Brendan Benson: The Raconteurs and Solo Fun

BY LARRY CRANE

For many years loyal readers have asked us to interview Brendan Benson, an artist who has tracked his records in a variety of settings, from full-blown studios to home setups. In 2005, Brendan became a member, along with pal Jack White III, of The Raconteurs and their two albums achieved a nice degree of success. But Brendan's solo albums are truly special as well, with clever songwriting and full, interesting arrangements. I met up with Brendan before a show of his in Phoenix, Arizona.

A Good Ear?

BY DAVID PAYETTE

Jack White III: The White Stripes, The Dead Weather

BY LARRY CRANE

As a member of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather and the Rome project (with Danger Mouse, Norah Jones and Daniele Luppi [Tape Op #40]), Jack White III has certainly proved himself as a songwriter, singer, performer and musician. But it's also an impressive list when you add up Jack's production work with his bands, as well as producing artists like Loretta Lynn, Wanda Jackson, The Greenhornes, Dexter Romweber Duo, his wife Karen Elson and even his pal Conan O'Brien. Jack also oversees the label he founded, Third Man Records, where his productions are released and where occasional live concerts are captured on analog tape in the back room. But the real action has been taking place on 8-track, 2-inch tape in his self- designed, private studio in Nashville, where he's been busy at work since September 2009 on many projects, including Wanda Jackson's excellent new album, The Party Ain't Over. I was able to catch Jack at his office at Third Man for an increasingly rare interview with a very busy and interesting man.

Not the API Your Grandpa Mixed On

BY ALLEN FARMELO, FRANCOIS CHAMBARD, FRANCIS DZIKOWSKI