‘Horehound’ by The Dead Weather

 There is no doubt that you have heard about this band. This “super group” consist of Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs), Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age) on guitar, Jack White (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs) on drums and the girl of the group, The singer from The Kills, Alison Mosshart. We have a track here from their first album ‘Horehound’, a dirty, modern electric blues joyride on wax.

 This band formed after Jack White blew out his voice on tour with The Raconteurs that The Kills just happen to be the opening band for. This lead to the members meeting to jam at Jack’s Third Man Studios to just jam. About two weeks later they had made this album and set out on tour. The album has dirty synths and muddy guitars (which we all know how much I love muddy guitar) and tons of low end. White plays drums like he has never played anything else. Now, what’s most interesting about The Dead Weather to me is their live performance. 

 Without sounding too insulting to all the members, the most famous name in the group is Jack White. I’m sure tons of White Stripes fanatics went to see The Dead Weather preform just to see Jack. I’ll admit, I’m guilty of just that. I went to see them their first time in Michigan at The Fillmore just because Jack’s name was attached. I’m a fan boy, sue me. Anyway the fact was after about two songs, I forgot Jack was there. Alison completely steals the show. It wasn’t until Jack came upfront to play alittle guitar that I remembered he was in this band. It’s not that he’s a bad drummer by any means. I’m pretty sure whatever he touches, he masters. It was just the way Alison commanded the audience, you couldn’t look away. She displays her sexuality in such a way that leaves the average man drooling. She goes up on stage and without taking off any cloths or dressing slutty, makes you sweat. Unlike most female pop stars who play the role of girl looking for someone to do what they will with her, Alison carries herself onstage in a way that says ‘I’m in control. You want me. I am powerful, sexy and untouchable.’. A very dangerous thing.

 By the end of the show, the whole band had completely destroyed any mind in the place. The very next day I picked up the record, which again is another album meant for vinyl, and I could almost hear the Delta traced throughout time from Robert Johnson to this record. It’s the blues for a new generation and this time, it’s loud and female.

Song: ‘New Pony (Bob Dylan Cover)’