The Raconteurs
By user • Dec 1st, 2006 • Category: Band Bios
For as giddy as fans of The White Stripes, Brendan Benson and The Greenhornes were upon creation of The Raconteurs, V2 Records’ executives were probably more excited. Why? Because all three acts’ catalogues — as well as this quartet that combines Jack White and Benson with two Greenhornes — are on the label. The cross-promotions virtually wrote themselves. It’s just too bad the band’s direction isn’t as clearly defined as its marketing. The quartet is less a “supergroup” than it is old friends who finally got around to recording together. That adds some familiarity and warmth to the band’s debut, as opposed to sounding like vanity patchwork by new acquaintances. But that camaraderie means there is a degree of loyalty to one another, and it sounds like a conscious effort not to overshadow anyone. So brilliant harmonies are combined equally with bluesy guitars and proto rhythms. But this identity-less sound is like a chef who wants each spice to be tasted distinctly — while good, in the end it’s just confusing.
Chicago Innerview Magazine, December 2006
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