The Dead Weather ‘Horehound’

By Martin Halo

As if Jack White had anything left to prove, as if he needed to etch another chapter in his already godly recording legacy. After everything this guy has accomplished, The Dead Weather is nothing more than the sweetest cherry on a cake of Colombian blow.

Even after his already published catalog with the White Stripes and the Raconteurs, there still are those who doubt his dominance — Self-dubbed music gurus who would like nothing more than to tear his craft to shreds.

But as I sit here, and the more I think about it, the more I believe The Dead Weather’s Horehound needed to be created — not for the recognition or for Jack White to officially sign his deal with the devil in blood, but to finally put all doubters to rest. It’s a record that without question solidifies the Motor City candy striped rebel as the reigning king of rock n’ roll.

In dingy barrooms all over the United States, a common scene is being played out. No matter how hard anybody tries to cut down any piece of the White Stripes or Raconteurs catalog, The Dead Weather is waiting in the wings nailing your girlfriend while her doubtful boyfriend hopelessly wanders throughout the throngs of people, carrying a beer in each hand, and supporting a growing look of concern littered across his face.

The seduction is ingrained in this recording, in an ooze of sex and lust. “60 Feet Tall” kicks the encounter off with an ominous groan before “Hang You From the Heavens” steals your breath.

The outfit consists of The Kills lead singer Allison Mosshart, Queen of the Stone Age guitarist Dean Fertitia, Raconteurs bassist Jack Lawrence, and on drums, Jack White.

“Treat Me Like Your Mother” is ferocious, while Jack Lawrence comes to the forefront in “Rocking Horse.” The sheer versatility of Jack White is what makes this recording the trump card for a legend we had the pleasure of witnessing come to power.