Broken Boy Soldiers Vaulted by Raconteurs
Two decades after their explosive debut, the legendary Raconteurs are opening the vault for fans with a monumental release from Third Man Records. This is Vault #70: The Raconteurs – Broken Boy Soldiers XX, a meticulously compiled 20th-anniversary companion to their 2006 entry, Broken Boy Soldiers.
This isn’t just a reissue; it’s a deep dive into the raw, fascinating sessions that forged the sound of the supergroup. The package pulls together more than 20 tracks that have never seen the light of day, including nine rare demos and outtakes, alongside a truly unique recording: the Jack White-led group’s very first live performance, captured in Liverpool in March 2006.
Over 34 incisive minutes, the set offers a joyous sprint through the historical touchstones of the late sixties and early seventies. The music itself is a nod to classic rock titans, referencing the sounds of The Who’s Tommy, early Led Zeppelin, and the English blues-rock quartet Free. This sonic tapestry is layered with elements of progressive rock, featuring keyboard passages that demand a little cringe-inducing attention, such as the use of an arpeggio.
The original album established the Raconteurs as an intriguing supergroup—a new band forged from old friends. Now, this new collection excavates the sessions behind that famous debut, providing an intimate look at the creative process. Among the highlights are studio demos of tracks like Level and an early version of the fan-favorite song Steady, As She Goes. Fans also get to hear previously unheard material, including the session for Mech Royal and an extended, seven-minute alternate take of Blue Veins.
Adding another layer of historical depth, the collection includes a glimpse into the band before the album even existed. The material seamlessly integrates the previously unreleased Liverpool concert footage, featuring covers of Love’s A House Is Not a Motel and the Flamin’ Groovies’ Headin’for the Texas Border. It’s a remarkable artifact that bridges the gap between studio creation and live performance.
The physical presentation of Vault #70 is equally elaborate. The 23 tracks are spread across three unique 180-gram colored-vinyl LPs—Metallic Copper, Grand Green, and Coke Bottle Clear—all housed in two gatefold jackets and a slipcase. For added memorabilia, the set includes a film strip from the Steady, As She Goes video shoot, featuring individual 35mm shots of the band, plus four collectible cards from Third Man’s Tripppl imprint.
This limited edition offering is available exclusively through Third Man Records, with subscriptions opening through October 31st at midnight CT. It’s a rare opportunity for rock enthusiasts to own not just a reissue, but a veritable treasure chest of the Raconteurs’ history.
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