i almost never go to "real" rock shows like this - i've never been in the main pit of the masonic theatre - but, in the current musical climate, a jack white show, however many bands removed, so long as he's still actually making new music, would be just about as likely as i'd get to going to one.

i'm actually not at all familiar with this project. the reviews are suggesting it's a rock record and return to form, but that is predictable marketing and i'm going to dissent a little - this is still a country or folk or roots or americana or whatever record in construction, even if the guitars are (presumably) a little more forward in the mix.

what's striking me as more notable about the record is actually the production. i'd guess most people aren't going to give a fuck, but he's running his guitar through something that i've never really heard it run through before. a midi synth? a real time computer effects processor? a lot of the guitar work is kind of almost frippian, which is maybe a contradiction with his fan base, but it's been there the whole time, too.

and, if i were to spend some more time with the record, i'd no doubt find a few more little twists, like the irony that comes out at the end of the very queenish track "don't bother me".

but, what it's reminding me of is one of those paul mccartney records from the mid-70s when he was working with people he liked, rather than people he respected, and is at this point mostly lost to history. but, i bet the people that saw wings in 1974 had fun anyways, right?

there's also the premise of giving jack white another $45 (usd). i know, he's gotta eat too, right? i'd get over it pretty quickly in a different context, but this is legitimately not speaking to me.

so, i'll leave the seat open for somebody else to take - and i'm sure somebody will take it.

https://theraconteurs.bandcamp.com/