It Ain't Easy (Lollapalooza) - The Raconteurs

[LolaLavonda]

great cover of a great song.

[nese67]

THIS IS MY SONG...LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

[TheIvoryrocker]

very few men can pull off a v that deep, brandon benson is just that epic

[bartlettohio]

Although Bowie and Three Dog Night did this song...it was written and performed by the late great Ron Davies...do yourself a favor and listen to his great version which was a legendary Leon Russell session...he produced and played piano.

[profolactic]

It's easy for 4 people

[Annaedification]

THEY COVERED A BOWIE SONG??? Fuck yes, I adore this band even more now.

[23Vanguard23]

@Annaedification It isn't a Bowie song, its Ron Davies', but yeah, this renewed my love for the Raconteurs

[MrDirtbagdean]

...Great Song & Killer Version!

[Lafayettebluesman]

My gosh, what is it with Dean and that stripey shirt?

[TarquinQuendal]

@jason72855, they did release a live album...it was released through Third Man Records, as a Vault exclusive...its only on vinyl but if you search for "Raconteurs live in london" you can probably find one online.

[gusterguy01826]

brendan benson is one of the best singers out there today

[ianat841]

This is better than the "Ziggy Stardust" version. Brendan Benson was born to sing this song.

[Annaedification]

@ianat841 Sorry, no one compares to Bowie. THey did a great job, of course, but just doesn't compare.

[serafinobolletta]

nice version of the song that bowie covered from a certain ron davies ...wich i don't have idea who the hell is it!

[jacquid73]

oh brother .. some of the best bowie performances are of songs he didn't pen (ie white light, white heat), and not all songs written by bowie are brilliant ... some are, but then some are the opposite of that. as for whether or not jack white sucks, I think most will agree that he does not.

[guitarman9526]

Does anyone have an audio file of this they could send to me?

[Ratt1971]

1:03 used to scare me as a kid

[letshakehands]

how?

[UnderYourMother]

oh man, I was at this show and it was so amazing

[groenhvid]

this jack white man...reaaly ENJOYS music and being on stage!!!! His God blesss him... I love Brendan Benson, though!!!!!

[13coolhand75]

can you imagine pulling that song off in front of that big of a crowd .... that shit is tight he gets much props...for his vocals sounds a little like the late great ronnie van zandt

[jacquid73]

one of the best bowie songs ever and brendan more than does it justice. love him.

[DanielCleaver]

However the song isn't Bowie's. It was written by Ron Davies and recorded by Three Dog Night in 1970. John Baldry recorded it in 1971 and Bowie recorded it in 1972.

[jacquid73]

I know that, you know, but I figure Bowie kind of made his own.

[jacquid73]

... and Benson is huge Bowie fan.

[bass234]

come on, this ain;t easy is the worst song of the rise and fall of ziggy stardust. u can just tell bowie didn;t write it and it doesn't fit. how can u be a bowie fan and say this ain't easy is one of his best.

and if jack white is such a bowie fan how come he sucks???

[omgwtfwhoami]

I'll agree that everybody knows this is the worst song on Ziggy Stardust, but you can still be a fan and like the song by itself.

[PhoenixRising235]

You're ridiculous, bowie's version is amazing, and Jack's solo and the sheer expression of his face shows how deeply he's into it. If you don't enjoy it, go play by the highway.

[kbranum007]

perry farrell really knows how to throw a party !!!

[willellroo]

It's pritty good but I must say no one can beat Long John Baldry's version

[kelly92970]

The whole CD rules! This band is magic together!

[Noiseycricket]

i fuckin love these guys. when they cover a song, they completely pay tribute to the original artist without ripping off the songs style. they make it their own while not coloring outside the lines.

[livingdeadgirl2012]

Ahhhh, the original was so much better, but this guy can actually sing pretty well. Also, I just want to submit that Jack White is the man.

[belljar777]

Agreed.

[hutchj1]

i can see myself in the crowd at the beginning of the video. this was a huge show, i remember everyone moving over to see them. i stood up on the fence and could see people as far as the eye could see.

[mccart31]

Allways loved Bowie's take on this song !! but i have to say !! this guy can sing man !!! loved this vid !!!!!!!

[raegoat]

I absolutely love Brendan Benson's voice. He's definatly way underrated and underappreciated. If you get the Raconteur's new CD "Conselors of the Lonely," Brendan has absolutely phenominal vocals on the songs "Old Enough" and "Many Shades of Black."

[Darthloadie]

agreed! many shades rules the freakin cool

[lastrebel14]

Definately! Love Jack's voice too the blend's really stunning.

[rayterrell]

Awesome!

[rayterrell]

For some strange reason, this song has been haunting me lately. I haven't heard it since I lived in Salem MA (in the late '90's), so went browsing for it on Youtube. To my suprise, I discovered this version!! AND THIS DUDE TOTALLY OWNS THIS SONG! His singing is perfectly phrased, and he almost reminds me of Lindsay from Fltwd Mac. Who knew that such an organic folk-blues-rock vibe existed in the music industry today? Thank you so much for posting this! It made my day!

[BuddyWillis]

cheers great find huh

[jason72855]

you should check out their new(ish) CD it totally kicks ass especially the song called old enough

[jason72855]

they need to release a live albulm

[dlm9293]

@jason72855 hell the fuck yes they do

[s1ygirl]

@jason72855 They did, to Vault members...the Racs live in London :)

[guitarheroboy266]

All the other bands bowed there heads .

[castratedrhino77]

Cover Foghat & Nugent

[zeikoru]

Ted Nugent sucks

[DubShortie]

the shot at 2:08-2:12 is perfect for this song

[bgrrrlie]

They totally blew me when they started playing this in Stockholm a couple of years ago!

[beepmotherfuckerbeep]

They blew you? Man that must have been awesome!

[ASTROAVERY]

hahaha nice

[rxcxavier1]

i literally cant stop playing this song. this and rich kid blues are such good covers! - how do they do it???

[gooseymoose]

wow, i didnt know rich kid blues was a cover? i didnt think they would put a cover on their album

[zeikoru]

yeah they cover songs a lot

[sonoandjeth41]

I know exactly what you mean...

Who is Rich Kid Blues by?  Thats not Bowie to, is it?

[Jake1993boo]

This isn't actually a Bowie song, he covered it as well. Though Bowie has the best version. (Of course, I'm a Bowie-freak, so I'm biased...)

[TheMagicWalrus]

Rich Kid Blues is by Terry Reid

[jason72855]

rich kid blues was originally by terry reid

[Falloutboy2003]

jack white and brendan benson.... couldnt ask for a better combination, great

[OnlyMusicCovers]

This is a great song I haven't heard in years and years.

You guys did a super job on it too!

Saved in playlist!

5*****

Thanks!

Indy

[Falloutboy2003]

everybody thinks jack white is the best vocalist int he band and wat not, but brendan has some talent, hes great

[gooseymoose]

comparing benson and white is like comparing black and white. they just beutifully contrast eachother and are great for different reasons.

[faltat2]

i know this is late falloutboy but he has more than some talent... a lot more

[DeadWireProductions]

Wait.. DO NOT compair anything Jack White has done with Fallout Boy.. EW

[faltat2]

no falloutboy is a youtube user lol cuz falloutboy said Jack White has some talent so yea

[sonoandjeth41]

This is the BEST SONG EVER.

[jackman0209]

Verse

Hit the fifth string open for the bass

And alternate hitting the second string, second and third fret

Chorus

C A C  A It ain't easy, It ain't easy

C A D It ain't easy to get to heaven when you're A goin down

Thats pretty much it, you'll figure it out, but you'll need to get someone else to teach you how to sing like that, holy shit he's good.

[sonoandjeth41]

Thanks -

yeah their amazing - this cover is amazing

[TheTiredWanderer]

white's axe is SICK.

[zappasmurfs]

I wanted to hear Jack sing this song. :( He'd be perfect for this of all Bowie songs...

[vaughn2lose]

not a bowie song....

written by ron davies covered by three dog night, the band called detroit and long john baldry, my guess is bowie covered the baldry version. so this is thrice removed.

[zappasmurfs]

woah! thanks dude. the furthest my knowledge went of this song was from ziggy stardust. so my guess is the kinks nor davies did this?

[sonoandjeth41]

yeah, I can't find the correct chords for this song - any advice - send me a message

[sonoandjeth41]

This is My Favorite Song.

Does anyone know the acoustic guitar chords to it?

[titatho]

i prefer the shot at 2:07 : )

[avalanchelily]

I dare say this is better than Bowie's version. His voice is so pure.

[alex61396]

Brendan is a great songwriter,a craftsman with a great voice...Not a complaint, but hes definitely more mainstream...Jack on the other hand, is like the eccentric mad scientist.....Brendan is Dr Jekyll to Jack's Mr Hyde....perfect combo...Keeler and Little jack are a great rhythm section...am I the only one who noticed that Keeler's drum kit looks too small for him?

[stinkypete20]

too small? haha

hes using a 26'' bass drum...thats monsterous.

i really like him though, hes right up there with john bonham or jon theodore in the bombastic category

[metalheadrmania09]

yeah he has two bass drums, one thats oversized and the other one's half the size of a regular bass drum.

[alex61396]

I dont mean individual drums....maybe he sits up high, I dont know.....the kit just looks small....when you look at old footage of Bonham, the kit seems to engulf him....

[cdmanga]

O YEA!

patrick is a wierdo when it comes to sitting at his drumset!

He sits on a a vintage style canister throne made ludwig.

They are unajustable and remain at a respectable 25" hieght as the time.

To addd on to that his places his entire set very low

the tops of his floor toms reach up to about an inbelow where but touches the throne. I have know idea how he does rimshots because his snare drums is the same!

But hes great amazing durmmer!

[alex61396]

well that explains it....thanks for the great PK info....i moticed his drumming style is traditional (?) whereby i think the fulcrum in his left hand is different...is this a jazz style?...the only other rock drummer I've ever seen use that style is Stewart Copeland, who I thought was an amazing drummer....

[cdmanga]

What your talking about is the gripping of the sticks

the modern method is the matched grip

which is wat you see most players play

But the grip you see PK and SC using is called the traditional grip in which the fulcrum of the stick is shifted form being between the fingers to between the thumb and the index finger.

he switch between the two. The sticking methods do not pertain to any certain music style although it is used more in jazz many rock drummers use the traditional grip as well.

[alex61396]

great info....thanks.....does the traditional grip offer any advantage for power, reach , or otherwise?

[cdmanga]

well the traditional grip comes from the era of marching drums when they would sling them by their shoulders and go into battle with them. all they did back then were rudiments, very basic patterns performenced at high speeeds on the snare drum, so some feel that it is easier to roll and do sophistcated patterns on the snare ddrum with that grip. Its a lot easier to get ghost notes, when u hit a drum softer than usual, with the traditonal. I am just liek pk; i use both.

[alex61396]

i regret never taking drum lessons....

[cdmanga]

well people have different opinions

i personaly use the traditonal when im just doing a meat and potatoes beat nothing flashy and then i switch when i go to a fill or to hit a cymbal. The matched grip gives you move power reach

but the traditonal is alot easier to get more sound and air flowing through the snare drum then with matche dgrip

but as i said its all in opinions.

[zookeeper21]

I didn't know the raconteurs covered bowie!!! AWESOME!!!

[vaughn2lose]

see above and below

not bowie tune

[CodyT3212]

I'm sorry, but technically, Brendan is a better singer. But i love Jack's raspy, original style more.

[PhoenixRising235]

Technically, You're right. In REALITY, Kurt Cobain,Jack White, Dylan, Pretty much anyone who could be targeted for having a voice that doesn't fit the mainstream benefits more from the distinction than the criticisim.

[monsterstinker]

It's almost as if there is a tiny man playing and organ in Brendon's throat. it sounds incredible!

[monsterstinker]

can someone play "bonerlicious?"

[inknown]

what kind of guitar is jack white playing? is it some sort of grestch (sp)? looks like its pretty tailored to his style

[54321FUCKYOU]

It's a Gretsch Anniversary Jr. w/ Bigsby dipped in copper.

[inknown]

thanks

[54321FUCKYOU]

Why you want to get it? it's probably 5,000 dollars lol

[inknown]

haha nah thats way to expensive for my blood,haha just curious

[54321FUCKYOU]

Yea, I was too. Jack is a beast.

[inknown]

Yea he is, His originality is what gets me, Benson can sing so freakin good too.

[alex61396]

actually, its a Gretsch Duo jet custom worked by Randy Parsons of Seattle, master luthier...Jack calls it the 'Triple Jet'...3 pickups, built in MXR micro amp, copper dipped.....rumor has it that it's worth 80k

[PhoenixRising235]

I knew it was a modified Duo Jet, I didn't know the rest, thanks for the info.

[alex61396]

my pleasure...actually my son and i were planning to see the Racs on 4/21 in Seattle and visit Parson's studio...unfortunately the date didnt work out, so we booked the Vegas show instead 4/26....I really want to go to Seattle...I heard great city, never been

[o0whitestripes0o]

yeah, Jack said it ways more than the heaviest LP's! *shock*

[54321FUCKYOU]

Man can Brendan sing, If you guys don't know much about Brendan Benson I would suggest buying One Mississipi. It's literally one of the best albums I have ever heard.

[moonthloon78]

yeah perty sure it's the whammy.

B

[ecwgrungetna]

LOL Jack So Desperately Wants To Sing!

[JordanLikeAStone]

i know! he's so anxious.

[airline7stripes]

even he doesen´t sing you can see that he feels the song so much...that´s wonderful ^^

[whateverornever]

what pedal jack use here?

[whateverornever]

i know probably the whammy. but u know..?

[alex61396]

i'm inclined to think no pedal....

[whateverornever]

just his amp sound?! but he kinda bend down to do his pedal if im not wrong. ha

[alex61396]

that guitar of Jack's is so badass....custom 'Triple Jet' courtesy of master luthier Randy Parsons of Seattle....3 pickups, Bigsby, built-in MXR....dipped in copper....

[o0whitestripes0o]

It is awesome looking ain't it!

[whateverornever]

built in mxr? wher did u get all this info?

[alex61396]

Guitar World 8/07

[My2Chads]

I understand that Jack White is in both bands, but how can you compare the two? They are both so different & amazing in thier own way. The sound of both bands are unique.

[alex61396]

that is true

[titatho]

this song is so amazing, it makes me think everytime i hear it.

noone could sing this better than brendan.

the song fits the teurs perfectly. 5 stars.

[JordanLikeAStone]

i totally agree.

[dalejams2skynyrd]

This band looks like a mix of the "Turtles" meet "Mountain" with a CSN&Y taste?

I like it very much and wish more bands like this would tour!!

[alex61396]

really looking forward to seeing the 'Teurs in 08- I'm ready to crisscross the US baby!!!!

[philipp4130]

I love Brendan Benson, he is so good with Jack White. Jack has got the amazing guitar work and Brendan just has this great voice, they go so well together!

[fragleshmit]

Ummm, cause he's Jack FUCKING White?

[Hullio55]

lmao, did Jack White stop for a photo at 2:31?

[zephed69]

i think he was just doing something with the pedal.

[mestregigolo]

jack white said that he will share his time beetween White Stripes and Raconteurs, i think raconteurs are way better

[premedytacja]

Brendan, what a beautiful T-shirt XD

[AustinXperience]

Funny...they wouldn't be The Raconteurs without Little Jack and Keeler, who are originally from The Greenhornes...sooooo yeahhhhhh.

[LetsGoJanks]

Keeler is so underrated

[shindoa]

dude brendan is fucking awsesome, i liuke him almost more than jack white. He's a fucking a bad ass with a great voice. Him and Jack White compliment each other awesomely

[LetsGoJanks]

Brendan plays a cleaner guitar, but Jack is just insane.

[justdustqueen]

So much better than 'Crazy'

[haproductions01]

You're Gay this is the best band on the face of the EARTH!

[joesandra]

The White Stripes are way much better because If it wasnt for Jack and The Stripes there wouldnt be The RACONTEURS.

[LetsGoJanks]

Their both great, lol

[notch96]

Dave "I Hear You Knocking" Edmunds also covered this tune back in 1971 or so...

[Sebo]

i saw them do this song in vancouver, it was a lot heavier, i got a clip on my account

[ignacio104]

wow... this band is TRUE shit...mmm that makes me think...

[focuspocus12345]

Good job lads

[findingusernamesucks]

Brendan has a decent voice but I dunno I really prefer Jack's. Jack White has a more authoritative voice and for someone who is singing "Every Valley Shall Be Exalted" later today that is something to admire, authority that is, not that I would admire much more at least not in the context of Every Valley

[findingusernamesucks]

who did this originally?

[jungleVIP]

it's a cover of david bowie, who also covered it. i think ron davies wrote it originally.

[findingusernamesucks]

so could I assume The Kinks? Or Ron Davies solo?

[jungleVIP]

no it was defintely just ron davies. you're confusing him with ray davies of the kinks.

[vaughn2lose]

ron davies born in shreveport in 1946 died in 2003. he wrote it.

covered by three dog night, he band called detroit and long john baldry before bowie covered it.

my guess is bowie covered the l.j.b. version

[santajuliette]

Wow, that is really great!! I fall in love with these guys again and again!! Thanx for sharing!

[Dina9000]

Very good song Brendan has a lovely voice, WOW

[Scottishmindset]

Yeah Brendan's got a great voice. I prefer his singing over JW's actually.

[haksjhdfkljhfa]

this is like the special footage the lolopoloza took idk where you can find it though

[jeromicito]

Nice footage. Or byteage. Whatever.

[roxxan23]

i love lil jack rocking out on this. :) and brendan is great on this song.

[Adaatje]

Lovely:D Jack White hold my hand and gamme his guitar pick:D and I got Patrick Keeler's autograph:D

[redwhiteblack3]

LUCKY

[pogopogopogo3]

LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY

[dwhumphrey1]

fucking awesome, if anyone knows where to find these high quality files of this performance (theres also a great one of "Crazy") tell me where I can find them.

[carameldark]

...oh Brendan...

was this recorded for a tv station or something? it doesn't look like it's been shot from your ordinary tiny camera in the audience