Broken Boy Soldiers

I bought their second album "Consolers of the Lonely" first then had to purchase this album asap. Both good albums but if you pushed me for a favourite I think this one wins - just!! Both albums are money well spent though!! Treat yourself and become a fan.

The Raconteur's (Jack Lawrence, Brendan Benson, Jack White and Patrick Keeler) Debut album, Broken Boy soldiers is a breath of fresh air in the music world! Benson & White's vocals go surprisingly well together and the album manages to retain a good blues feel to it throughout (although this is mainly a rocky album). White's haunting guitar playing and solos bring a great "AIR" to the songs. Backed up by Keeler's superb Drumming and Held together by Jack Lawrence's chunky Baselines. I'm going to stick with "Steady, As She Goes" (track 1) as the best song on the album and unsurprisingly this was released as a single.

Cover/Inlay: On the cover is a gothic-style photo of the band.

Track List:
1. Steady, As She Goes
2. Hands
3. Broken Boy Soldier
4. Intimate Secretary
5. Together
6. Level
7. Store Bought Bones
8. Yellow Sun
9. Call It A Day
10. Blue Veins

Conclusion:
All in all this album is well worth listening to, but if you are thinking of buying this solely because of Jack White then stick to the White Stripes...or buy their new album "Consolers of the Lonely" - It is far superior.

Overall Rating: 7/10

good points
+ This bit that goes woo hoo hoo woo hoo in Hands
+ Brendan Benson and Jack White sharing the singing as their voices work well together
+ Together is just lovely. At first a thought it was quite sweet but when you listen to the words you realise its sort of sad, and its about people who want different things.

bad points
+ Doesn't hold up to many repeated listens
+ Call It A Day just bothers me

shows a lot of potential

This is a good, strong album that delivers from start to end. It's blusey enough with a lot of good guitar work, to make your foot tap.

Also, it avoids that pit fall of being too long & too dark. Just as your getting depressed by the gloom & darkness of the first 7 tracks, the guys lift it up with 'Yellow Sun' which revitalises you for the rest of this short album, making it an enjoyable all round CD.

Definitley get this, but if your into it just because your a fan of Jack White's- Stick with the White Stripes.