THIRD MAN
Newly signed to The Raconteurs bandmate Jack White’s label, Brendan Benson’s recent times as a songwriter for hire (including tracks for The Kooks and Jake Bugg) appear to have reignited his muse. Opening with futuristic funk and distorted vocal theatrics, Dear Life soon settles into Benson’s more familiar power-pop groove, but he’s never sounded more euphoric than the gorgeous Richest Man Alive or the title track’s rattling enthusiasm. The Raconteurs’ swamp-rock sound is all over the sleazy Evil Eyes, before the unsettling atmospherics of Who’s Gonna Love You? marries Benson’s craft and adventurousness perfectly. Right up there with The Alternative To Love as his finest album, Dear Life sees Benson reborn, while infusing his adventures with his 25 years of exemplary power-pop melodics. It’s impressive stuff.