Tri-fold Packaging
Contains 4 artwork inserts featuring band members
Audio Quality: 4.75/5
Song Quality: 4.75/5
Packaging: 4.5/5
I wasn't a fan of The Raconteurs before this record. I thought that Broken Boy Soldiers was almost painfully average, especially coming from Jack White,
a man so consistently good at pushing boundaries with his music. "Steady As She Goes" is a fine pop song, and from anyone else, I'm sure I would have enjoyed it quite a bit. I just expect more of White, the man who has created some of the finest modern rock music in existence. However, on this record, all was forgiven. It rocks from start to finish, and it's teeming with the sort of Americana blues and folk passion that makes it feel like it's from a different time. I know I said that about the Tom Waits record too, and it really is also true here, though not with the same passion and authenticity as Mr. Waits. I hope The Raconteurs would agree with me there.This record is just so full of life. I feel the need to discuss sound before the individual songs, because it's excellent and integral to understanding what I love about this record. Jack White co-engineered and solely mixed this record, which, after listening to it, is a tremendous achievement. He just won the Best Engineering Grammy for this record, for whatever that's worth nowadays. I've searched, but I cannot find out whether or not this is an all-analog recording. The liner notes say that it was recorded to magnetic tape, but since there's no mention of analog mastering, I have to assume that it was done digitally. Shame, but the quality is good enough that I can't really complain.
The sound on this record is very big and aggressive. It's masterfully mixed and all the individual parts are clear and audible, but at the same time, it sounds like every instrument is right up in your face. This is especially true on the more aggressive songs, such as, "Consoler of the Lonely," "Salute Your Solution," and "Hold Up." Some of the more laid-back ventures, especially "Old Enough," "Top Yourself," and "Carolina Drama" have a bit more depth in the instrumental placement. The best of both worlds can be heard in the Beatles-style anthem "Many Shades of Black," featuring gorgeous horn arrangements and soaring vocal melodies. As a general rule, I tend to prefer songs that have a more three-dimensional sound, so the mixes on this record that have the most depth are my favorites. But I do love the fact that this record has such diversity not only in song style but in mix style, and I'm able to really enjoy the balls-to-the-wall rockers as much as the more delicate tracks. Instrumental highlights on this record are the drums, which sound very natural, raw, and punishingly strong, and all the clav parts which are wonderfully dirty and slice right through the mix, especially in "Hold Up" and the bridge of "Attention." Jack White, as you should already know, is one of the few modern recording artists who is truly passionate for old-school analog recording methods. So it's no surprise that this record is presented to us in this wonderful sounding LP set. If you see a Jack White produced LP sitting on a shelf, you can bet on the fact that it'll sound mighty fine. Speaking of which, my review of The White Stripes' Icky Thump will be coming soon.
This album got pretty mixed reviews, which I really don't understand. As I said before, compared to Broken Boy Soldiers, this is such a step forward. It's loaded with great songs loaded with energy and excitement, featuring excellent performances from all members. Consolers of the Lonely finds the perfect balance between Jack White's blues influence and Brendan Benson's folk/pop background, and together they create a collection of memorable, old-school American rock songs. When I first got the record, my favorites were "Salute Your Solution," "Top Yourself," and "Many Shades of Black." After some time, my new favorite is definitely "Carolina Drama," a Dylan-esque folk track telling a story of Southern violence and betrayal that I'm still a bit hazy on the details of. This is not a White Stripes record, so if you're looking for that you're gonna be disappointed. Although, if you're familiar with the song "You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told)," off of their Icky Thump record, that gives you an idea of the vibe of this record. If that's not your thing, then this might not be quite your thing. Your loss.
This album features tri-fold packaging, unfolding into a big panoramic display of artwork, inside and out. The two 180-gram LPs are held in white paper sleeves with that plastic protective material inside. Also included are 4 art inserts featuring the 4 band members posing for old-timey portraits (Visit the artist's website, thanks Chels). I suppose you could hang these up on your wall if you wanted, but I just keep mine in the package. It's a nice addition. No download or CD here, which considering the price is a bit unfair. You guys are just asking for people to steal your music, you know that right?As an audio experience, this album contains all the raw energy and dedication to high-quality audio you should come to expect from a Jack White LP. His dedication to analog recording and sound purity is a great example to his peers. I'm constantly looking forward to his next release, whether it be White Stripes or Raconteurs. Though, if I'm not mistaken, the White Stripes should be next in line.
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Tomorrow: Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak
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