White Stripes

Often I judge an album on its first five tracks. If an album can pack a punch in its first 5 songs, it is likely great throughout. That is certainly the case here (an interesting debate would be whether the first 5 songs are better on this album or on De Stijl but thats a different issue). Jimmy the Exploder, Stop Breaking Down and Big Three are the first 3 tracks. They are all hard rock and awesome, Stop Breaking Down being my favorite. Then just as rocking as it was going it instantly slows down. Suzy Lee is the next song. It is slow but it may be the best song on the album. Followed up by Suger Never Tasted So Good- a melodic song with great lyrics and an even better feel. All in all, the first 5 tracks are enough to win you over. Maybe not the first listen maybe not the second, but eventually.

The middle of the album drops off slightly in quality but it is still good. And you will probably still be reeling from the first 5 anyway. Other things to note are the AWESOME guitar riff on Screwdriver, the eccentricity of One More Cup of Coffee, and the trancelike music of I Fought Piranhas. An interesting thing to note is the longest song is just a hair over three minutes. It really is a shame because on many of the tracks, it will leave you wanting much much more.

Jimmy the Exploder- Meg exercises some drum talent, while Jack wails away. High energy and incredibly fun to sing along and dance to.

Stop Breaking Down- Cool song to work along to.

The Big Three Killed My Baby- Jack states his hatred for auto companies. "Now my hands are turning red, and I found out my baby is dead!"

Suzy Lee- Nice meloncholy slide guitar song. Slow and calming.

Sugar Never Tasted So Good- Fun to play on guitar, a nice little accoustic song with a funny little percussion "solo".

Wasting My Time- Definatly a highlight. Slow, sad, song with a cool guitar fills.

Cannon- A very trancey song. The drumming is very basic, but almost hypnotic.

Astro- A fan favourite. A song about secret activites, with Jack suspecting people of doing the Astro.

Broken Bricks- A nice rock n' roll song. Very fast and upbeat.Cool distorted guitar.

When I Hear My Name- Not too impressive on the album, but live it's mind blowing.

Do- A Dylan cover I believe. I don't understand the poor reaction from it, I think it's brilliant.

Screwdriver- One of my favourites. Great guitar work. Spooky in a way.

One More Cup of Coffee- A Dylan cover, I don't care if you hate me for saying it, but better than the original I think.

Little People- Probably the worst song on the album, but still half decent which is saying something.

Slicker Drips- An intense and loud song, soundtrack to a nightmare.

St.James Infirmiry Blues- A fabulous song with great piano and vocals. My absolute favourite on this album.

I Fought Piranahs- Another fabulous song. A very sultry song in my opinion.

I can't really put in words how amazing this album is. The review may leave it seeming mediocre, but give it a listen. It's such a raw, intense, mind blowing album that bleeds rock n' roll! It's going to be the best $15 you will ever spend.