The White Stripes - Icky Thump

Just as I was about to officially break-up with Jack White, he comes back to icky thump me into submission (I know, I know, I'm sorry.) Fact is, The White Stripes first four albums were among the greatest rock 'n blues records of the past decade. I felt that on their last record however, while there were still a couple of good songs, they were starting to mail it in a little bit. As for Jack's side project The Raconteurs, well, let's just say that I didn't rush out to buy that one either. I had resigned myself to the fact that we had a good run, but it's time for us to go our separate ways. Well apparently Jack would have none of it because "Icky Thump" rocks! Big time! The title track and first single is probably the most energetic and inventive the duo has ever sounded, with their staple driving beat being as thumpingly addictive as ever, whilst throwing in a welcome touch of psychedelia. The Zeppelin and Dylan influence is all over this one, but never in a way that sounds like they're ripping them off, just simply paying homage to them. My two favourite songs are "Conquest" and "Rag and Bone." The former sees the duo in full bullfighter mode, with castanets and horns aplenty. The latter has Jack White playing the atypical blues man, spoken word riffing with Meg in a way that makes him sound like he's been struggling in the deep south for the past century. How he writes his lyrics and performs them in a way that makes him sound like a weathered 79 year old man is beyond me, but I'm buying it. This may be my favourite record since their debut, and although I can't say I really missed them all that much, I sure am glad they're back!

The White Stripes are playing The Molson Amphitheatre on July 5th. I think there's still some tickets available but this one definitely has sell-out potential.

Download:
Conquest mp3
Icky Thump mp3

The White Stripes on myspace
Purchase "Icky Thump" on Amazon.ca