The Dead Weather - Horehound (2LP)

The Dead Weather - Horehound 2xLP Vinyl Record

The Dead Weather's full length debut LP Horehound: a double-album dose of black magic riffs, fuzzed-out guitorgan, and painful peons to the devil-knows-what, comes as a double-LP with a Rob Jones art etching on side 4 and is lovingly housed in a thick-as-thieves gatefold sleeve. It's a jaw-dropping record with the packaging to match.

"Horehound," the debut album by The Dead Weather, was released on July 14, 2009. This supergroup, formed by Jack White of The White Stripes, Alison Mosshart of The Kills, Dean Fertita of Queens of the Stone Age, and Jack Lawrence of The Raconteurs, brought together a powerhouse of talent and creativity. The album was recorded at Third Man Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and it showcases a raw, gritty sound that blends elements of blues, rock, and garage.

The formation of The Dead Weather was somewhat serendipitous. It all started when Jack White and Alison Mosshart met while on tour with their respective bands. A spontaneous jam session led to the creation of the band, and soon after, they were in the studio recording "Horehound." The album was produced by Jack White, who also played drums, a departure from his usual role as a guitarist and vocalist.

"Horehound" received generally positive reviews from critics. Rolling Stone praised the album for its "dark, sexy, and dangerous" vibe, while Pitchfork highlighted the chemistry between the band members, particularly the dynamic between White and Mosshart. The album's sound is often described as a mix of swampy blues and gritty rock, with Mosshart's sultry vocals adding a layer of intensity to the tracks.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Treat Me Like Your Mother," which features a driving beat and a call-and-response vocal exchange between Mosshart and White. The song's music video, directed by Jonathan Glazer, is equally memorable, featuring a dramatic shootout between the two vocalists. Another notable track is "Hang You from the Heavens," which was the album's lead single. Its heavy guitar riffs and Mosshart's commanding vocals set the tone for the rest of the album.

The album also includes a cover of Bob Dylan's "New Pony," which The Dead Weather reimagines with a darker, more menacing edge. This track, along with others on the album, showcases the band's ability to take influences from classic rock and blues and infuse them with their own unique style.

"Horehound" was a commercial success, debuting at number six on the Billboard 200 chart. It also performed well internationally, reaching the top ten in several countries. The album's success helped establish The Dead Weather as a formidable force in the rock music scene, despite being a side project for its members.

In terms of cultural significance, "Horehound" is often seen as a testament to the collaborative spirit of its members. Each brings their own distinct style and influences, resulting in a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The album's raw energy and experimental approach have been influential in the rock genre, inspiring other artists to explore similar collaborative projects.

Overall, "Horehound" is a compelling debut that captures the essence of The Dead Weather's sound. It's an album that invites listeners into a world of dark, gritty rock, driven by the undeniable chemistry of its members. Whether you're a fan of any of the individual members' previous work or just discovering The Dead Weather for the first time, "Horehound" is an album that deserves a listen.