The Raconteurs - Steady As They Go

Benson will be painfully aware that the term 'Supergroup' would not be bandied about at all without the presence of his redoubtable partner

Feature by Paul Mitchell | 16 May 2006

What exactly is the Raconteurs' story? After years of liberal name-dropping and mutual back-slapping nobody was particularly shocked when Detroit duo Jack White and Brendan Benson announced their intention to formally collaborate. More surprising was the news that they would be pausing their respective careers to focus entirely on the new project. Both are driven musicians and successful ones at that. Why should they bother taking the brave step of forging an entirely new entity with its inbuilt compromise; something neither is used to? There is always the risk of backfire, of ego and indulgence trumping creative benefit. So, what ideological Rubicon was crossed before they decided there was something to be gained from exploring further?

For White, the Raconteurs offer the opportunity of release from his own, self-imposed, creative shackles. The driving force of White Stripes: Global Phenomenon is renowned for strictly limiting his recording techniques, studio technology and even his wardrobe for chrissakes! The comparison has inevitably been made with 'Tin Machine' era David Bowie where, in 1988, the solo superstar announced that all he wanted was to be 'one of the band'.

The differences, however, are marked. At the time Tin Machine formed, Bowie's stock was at a comparative low and the critics were sceptical of yet another attempt at reinvention. Right now, however, Jack White's star is currently undimmed; The Stripes are one of the biggest acts around. The question is how far he can take the project within its current confines before it descends into a parody of itself. This is a welcome opportunity for White to show what he can do with an extended palette.

Despite being credited 50/50 with song writing and composing duties (they've fondly called it 'dual rock'), Brendan Benson could never pretend to be unaware of the hype that the press and public would attach to any new 'Jack White project'. In one respect, it was like the musical equivalent of winning the lottery, with an instantly elevated global profile. But such windfalls often proved a double-edged sword, and Benson will be painfully aware that the term 'Supergroup' would not be bandied about at all without the presence of his redoubtable partner. Nice as it must be to have Kate Moss attend your after-parties and Jim Jarmusch direct your videos, it's hard not to imagine him gritting his teeth in exasperated bemusement when White gets cheered to the rafters for "taking his jacket off".

And what of much-lauded rhythm section Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler? With the Greenhornes they toured the world supporting the White Stripes but now lead singer Craig Fox has been left behind holding the baby as it were. Is he envious, but glad of the exposure all the same in the way the Ordinary Boys must have felt watching lead singer Preston twat around on 'Celebrity' Big Brother? And what happens if the Raconteurs become the primary focus of the other two?

Such questions will be put on hold as, right now, its honeymoon time for these bon viveurs. Thus far, they've been bold enough to suggest their album could have the same import as Nirvana's 'Nevermind'. Unless Jack gets bored with his new toy or Benson tires of playing second fiddle, there's no doubt that the potential is there for great things to happen. Who knows, in years to come, we'll be mesmerising the grandchildren with wondrous anecdotes of their amazing feats – in true Raconteur style.

The Raconteurs' 'Broken Boy Soldiers' is out on May 15 on Third Man Records/XL Recordings.

http://www.theraconteurs.com/