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The Raconteurs — The Switch And The Spur
Album: Consolers Of The Lonely
Avg rating:
6.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 467









Released: 2008
Length: 4:26
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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In the heat of the desert sun
On the blistering trail
An appaloosa and
A wanted man sprung from jail

Slow in motion and shadowless
The switch and the spurs
Every living thing with a fatal sting
Bark and rattle this curse

The rider hallucinates
The snapping hooves on the sand
Spits a venom dream, recalls a stranger scream
And a broken hand

The saddle spotted with sweat and blood
The poison pumps through his veins
There's no stopping this and now he's powerless
Still holding the reigns

Any poor souls who trespass against us
Whether it be beast or man
Will suffer the bite or be stung dead on sight
By those who inhabit this land

For theirs is the power and this is their kingdom
As sure as the sun does burn
So enter this path but heed these four words
You shall never return

Any poor souls who trespass against us
Whether it be beast or man
Will suffer the bite or be stung dead on sight
By those who inhabit this land

For theirs is the power and this is their kingdom
As sure as the sun does burn
So enter this path but heed these four words
You shall never return
Comments (114)add comment
Yes, the trumpet classes up a song that would otherwise belong on a Tenacious D album. Not a dis by any stretch however.
Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
{#Dance}  More Trumpet!!
Posted 13 years ago by Rockit    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

I'm enjoying the notion that Jack White finally found a proper band with a proper drummer.
 
I concur. Meg always bugged the hell out of me. I applaud the Stripes concept and that Jack wanted the raw edge to the drumming but it never sat well with me. This album, on the other hand, is just terrific. 


Posted 13 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
Those sound like Prog lyrics...
Posted 13 years ago by Mosay    [ Reply ]
This started off so well, and then sort of degenerated at the end {#Grumpy} 6.

Posted 13 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
I always think the intro to this song is a Frank Zappa intro!
Posted 13 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
Meh.  Next!
Posted 13 years ago by Johnny_Wave    [ Reply ]
Ehrm, surprisingly Prog for Jack.
Posted 13 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:
It's like Cake, only not funny. {#Eh}
 
Excellent observation! {#Idea}
Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
That horn riff gets stuck in your head for days if you listen to this song more than once in a 48-hour period. Just saying.
Posted 14 years ago by cousinkill    [ Reply ]
and if it comes to the white stripes they are so boring !!! "i wish i were a pixie " but they arent
Posted 14 years ago by crazyossi    [ Reply ]
This is not funny any more !!! Fuck off !!! {#Arghhh}
Posted 14 years ago by crazyossi    [ Reply ]
The Memphis Horns ROCK!

I thought this was a terrific CD, better than their first. Love the drum sound they got. 
Posted 14 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
I agree that The Raconteurs are better than the sum of their parts. One curious thing though: their version of Steady As She Goes on Broken Boy Soldier is not as good (to me) as the iTunes freebie, which was recorded in one of their homes. So much for Professional Production. (Although this wasn't a production issue; rather, an artistic one — sometimes "cleaner" isn't better.)

Posted 14 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
 lysisphere wrote:
I love the Raconteurs more than the White Stripes.  Anyone else with me?  Especially this song.  {#Drummer}
 
I'm enjoying the notion that Jack White finally found a proper band with a proper drummer.

Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 lysisphere wrote:
I love the Raconteurs more than the White Stripes.  Anyone else with me?  Especially this song.  {#Drummer}
 
 
It is my belief that the White Stripes were pretty good for a garage band turned sensation, but the Raconteurs are pros.  They're something of an indie "supergroup" right?

Posted 15 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 lysisphere wrote:
I love the Raconteurs more than the White Stripes.  Anyone else with me?  Especially this song.  {#Drummer}
 
i'm with you all the way. and i like white stripes.
Posted 15 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
love this album... harkens back to so many great rock albums from the past but somehow without duplicating what's already been done.
Posted 15 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
 floydoftherocks wrote:
oh yuck.. corporate rock.
 
This? Corporate? {#Stupid}
I don't particularly like it but I definitely wouldn't call it "corporate".
Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I love the Raconteurs more than the White Stripes.  Anyone else with me?  Especially this song.  {#Drummer}
Posted 15 years ago by lysisphere    [ Reply ]
 Walli1000 wrote:
I like this part so much:
Any pour souls who trespass against us
Whether it be beast or man
Will suffer the bite or be stung dead on sight
By those who inhabit this land

For theire's is the power and this is their kingdom
As sure as the sun does burn
So enter this path, but heed these four words,
You shall never return...

sounds very threatening.. does it not?
It seems at times these religious lyrics get priority over the other songs. Is there somebody trying to make a point? {#Cowboy}
 
Religious? This is just the snakes and scorpions and other nastees in the desert telling the big bumbling humans what they are in for if they mess with them.

Posted 15 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
It's like Cake, only not funny. {#Eh}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
 TanteJensen wrote:

But don't dispair: there's this new guy with that absolutely funny picture he's posting to each song he doesn't like.

 
Adblock Plus on Firefox has dealt with that particular annoyance quite nicely... {#Mrgreen}

This tune has pretty much worn itself out.  Sounds like some kind of novelty song now.

Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
{#Puke}

oh yuck.. corporate rock.
Posted 15 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
Isn't that Meg on the drums?

Posted 15 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
 TanteJensen wrote:

I'm afraid Excelsior has left the building. (At least I hope he's not taking a sabbatical to draw a new barfing face emoticon).

But don't dispair: there's this new guy with that absolutely funny picture he's posting to each song he doesn't like.

 
That would be manbirdexperiment. Quite the artistic genius!

There's always fluffybum, he's a new poster who I think is really Excelsior incognito.

Posted 15 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
I am totally hearing Tenacious D here...
Posted 15 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
Again very cool and i didn't know the song.  Lets keep this roll going.
Posted 15 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
I respect The White Stripes and the Raconteurs — I think there's a lot of brilliance in the music, it's just not my favorite.
Posted 15 years ago by esweazey73    [ Reply ]
7 - for ambition and originality. There are some sections here I really dig, others, not so much.
Posted 15 years ago by alaken    [ Reply ]
 Papernapkin wrote:

Double meh.
 

It started out meh with me, now I find myself hitting the mute button. 
Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
it's almost like... Ween...

Posted 15 years ago by ninja_band    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:
meh.
 
Double meh.
Posted 15 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
 veloceleste wrote:

We need a "Spinal Tap" emoticon like such.
 
I think it's closer to Jack White riffing on Jack Black.

Posted 16 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
meh.
Posted 16 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
horstman wrote (to Excelsior):
Can we read something from you other than complaints? What say you?

I'm afraid Excelsior has left the building. (At least I hope he's not taking a sabbatical to draw a new barfing face emoticon).

But don't dispair: there's this new guy with that absolutely funny picture he's posting to each song he doesn't like.

Posted 16 years ago by TanteJensen    [ Reply ]
I agree with what several others have observed:  The first couple of times this song was kinda interesting, but it doesn't wear well at all....{#Doh}
Posted 16 years ago by CanyonMan    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
Can we hear something else from this album?   Something NEW??? PLEASE???????
 
Can we read something from you other than complaints? What say you?

Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
What's too many plays for some isn't enough for others. I don't listen as often as I'd like. But I could listen to this one more often - especially liked the horn section. Not so common in R & R anymore but still has a place. As is said so often here, that's why I listen to Radio Paradise. Great things I miss by listening to commercial radio.
Posted 16 years ago by goodbugs    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
Wow, less than 24 hours since I last dropped this song's ratings due to overplay!

You know, if it started at a 10 (after hearing it the first hundred times or so) and I started dropping it once every time I heard it, it would be sucko-barfo within a week.  {#No}
 
Just to correct your math:

Total plays of this song since the album was added in June:  44
Current number of plays per week:  1 or 2


Posted 16 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
I like this part so much:
Any pour souls who trespass against us
Whether it be beast or man
Will suffer the bite or be stung dead on sight
By those who inhabit this land

For theire's is the power and this is their kingdom
As sure as the sun does burn
So enter this path, but heed these four words,
You shall never return...

sounds very threatening.. does it not?
It seems at times these religious lyrics get priority over the other songs. Is there somebody trying to make a point? {#Cowboy}


Posted 16 years ago by Walli1000    [ Reply ]
Can we hear something else from this album?   Something NEW??? PLEASE???????
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]

This tune's a weird and interesting blend of Tex-Mex, mid '60's psychedelic rock, mid '70's folk rock, 90's rock, and bits and fragments of other things. I like it, it holds together in its own weird way.


Posted 16 years ago by andrewimft    [ Reply ]
Wow, less than 24 hours since I last dropped this song's ratings due to overplay!

You know, if it started at a 10 (after hearing it the first hundred times or so) and I started dropping it once every time I heard it, it would be sucko-barfo within a week.  {#No}
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
5 —> 4 for yet more overplay.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:

Agreed, I'm dropping it from 7 —>5 as well.

 
good grief it has all the worst aspect of prog rock in this song. its just in general really stupid sounding. no other way to put it.


Posted 16 years ago by rickhoran    [ Reply ]
 RadioDoc wrote:
I liked this earlier—gave it a 7—but it is not wearing well after repeated listens. 5

 
Agreed, I'm dropping it from 7 —>5 as well.

Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
UltraNurd wrote:

Totally, during the bridge section.


"no-one knew who they were, or, what they were dooo-in"

Posted 16 years ago by mattcol99    [ Reply ]
I liked this earlier—gave it a 7—but it is not wearing well after repeated listens. 5

Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
 MM_Prague wrote:

I was about to say... the dancing Celtic dwarves should be trooping out anytime now... {#Lol}
 
We need a "Spinal Tap" emoticon like such.
Posted 16 years ago by veloceleste    [ Reply ]
Great album.
Posted 16 years ago by splooge    [ Reply ]
Spot on.  You could drop this right into Tull's 'Passion Play' and not miss a beat.  

 OCDHG wrote:
Why does this remind me of Ian Anderson?  There's no flute.
 


Posted 16 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
That's the least of his problems, as far as I can tell.  This is indeed an 8.  Check out the bass line. 
 Darkmatter wrote:

Overplaying is a problem with you, not the actual song. {#Iamwithstupid}

A solid 8, it is!  
 


Posted 16 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
 Alafia wrote:
Relentlessly repetitive.
 
You're right. Right. Absolutely right. Right. Right. Right.
Posted 16 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
prog rock, not in a good way
Posted 16 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
Is it just me, or is it sometimes difficult to tell when Jack White is singing or Brendan Benson? Also, I'd like to hear more of the latter on RP — he has some great stuff.
Posted 16 years ago by iggam    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
This song is quickly becoming the latest good thing to be ruined by overplaying.

8 —> 7
 
Overplaying is a problem with you, not the actual song. {#Iamwithstupid}

A solid 8, it is!  

Posted 16 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
Next on my list of albums to buy  {#Jump}
Posted 16 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
Relentlessly repetitive.

Posted 16 years ago by Alafia    [ Reply ]
I got this album based on the strength of this track and it does not disappoint. Really fun stuff!
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
7 —> 6
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
This reminds me of El Paso and my inability to escape this place.
Posted 16 years ago by waegwan2000    [ Reply ]
Why does this remind me of Ian Anderson?  There's no flute.


Posted 16 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
{#Roflol}This is my kids' favorite song...they make me play it over and over...

Posted 16 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
This song is quickly becoming the latest good thing to be ruined by overplaying.

8 —> 7
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
70s derivative, but so what?
Posted 16 years ago by tony99    [ Reply ]
 jackvh wrote:
Does anyone else hear Spinal Tap??!!!

 
Totally, during the bridge section.

Posted 16 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
 jackvh wrote:
Does anyone else hear Spinal Tap??!!!

 

Not Quite, but I'm hearing fragments of No Doubt.
Posted 16 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
jackvh wrote:
Does anyone else hear Spinal Tap??!!!


I was about to say... the dancing Celtic dwarves should be trooping out anytime now... {#Lol}
Posted 16 years ago by MM_Prague    [ Reply ]
Most excellent!  Love these guys! {#Bananajam}
Posted 16 years ago by scarletdancer    [ Reply ]
Does anyone else hear Spinal Tap??!!!
Posted 16 years ago by jackvh    [ Reply ]

What a brilliant band, amazing to think this is only Jack's avocation.  Glad to hear Meg is ready to rock. 

Posted 16 years ago by boileymon    [ Reply ]

Are the Raconteurs responsible for this bold new look?


I'm so confused!?!?!


Posted 16 years ago by MonkeyPod    [ Reply ]
This is a great song, and a fantastic album!
Posted 16 years ago by esweazey73    [ Reply ]
My dislike for jack white is suppressed for the solid rock-ness of his other band.
Posted 16 years ago by dave_dave    [ Reply ]
I agree, Jack White is so derivative it's almost painful.
Posted 16 years ago by Welly    [ Reply ]
jhorton wrote:
Sounds like Zappa lost his voice, and tried to fill the gap with a mariachi band.
the instrumental intro does remind one a bit of FZ, Grand Wazoo to be exact, a good thing.
Posted 16 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
I don't get it...IMHO this band doesn't live up to the hype that created them. If this song were by four 'no name' guys it wouldn't get attention it does currently. Rock? Hardly, just another novelty tune.
Posted 16 years ago by redtex    [ Reply ]
Finally...rock is back. Best rock album since...a long time.
Posted 16 years ago by pedrock77    [ Reply ]
jhorton wrote:
Sounds like Zappa lost his voice, and tried to fill the gap with a mariachi band.
Oh this made me laugh out loud at work!
Posted 16 years ago by reason06    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Zappa lost his voice, and tried to fill the gap with a mariachi band.
Posted 16 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
tcarole wrote:
Cake meets Blue Oyster Cult??
I hear that too, also the Zappa thing, except that BOC and Zappa are true rock legends, while Cake is just about the most horrible band ever! I'm on the fence about the Raconteurs, band is ok, singing is weak. But, Zappa and BOC were not known for their singing talents either (sorry eric) but they still ruled in their day. Maybe these guys will find their sound, they do show promise, but I think - kinda ho-hum right now. BOC forever!!!
Posted 16 years ago by gutboy    [ Reply ]
spudboy wrote:
Very Zappa like intro
Yeah! Makes me think of Regyptian Strut, one of my FZ faves.
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Very Zappa like intro
Posted 16 years ago by spudboy    [ Reply ]
tcarole wrote:
Cake meets Blue Oyster Cult??
Mmmm... Blue Oyster Cake... drool... Diggin' this tune more and more.
Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
bitbanger wrote:
Very 70's prog rock! Gentle Giant, Yes, King Crimson with a little Los Lobos thrown in. Nice!
Very much so.
Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
Wow great! Definitely picking this up. A total blast.
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Darkmatter wrote:
Any poor soul who trespass against us Whether it be beast or man Will suffer the bite or be stung dead on sight By those who inhabit this land Brilliant imagery!
No kidding!
Posted 16 years ago by skdenfeld    [ Reply ]
Any poor soul who trespass against us Whether it be beast or man Will suffer the bite or be stung dead on sight By those who inhabit this land Brilliant imagery!
Posted 16 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
haha...i remember if. i had a couple of their albums...that one with the reflective metallic album cover...they were cool... thewiseking wrote:
remember IF?
Posted 16 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
bitbanger wrote:
Very 70's prog rock! Gentle Giant, Yes, King Crimson with a little Los Lobos thrown in. Nice!
remember IF?
Posted 16 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
This is my favorite track off the new album. Very cool.
Posted 16 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
Cake meets Blue Oyster Cult??
Posted 16 years ago by tcarole    [ Reply ]
Very 70's prog rock! Gentle Giant, Yes, King Crimson with a little Los Lobos thrown in. Nice!
Posted 16 years ago by bitbanger    [ Reply ]
Saw these guys live last week in Cincinnati and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen and I've been going to shows since 1975, covering probably 300 or so. Jack White is possessed.
Posted 16 years ago by billbangert    [ Reply ]
Very cool!
Posted 16 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Alexandra wrote:
Parts of this are very Ian Anderson-ish.
I wasn't sure what you meant by that, but then the guitar solo happened. That part did remind me of something I've heard from Jethro Tull.
Posted 16 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
7>8
Posted 16 years ago by laramieu    [ Reply ]
very nice. the horns remind me of the Mothers of Invention. so many interesting ideas here, all really well executed.
Posted 16 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Love the ozark mountain Dr Pepper's Club Band like album photo....first time for my ears and my brain was multi-taskin while figuring out lyrics and enjoying a fun mix of musical instruments and mixing patterns. all said, I like it, nice choice for the uninitiated.
Posted 16 years ago by kayaksurf4fun    [ Reply ]
Alexandra wrote:
Parts of this are very Ian Anderson-ish.
alux wrote:
Not without a flute it isn't!
Yes it is! Your understanding of Anderson is too limited. There's more to Ian Anderson than a flute. The compositional structure, the texture, the whimsical busking minstrels feel. I see the comparison. But it's not derivative. I like it. It's good.
Posted 16 years ago by secretsauce    [ Reply ]
I think I just saw someone move on the album cover.
Posted 16 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
This song is nuts, but fun! Bet this album was a blast to make for White, Benson and co.
Posted 16 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
If someone had told me a few years before I'd love that, I would have said NOOOO, but now...
Posted 16 years ago by Frenchboop    [ Reply ]
The more I hear, the more I like!!
Posted 16 years ago by laramieu    [ Reply ]
Not without a flute it isn't! Alexandra wrote:
Parts of this are very Ian Anderson-ish.
Posted 16 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
Alexandra wrote:
Parts of this are very Ian Anderson-ish.
Must agree.
Posted 16 years ago by Chazar    [ Reply ]
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
These guys need to get together with Calexico and do a CD.
Here I was thinking that they should get together with Cake.
Posted 16 years ago by timc    [ Reply ]
Parts of this are very Ian Anderson-ish.
Posted 16 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
These guys need to get together with Calexico and do a CD.
Posted 16 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
Hmm--breaking in TWO Raconteurs tunes today! :)
Posted 16 years ago by FlamingLotus    [ Reply ]
Ooh, groovy!
Posted 16 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]