Steady As She Goes... by Lena Hedayat, Staff Writer
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2006-2007 http://www.elsegundousd.com/eshs/bayeagle0607/October11thP22Stea... 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. 1 of 1 6/27/2008 10:46 AM.