Gray Zone

Pardon the large gap between posts - last week consisted of a bday and a bachelorette party which meant less time to put thoughts to paper (or in this case, keyboard). But this week should provide lots of new posts as I've come upon a few new bands and various tour schedules to pass along:

First: the Raconteurs are coming to New York again this fall, playing at Roseland on 9/26. I missed them the first time around but feel compelled to spread the word about this appearance.

The Raconteurs are Jack White's new band - and I think what great about them is that he is extremely adamant about making sure that people know this is not his "side project." They are a fully formed foursome that have quite a distinct sound from the White Stripes, and I really can't fault Jack for wanting to make sure that fans are aware of that before making an unfounded assumption that the Raconteurs and White Stripes are two of a kind.

I think it's more applicable to say that the two compliment each other. While from the same cut as the Stripes - chock full of scratchy guitars and an omnipresent set of drums - The Raconteurs take the music in a different direction by adding in a well placed bass and a backup guitar (not to mention additional vocals). In addition, White takes a back seat at the Raconteurs, letting lead vocalist Brendan Benson do his thing. And you know what? Benson is really good. In Broken Boy Soldier (from the album of the same title) he almost has a Robert Plant feel, and Steady As She Goes (the first single) is both rough and completely lovable at the same time.

Also helping to distinguish the Raconteurs is the fact that they are based out of Nashville, TN. In my experience I've found that the scene there can breed some really amazing artists who have influences not just from the standard indie-post-punk floating across the Atlantic from the UK, but also from the folk and country bands who have been in Nashville all along. Plus, Jack White has a baby now, and that's gotta throw him for a loop.

Tickets to see the Raconteurs at Roseland go on sale Thursday June 22 at noon on ticketmaster.
www.theraconteurs.com
www.myspace.com/theraconteurs

P.S. Totally aside, I saw Mr. Brownstone last night. And they were just as sweet as I remember. Yesssss.