nearly as experimental as Jack White's latest album Icky Thump, but isn't anywhere near mainstream. Each song from this album is unique. Two great songwriters came together to produce a second and great album. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Consolers of the Lonely features much more Jack White than Broken Boy Soldiers. Brendan Benson mostly sings harmony while Jack's recognizable voice takes center stage. These two composers put forth interesting lyrics that fit with the music. // 8

Impression: This is a great album and the best released in 2008. I recommend it to anyone. This is a must-have for any Jack White fan. I love every song on this album with the exception of Many Shades of Black, which the album could have done without. It's hard to pick a favorite song off the album because they are all so different. So listen and enjoy! // 9

Comments

[Time Seller]

Interesting.

[lefthandman9876]

its awsome!

[red157]

Gave it a 10 to counteract the arse who gave it a ridiculously low score. Enjoyed the album more than their debut, still think they haven't reached their peak and that the UG review was very flattering.

[guitaruboy]

right now i like the debut better, but this is growing on me

[100%guitarmad]

it rules, not as much as BBS though

[tbarrettl]

I am amazed on how much this brings back good old bluesy rock like Zeppelin and Cream back into the big picture unlike anybody has done an equal job on.

[666Sabbath666]

Can't wait to give this a listen
I enjoy The Raconteurs much more than The White Stripes, so I kind of wish Jack would just focus on this

[shyalicia]

Sounds sweet. Hopefully I'll pick it up soon.

[ze monsta]

It's really bloody good.

[[x]Huffy[x]]

awesome album.

[CanCan]

This album is made of win.

[NielsWho]

good lord, I just heard some songs, and I am definetly buying the album, absolute brilliance!

[Brendy]

got the album 1st thing today. can't stop listening to it...it's awesome.

[Johnonon]

Just heard "Salute Your Solution" on the radio. It's like old garage rock on SPEED! Cant wait to pick it up except our Target isnt putting it on the shelves yet

[MegaRon]

I kinda stumbled upon it while looking through CDs at Best Buy and I reacted in the following way: "HOLY SHIT! NEW RACONTEURS ALBUM!" Picked it up, listening to it now. Like what I've heard so far and I'm not even 2 minutes into the first song.

[Mojo89]

to be honest I thought the first album was a more commercial effort, and after it I questioned if Jacko had sold out but with icky thump and this its clear he's not just a ***** for the corporate gangbang. This albums existence wasn't even confirmed until a week ago with little to no marketing.

[CantBanMeLosers]

First song blew me away listening to the rest right now the consistency of goodness per song is more than that of the first record.

[DirtyFryBassGuy]

i like how it actually is longer than a half an hour, too.

[HexaDakota]

I'm getting this thing for sure

[kidsthesedays]

i just got it, it's amazing.

[StarChild69]

I heard "Top Yourself" today- it was very, very good! Some sweet slide work on it.

[korbhag]

I know what I'm doing tomorrow :P

[E-dogg66]

Music=OK Band Name= SUCKS!!!!! Hate the band name it Sounds like a Snotty French name?

[SWENCE_32]

One of the best albums ive heard in a while. this album just made them one of my favorite bands

[arcticradiohead]

just picked it up. been listening to it non-stop. its gold. broken boy soldiers was solid but this one takes more chances and they all paid off. nothing against the first album, it was great but this one kicks its ass

[Baconfish]

The best album I've heard in months. At first I wasn't that sure if it was as good as the first album but I'm liking it more and more with every listenthrough. I reckon it's better than Broken Boy Soldiers now.

[MTVget0FFtheAIR]

E-dogg66 wrote:

Music=OK Band Name= SUCKS!!!!! Hate the band name it Sounds like a Snotty French name?

...it's an english word. it means storyteller. improve your childish vocabulary?

[Shread_6009]

jack white never stops recording, hes got like 10 albums out since 1997, with 2 different bands, and all of them have been great. plus its nice hearing white with bass + 2 guitars.

[kidcantread]

Way better than BBS

[LedDaveZeppelin]

MTVget0FFtheAIR wrote:

E-dogg66 wrote:

Music=OK Band Name= SUCKS!!!!! Hate the band name it Sounds like a Snotty French name?
...it's an english word. it means storyteller. improve your childish vocabulary?

You tell um MTVgetOFFtheAIR!

But yea Im definitely gonna get this CD sometime today.

[poornewf]

Amazing album definitely a 10! Somebody said it reminds them of Cream and Zeppelin but you can really hear The Who in the tempo changes and the switch from one instrument to another taking the lead during songs or when moving from bar to bar. Better than the first - less Beatles thank Christ! The sappy Beatles anyways. LOL And I don't wannna hear your shit BeatleBums LOL I'll sic Keefer on ya! LOL

[jbone88]

i loved the first album. cant wait to get the new one. are the guitar riffs pretty interesting or are they just laid back style?

[tuneloon]

I'm new to this site, but had to post on this one. I went out and picked this disc up at lunch and have been able to give it a few listens, and a few things stand out.

The album is very diverse. From the story teller fashion of The Switch and the Spur to the grinding rock title track, to the classic bluesy Top Yourself the Raconteurs are taking their music wherever they want it to go.

There are enough stand out tracks to get you to listen again, and enough hidden gems for your appreciation to grow with each listen. Of course, I expect nothing different from a band that features so much talent.

I feel this is a better album that BBS, if only for the fact that there are 4 more tracks :

Of course, it's only been one day!!

Enjoy!!

[Gee-Tar1]

Amazing f'n album!

[Baconfish]

Shread_6009 wrote:

jack white never stops recording, hes got like 10 albums out since 1997, with 2 different bands, and all of them have been great.

Please, lets not forget get behind me satan. :P

[Gee-Tar1]

Baconfish wrote:

Shread_6009 wrote:

jack white never stops recording, hes got like 10 albums out since 1997, with 2 different bands, and all of them have been great.
Please, lets not forget get behind me satan. :P

Sarcasm? That was a great album.

[smileyface]

"Get Behind Me Satan" is the pinnacle of Jack White's career and one of the best albums of the last decade. Its just a truth, I feel sorry for those that don't get it

[rush4life]

Great album, love the last song, Carolina Drama.

[kthxbi]

smileyface wrote:

"Get Behind Me Satan" is the pinnacle of Jack White's career and one of the best albums of the last decade. Its just a truth, I feel sorry for those that don't get it

Agreed. It's always weird for me when people knock that album. Sure, it was totally different to the other White Stripes albums, and yeah, I prefered their debut to any other, including GBMS, but what the hell is Icky Thump? GBMS shits all over that anyday.

[RobertSin]

Not the best but with good moments as "Carolina Drama"

[wearshades88]

smileyface wrote:

"Get Behind Me Satan" is the pinnacle of Jack White's career and one of the best albums of the last decade. Its just a truth, I feel sorry for those that don't get it

I would have to take Elephant over GBMS as it's a more consistant album with better highlights, but you're right, GBMS is criminally under appreciated.

[mack attack]

I just got this album and it's so good. Like stated in the review the time changes add so much to the songs, my favourite being the title track Consoler of the Lonely

[pinkxfloydx123]

best album since White Blood Cells! i luv this album... best songa are "Salute your Solution", "Consolers of the Lonely", "Shades of Black", and "Attention"

[brantley23]

I have listened to the album about 4 or 5 times and it gets better every time. Five on the Five is sticking out for me right now, really rockin. The entire album is a lot more of just straight rock than the first album which is nice. Most of the songs are pretty upbeat too no slow down songs so it keeps the album going. We should also stick to talking about Raconteurs album here not which White Stripes album is the best even though i love the stripes and have all of their albums.

[ishkabibbler]

this album really showcases the talents of jack, Brendan, little jack, and Patrick. the album has so many different sounds and therefore there is so much to enjoy. my favorite song is "rich kid blues". it constantly changes and keeps you interested while maintaining the blues structure that this band is based on. (p.s - the picture of jack in the booklet is priceless.)

[ishkabibbler]

kthxbi wrote:

smileyface wrote:

"Get Behind Me Satan" is the pinnacle of Jack White's career and one of the best albums of the last decade. Its just a truth, I feel sorry for those that don't get it
Agreed. It's always weird for me when people knock that album. Sure, it was totally different to the other White Stripes albums, and yeah, I prefered their debut to any other, including GBMS, but what the hell is Icky Thump? GBMS shits all over that anyday.

i love icky thump just as much as i love all of their albums. i think that icky thump was trying to accomplish what this album did. i love both albums but they are different. with Brendan and the two greenhorns they are allowed to create what ever sound they want. no offense to Meg but its harder to do that with two people than it is with four of five. i am not telling anybody that they are wrong. i just think that we need to appreciate everything that all of these people have done. we can not just hate something just because the band is trying to change and do something different. i love the old garage blues sound of the white stripes, but i will always love when they try something new. if you listen to 'the alternative to love' you can here the changes that Brendan Benson made also. little jack and Patrick are also amazing and are the support for this album.

[EchoLawrence]

what's wrong with you all? here is the raconteurs's 2nd album review, just leave a feedback to this decent review or write down what do you think about this "CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY" but the write stripes. Don't treat them as a "Jack White with a bunch of backstage performers", then you would realize how incredible they are.

[EchoLawrence]

what's wrong with you all? here is the raconteurs's 2nd album review, just leave a feedback to this decent review or write down what do you think about this "CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY" but the write stripes. Don't treat them as a "Jack White with a bunch of backstage performers", then you would realize how great they are.

[BigGingerPanda]

I love this album so much, and frankly Carolina Drama is possibly the best song I've heard in something like a decade. Good stuff.
ps: I may be being a little hyperbolic, but I still stick by that comment.

[kthxbi]

ishkabibbler wrote:

kthxbi wrote:

smileyface wrote:

"Get Behind Me Satan" is the pinnacle of Jack White's career and one of the best albums of the last decade. Its just a truth, I feel sorry for those that don't get it
Agreed. It's always weird for me when people knock that album. Sure, it was totally different to the other White Stripes albums, and yeah, I prefered their debut to any other, including GBMS, but what the hell is Icky Thump? GBMS shits all over that anyday.

i love icky thump just as much as i love all of their albums. i think that icky thump was trying to accomplish what this album did. i love both albums but they are different. with Brendan and the two greenhorns they are allowed to create what ever sound they want. no offense to Meg but its harder to do that with two people than it is with four of five. i am not telling anybody that they are wrong. i just think that we need to appreciate everything that all of these people have done. we can not just hate something just because the band is trying to change and do something different. i love the old garage blues sound of the white stripes, but i will always love when they try something new. if you listen to 'the alternative to love' you can here the changes that Brendan Benson made also. little jack and Patrick are also amazing and are the support for this album.

Yeah, that's actually a pretty good way of looking at it. Icky Thump seems a little like a proto-COTL (from what I've heard) and it's not really a sound which you're gonna get out of a guitar and a basic drummer.

[mamason282]

BADASS ALBUM--LOVE THE SOUND. IT IS GREAT TO HEAR SOMETHING THAT IS A BIT DIFFERENT THAN THE REST. I CANT STOP LISTENING TO IT

[Teppe]

Top yourself is an amazing song! reminds me of zeppelin

[mike_anderson25]

Consoler of the lonely, salute your solution, top yourself and carolina drama....ohhh yeah baby

[metalifan]

Some tracks on this album make you think they were left overs from White Stripe's Icky Thump
Sounds very White Stripes but still an awesome album White Stripes and Raconteurs are both brillaint bands
This album is 10 times better then Broken Boy Soldiers and that was amazing

[Pigs_onthe_wing]

Personally, i loved this album. I thought that it was better that bbs, i could even go as far as to say i like it better than alot of the whitestripes stuff (i am a huge whitestripes fan though, dont get me wrong)
ive had it since the release date, and i am obsessed with it.

[MegaRon]

So I've gotten attached to the album in the week since I purchased it. Carolina Drama is by far my favourite track. It's strange, seems like with Jack White, the last track of any album is always likely to be my favourite. Ever since I got into the White Stripes, my favourite songs have been "It's True That We Love One Another", "Effect & Cause", "I'm Lonely (But I'm Not That Lonely Yet)", and now, with the Raconteurs, it's been "Blue Veins" and "Carolina Drama." That song alone is worth buying the entire album. The rest of it is practically flawless, too. Call it bold, but I think that the Raconteurs are the greatest indie blues rock band out there today.

[CandyCaneGirl]

Lol I made an account just to comment on this! Lol. My favorite band ever is the White Stripes and Raconteurs is indeed a very close 2nd. I totally loked BBS. My favorite tracks are "Broken Boy Soldier" "Intimate Secretary" and "Blue Veins". I didn't think this album would top BBS, since it was such short notice, but, hell yeah it did. My favorite tracks are "Carolina Drama", "Salute Your Solution" and "Rich Kid Blues". Amazing album. :]. And I agree, Get Behind Me Satan is the BEST. Does anyone think Jack seemed depressed then? I was reading an interview, and he had said, "Satan was a bad time...." and there are a lot of more sad songs on GBMS.

[JerryII]

MTVget0FFtheAIR wrote:

E-dogg66 wrote:

Music=OK Band Name= SUCKS!!!!! Hate the band name it Sounds like a Snotty French name? ...it's an english word. it means storyteller. improve your childish vocabulary?

Get it right! it's a French word that's been adopted by into the English language e-dogg was right. He was wrong however about it being a crap name.

Anyway I don't know what you're all on about. This is an increadibly disappointing album... the worst of White's career by a long way

[Arthur_Jayz-G!]

JerryII wrote:
Anyway I don't know what you're all on about. This is an increadibly disappointing album... the worst of White's career by a long way

What? this is a very good album. I bought it on day of release and was immediately impressed. They sound a lot more polished and accomplished as songwriters since BBS, and I think this may be one of the best Jack White albums in terms on guitar work! most of the riffs and solos are amazing!

[red157]

JerryII wrote:
Anyway I don't know what you're all on about. This is an increadibly disappointing album... the worst of White's career by a long way

Not really, by a long way. The previous Raconteurs album is worse than this.

[TomleHat]

To be honest this is one of the worst albums of Jack White's career (along with the other raconteurs album and Get Behind Me Satan) but it is important that he keeps being this creative on records.

[JerryII]

red157 wrote:

red157 wrote:
Not really, by a long way. The previous Raconteurs album is worse than this.

I gotta say that I loved Broken Boy Soldiers... it might even be my favorite White album

[Andron17]

Carolina Drama's lyrics are bloody awesome


Favourite song is probably the title track


5/5

[screwup30]

Only listened to the first few songs but this album is rocking! Could turn into a favourite of mine very quickly.

[lefthandman9876]

still dont like this as much as bbs

just doesn;t sound 70's enough

that was one of the inital attractions of there first album

still love it and its a fantastic album

just not lo fi enough for a jack white album

[brantley23]

ok its been a while now since this album came out. i have been listening to it non stop since it came out and saw the raconteurs at lollapalooza and they were absolutely amazing. the new songs are a lot better live than songs on BBS which is why they always ended up changing the songs on BBS when they played them live into jams. now they dont even have to do that with the new songs they are already just amazing.love all the different styles on the album and the great differences in each of the songs there is definately a song for everybody. great album, great band, cant wait till the next album.

[Mr_Jones]

CanCan wrote:

This album is made of win.

Best album of the 00's, possibly 90's. No lie.

[walidb123]

Once I heard 'salute your solution' I was amazed and loved it but once I bought the album I was quite dissapointed by it.

There's only 5 really good songs. The rest are just irritating and don't seem to fit for me unlike their first album which I thought was incredible start to finish.