Yesterday "The Raconteurs" came blowing through Columbus with quite an impressive (and original) showing.  On their trip down from 2 days in Detroit, Columbus was a mere pit stop (I hate a Monday night show) before heading out to Cincinnatti, St. Louis and then to Bonnarroo.  According to their website, the tour dates seem to continue unending through out the remainder of the summer.

Their choice of openers was a bit stark as "The Black Lips" took the stage for a loud primer.  I was amused and impressed, but won't be rushing to the stores.  I think I am a bit out of my punk phase at this point in my life.  Had I been 17 again, I think I would be touting them as a current favorite.  No doubt that they'll be up and coming.  Their performance was solid, consistent, loud and playful.  Their a little green yet, but it lended to their punk rock charm (if that's not an oxymoron).

"The Raconteurs" segued into the evening through a real-hot Ohio sunset and some dirty southern blues on the background PA.  The LC filled slowly and the crowd cheered up for every member of the road crew.  As they were all dressed like 60's era bluesmen (or maybe train conducters), we were tempted to think each one might be one of the headliners.

But man, when they took the stage things pretty much exploded.  At the expense of a horrible play on words, "The Rock On Tours", certainly lived up to their name.  They managed to wrangle our screams starting with the first track and didn't stop for applause until much later in the show.  The setlist was primarily from "Consolers of the Lonely" with a few straglers from the "Broken Boy Soldier" LP.  The band is suprisingly adept at turning their top radio play singles into true classics by turning the tracks around and bringing live appeal to the performance.  In contrast to bands that succumb to playing their pop tracks, this group proves that their tracks aren't just popular.

Overall - This group is Loud, Dynamic, Technical, Fun, Crowd Pleasing and most importantly worth every penny. Jack White is becoming my new blues/rock guitar favorite and this band in difference to the "The White Stripes" is his perfect harmonious match.  If their coming by your town, drop in without hesitation.  They've secured a place in my memory as "up there" in the ranks.  Please, please, please "Raconteurs"  don't make this a one-time project.