The White Stripes - "Icky Thump"

One of the biggest releases this year, "Icky Thump" is the first new White Stripes material in over a year due to frontman and guitarist Jack White's indie rock project The Raconteurs who released an album and toured extensively in 2006. The last White Stripes album 2005's "Get Behind Me Satan" which saw Th White Stripes moving away from their roots and into more innovative territory with such singles as "The Denial Twist". "Get Behind Me Satan" was met with mixed reviews by critics, many of whom were shocked and displeased by the more full instrumentation found on the album, but did win a Grammy for Best Alternative Rock Album (beating out the more deserving Arcade Fire). "Icky Thump" is in many ways a return to the form of "Elephant" and "White Blood Cells" delving deeper into riff-based roots rock with sparse instrumentation. Many fans will find this a welcome return to form with hits aplenty scattered throughout "Icky Thump" this album should garner serious radio airplay and be quite the cash cow for Jack and Meg. Speaking of Meg, I believe her drumming has improved noticeably on "Icky Thump" and, though she still sounds inexperienced and symbol reliant at times, she does not weigh down the sound of the album and does not seem to hinder the overall musicianship of the album.

My big problem with this album is that I fear it is a regression of sorts. Though there were some very ugly moments on "Get Behind Me Satan" it was refreshing to see The White Stripes try to expand their very limited sound. "Icky Thump" does further cement Jack White's virtuosity with the electric guitar and the riffs on the album are as catchy as ever, yet this album does not expand on the sound of "Elephant" and is actually much rawer and heavier at times than that album. With Jack White spending considerable time with The Raconteurs, I really wonder if Jack will ever try to expand the instrumentation of The White Stripes again or save his material for The Raconteurs.

There are also some very jarring moments on the album especially for those who enjoy The White Stripes' slower, more folky songs ("We're Going to Be Friends" etc.) especially in songs such as "Conquest" and "Rag and Bone". But if you like previous songs like "I Think I Smell A Rat" or "Ball & Biscuit" you will love this album.

Here is a track by track review:

Track 1: "Icky Thump"

Not a bad beginning track. Starts off with a heavy guitar and is very reminiscent of late 1970s blues rock. The riff gets repetitive after a few listens and is not one of the best tracks on the album, but an OK start. A little too wanna be Zeppelin for my taste.
6/10

Track 2: "You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told"

Great lyrics in this song and not as riff based as the other songs on this album. Killer chorus. This song really grew on me, very reminiscent of "White Blood Cells" era White Stripes. One of the best on the album.
8.5/10

Track 3: 300 MPH Torrential Outpour Blues

Some people love this song, but I am not really one of them. I find the rapid dynamic shifts jarring and distracting. Lyrics are repetitive and not particularly interesting. Meg White goes symbol crazy on this track. I don't like guitar freak-outs and this song is a big reason why (though Jack White is obviously a very good guitar player)
4.2/10

Track 4: Conquest

I love this song. The opening horns are in a mariachi vein and the driving guitar really gives this song a sense of urgency. Lots of fun and actually shows some innovation. Will be one of my top 50 tracks of the year for sure. Great guitar.

9.2/10

Track 5: Bone Broke

I think this song is a filler song, though it is one of the only ones on the album. Doesn't do anything good or bad, just there. Completely based on a riff that is only mediocre.

5.5/10

Track 6: Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn

I like the guitar and bagpipes on this song. Another album highlight for me, really shows the Stripes stretching their musical horizons. Good lyrics. Celtic themed which is very unique, but not annoying or out of place on the album. Almost Jethro Tull-esque at times (minus the flute of course).

7.9/10

Track 7: St. Andrew (This Battle Is In the Air)

Do nothing filler, spoken word by Meg White. Sounds like the beginning of The Who's "Baba O'Reilly".

4.2/10

Track 8: "Little Cream Soda"

Killer riff and great guitar work spoiled by asinine and annoying lyrics. Too many "Oh wells". So much potential, but after the riff's initial shock the lyrics and vocals really get to me.

6.5/10

Track 9: "Rag & Bone"

Another great riff, very bluesy. For some reason the lyrics here don't bother me as much, even though they were improvised. Brings me back to old time blues, but with a little punk rock twist. Great to dance to, very fun. Another album highlight.

9.1/10

Track 10: I'm Slowly Turning Into You

Another song that reminds me of "White Blood Cells", very simply. Not particularly interesting, but not awful. Suffers from being after Rag & Bone. Another showcase for Jack White's made guitar skillzzz.

6.2/10

Track 11: A Martyr for My Love for You

Good build-up and solid lyrics. Good, but not spectacular song. Yet another song that could be off White Blood Cells.

7.0/10

Track 12: Catch Hell Blues

More great old school blues guitar to be found here. I also enjoy this song quite a bit and I like it's subtlety and guitar work. Not much singing, which really allows the listener to focus on the guitar.

9.0/10

Track 13: Effect & Cause

Not a killer of an ending, but still more good blues work. A grower. Not as much fancy guitar work, but good singing and lyrics.

8.2/10

Overall a very solid album with many fun tracks on it, but also with a few real killers. It doesn't help that this album isn't really my style, but I do love the blues and Jack White does some great blues guitar playing and singing on many of the tracks. Good, but not one of the years best.

8.3/10

I am trying to decide what album to review next, probably either Bowerbirds or Feist. Later folks and keep listening!