Posted on Sun, Sep. 17, 2006

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60 SECOND REVIEW

Jack White, other guy put on a fine show

By DAVE FERMAN

STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

GRAND PRAIRIE - The press about the Raconteurs tends to emphasize the idea that the new band is a 50-50 partnership of Detroit pals Brendan Benson and White Stripes mastermind Jack White, who both sing and play guitar.

But while they co-wrote all 10 songs on the band's invigorating debut, Broken Boy Soldiers, seeing the Raconteurs live leaves no question: This is White's band, with Benson serving an important but definitely lesser role. Time and time again during the group's 70-minute show Friday night at Nokia Theatre, the loudest cheers were reserved for White, whether it was when he sang the lead vocals (which he usually did) or played the guitar solo (which he nearly always did).

And that is not a bad thing: White's talent, energy and sheer presence steered the group through songs on the CD and interesting covers, including David' Bowie's It Ain't Easy and Nancy Sinatra's Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).

The band played with swagger and force, and the live versions of the Broken songs, especially Intimate Secretary, Store Bought Bones Steady, As She Goes and Broken Boy Soldier, were far better than the recorded ones.

Like the CD, the show was too short, but when it ended, with an emphatic cover of the Flamin' Groovies' Headin' For the Texas Border and a band original, Hands, the near-pandemonium felt earned, almost inevitable.

Dr. Dog, a Philadelphia quintet, opened with a 45-minute set. The band has some interesting ways of blending such influences as Neil Young, the Beatles and the Beach Boys, but it's hamstrung by unexceptional songs. I like what the band members are trying to do -- they just need to do it better.

GRADE: B+