The White Stripes- "Icky Thump"

The White Stripes always confused me. Prior to this new album, I liked maybe three of their songs. Honestly, Jack White's vocals always kind of bugged me. I couldn't put my finger on what it was, but I just couldn't get into it any deeper than those three songs. Then about three months ago, I heard the new single from the re-united White Stripes, the title track of the album. That song blew me away. The bass drum was great, and Jack screaming/singing and playing solos over the crazy organ/synthesizer thing they had going on was mind-blowing. So I decided I would buy the album as soon as it was made available.

I was once again very pleased. The White Stripes excel at being a band that pretty much any of their fans could probably imitate with near perfection. The songs are simple, yet catchy as hell with great guitar riffs and solos. Its obvious that neither of the two members of the band are amazing musicians, but somehow, thats what makes the music brilliant. The simplicity is the key to the band and to the album. I especially like "Conquest," which is a mariachi band rocker, "Rag and Bone," a great song about garage sales, and of course the title track, "Icky Thump."

This album really is brilliant and really doesn't fit into one category. There are elements of rock, mariachi, Celtic, jazz, and even 50's Jerry Lee Lewis style. A great album if you are looking for something off-beat and crazy. Not the greatest album in the world, but just put this on while driving and you'll love it.