The Raconteurs

“Consolers of the Lonely”

I read some press that pointed to the fact that Jack White didn’t want anyone [critics especially] to have or hear advanced copies of “Consolers of the Lonely,” and that he worked hard to ensure that the album was available to everyone on the same date. I assume this was due to the possibility of reviewers affecting possible sales of the record. Seems fair to me; let the music-buying public find out for itself, and not be swayed one way or another by pre-release publicity. Due to this situation, the album snuck up on folks. I didn’t know that there was more coming after “Broken Boy Soldiers.” Surprise, surprise. And what an awesome record it is. Jack White’s singing and guitar playing has a way of making rock and blues sound incredibly fresh and new, and this record furthers that end. It’s more diverse than “Broken Boy Soldiers,” and contains more hard-rock adventure. Most are familiar with the musical stylings of Mr. White, so you know what to expect. Doesn’t matter what my favorites are [I love the innuendo of “Top Yourself” and “Five on the Five”], the album is great from beginning to end.

Waco Brothers

“Waco Express Live”

Finally! The Waco Brothers are famous for their performances, and this record most certainly does the live shows justice. Like a runaway train, the band teeters on the edge of control, playing their brand of hard-country infused punk with reckless abandon. One of the many projects of Jon Langford [from seminal British art-punkers the Mekons], the Waco Brothers were originally formed in Chicago in the early 1990s to just play local gigs that would theoretically satisfy Langford’s Honky-Tonk cravings, but evolved into a Chicago-based cast of players that ended up recording numerous studio albums and continuing to randomly tour, along the way inspiring the term “Alt-Country.”

Hot Chip

“Made In the Dark”

More electro-dance goodness. Hot Chip uses enough pop sense and flowing beats to create intense electronica that is very listenable and does not quickly get old like many like-themed options. The climax of “Shake a Fist” is awe-inspiring through headphones, and “Ready for the Floor” should be on the pop charts. Super-fun stuff.

The Royal Wylds

“Johnny Cash Died of a Broken Heart”

A nice rolling cadence and a great hook from these Brooklynites with a penchant for smooth garage rock [oxymoron?] make this simple song one you will not be able to get out of your head. From their 2007 “Babylon” EP.

Fire On Fire

“5 song EP”

Not to be confused with High on Fire or Comets on Fire in name or sound, Maine’s Fire on Fire play traditional stringed instruments, but with a psychedelic vibe, and use back-porch harmonies with vengeful gospel elements to create music that is rootsy, but not folky. It races into the future and acknowledges the past. Check out “Hangman,” and “My Lady Coffin.”

Zykos

“October Rain”

Straight-up indie-rock from Austin’s Zykos that is well formed and influenced by the likes of Kings of Leon, Spoon and TV on the Radio. This song from the “Keep it Light” EP will give you an idea what they are all about.

O’death

“Spider Home”

This song sounds like a warped acoustic earthy version of the Arcade Fire, but with a more stripped down, shifting sound that becomes bombastic, and actually out-does its influence.

Destroyer

“Leopard of Honor”

My favorite song from the new album, “Trouble in Dreams,” “Leopard of Honor” is typical Dan Bejar; a quirky, disjointed song held together by a beautiful melody and a gorgeous coda.