The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan: June 7th [Archive]

one_crow_sorrow

04-11-2005, 08:11 PM

White Stripes Get Behind Satan!

Rob Kleckner reports:
Slowly but surely, the White Stripes are letting out the details on their new album. First they told us it was finished, then they told us when it was coming out, then they dropped the name of the first single, and now, finally, we have a title. Are you ready? Here it is: Get Behind Me Satan.

The album will be released on June 6 in the UK and June 7 Stateside. The first single, "Blue Orchid", will be released one week earlier. While some tour dates have already been announced, Jack White has told the LA Times that he and Meg plan to play "events" rather than traditional concerts in initial support of the album. He went on to say, "First we're going to play where we are not well known. Then if we have time, we will play New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Frankly, we are waiting for technology to advance in the United States before we attempt to perform this record live there."

This, of course, comes from the man who records his albums on old analog equipment. In the meantime, here are some tour dates:

05-11 Monterrey, Mexico - Fundidora Amphitheatre de Coca Cola
05-13 Guadalajara, Mexico - Foro Alterno
05-14 Mexico City, Mexico - Palacio De Los Deportes
06-10 Atlanta, Georgia - Music Midtown Festival
06-24 Pilton, England - Glastonbury Festival

Source (http://pitchforkmedia.com/news/05-04/11.shtml#white)

chilli pepper

04-11-2005, 08:30 PM

Ace. June is too long for me, but its good to have info, and Jack says they'll be playing in places where the stripes arent well known, hopefully that means here in minnesota.

Sigur509

04-11-2005, 08:33 PM

Hey....what?...oh, forget it.

Tayzlor

04-11-2005, 08:37 PM

A trip to Kansas I can see.

Great news. Great music has been thrown at me from all directions since I last purchased an album in October. (I don't count that Mars Volta album I tried out)

Again, can't wait for the album and to hear Blue Orchid in a week or so.

blankpage

04-11-2005, 09:09 PM

I lurve The White Stripes, so this comes as the best news of the day, and possibly even the week. They've consistently been putting out great music, and hope this one doesn't disappoint.

BTW, awesome title.

bob

04-11-2005, 09:23 PM

I seriously just got the largest erection of my life.

It's funny, though. Before I ever knew what their new album would be called or when it would be released, I imagined it would be called "The Devil and Jack White". I think that counts as 35% ESP.

arto_j

04-12-2005, 07:20 AM

Rockin'. I'll definitely be getting this one. And yeah, the title is pretty great, too. Here's hoping they continue their trend of improving with each album. Though after Elephant it's gonna be a helluva task.

BadCoverVersion

04-12-2005, 08:04 AM

Originally posted by bob
I seriously just got the largest erection of my life.

Me too. Uh, actually...I could be wrong...perhaps.

Great title. I cannae wait!

scottish-movie-freak

04-12-2005, 11:19 AM

I'm going to let my inner child run around for a bit:

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! :)

bowieee

04-12-2005, 12:50 PM

*does a backflIp*

Everytime I see this threads title I get that almost christmas feeling.

BadCoverVersion

04-12-2005, 01:07 PM

Originally posted by bowieee
*does a backflIp*

*applauds impressive flip*

If I wasn't still wheezing from getting out of bed this morning I might've attempted a 'move' myself.

Anyway...HUZZAH for this thread!

BadCoverVersion

04-12-2005, 03:14 PM

NME confirms tracklisting... (http://nme.com/news/112017.htm)

The tracklisting for the WHITE STRIPES new album ‘GET BEHIND ME SATAN’ has been confirmed, NME.COM can reveal.

The album which features 13 tracks will be released on June 6.

The tracklisting is:

* ’Blue Orchid’
* ’The Nurse’
* ’My Doorbell’
* ’Forever For Her’
* ’Little Ghost’
* ’The Denial Twist’
* ’White Moon’
* ’Instinct Blues’
* ’Passive Manipulation’
* ’Take, Take, Take’
* ’As Ugly As I Seem’
* ’Red Rain’
* ’I’m Lonely’

The album will be preceded by single ‘Blue Orchid’ on May 30, a lyric from which provides the album’s title.

For the first reaction to the White Stripes' new single see the issue of NME out now in London, and nationwide tomorrow (April 13).

SAI

04-12-2005, 04:47 PM

FANTASTIC title. Can't wait to hear the single

thedudeman69

04-12-2005, 05:12 PM

Great. I love The White Stripes. I hope they make a even more impressive album.

bluesbrother965

04-12-2005, 07:13 PM

My favorite band of recent years, hopefully a great album, although the title doesn't really do anything for me.

bob

04-12-2005, 08:50 PM

Originally posted by bob
I seriously just got the largest erection of my life.

I stand corrected...just saw the tracklisting.

The Heart Collector

04-12-2005, 10:51 PM

Originally posted by Tayzlor
Great music has been thrown at me from all directions since I last purchased an album in October. (I don't count that Mars Volta album I tried out)

http://www.themindless.net/chainsaw.jpg

Gollum

04-13-2005, 03:34 AM

Awesome, I can not wait. I really dig The White Stripes. So they continue their trend of having at least 1 song that starts with "Little" in the title.

The White Stripes: "Little People"
De Stilj: "Little Bird"
White Blood Cells: "Little Room"
Elephant: "Little Acorns"
Get Behind Me Satan: "Little Ghost"

Strider

04-14-2005, 07:22 AM

Great news! I think The White Stripes are amazing as hell. I only have White Blood Cells and Elephant, though. I want to purchase their first two albums as well, and immediately. Anyway, I hope this new album is even better than their last, and I look forward to its release date.

Strider

Gollum

04-18-2005, 11:34 PM

Well, I just heard "Blue Orchid."

Oh dear lord....

Mike Sampson

04-19-2005, 11:24 AM

Everyone should go out and download "Blue Orchid" right now. Stop reading this post, get off this message board and go download the mp3. It's available on either iTunes or on the regular web at various sites. But you shouldn't have even read this far. These words should be meaningless because you should have closed this window sentences ago to begin immediately downloading "Blue Orchid."

Sigur509

04-19-2005, 05:17 PM

EDIT:

Nevermind, I just heard it. Yes, its amazing.....June 7th will be a great day, with this, and the new Coldplay...

one_crow_sorrow

04-19-2005, 05:24 PM

I like it.

Lynn Minmei

04-19-2005, 10:55 PM

Blue Orchid is getting a negative buzz from all the scene folks online, but it's actually quite terrific and classic White Stripes.

Seriously, I am digging this song so goddamn much. It's radio-friendly without comprimising all that makes the Stripes who they are, loud but not too aggressive, and lyrically it stands as an indictment without being unjustified or void of emotion. I love it.

After an initially disapointing listen or two, this song instantly becomes great.

scottish-movie-freak

04-20-2005, 11:39 AM

It doesn't have Seven Nation Armys "first single catchiness" but it is a pretty damn good song. I'm sure I'll grow to love it in time.

beastieben21

04-20-2005, 05:35 PM

Eh........I think if the White Stripes are going to continue to be relevant, they're going to need to add something to the mix besides Meg's 7th grade drumming and Jack's ridiculous falsetto. It's wearing a bit thin for me, but obviously I'm a small minority. I think the song sounds dull and/or like something the Darkness would put out. Ewwww, the Darkness.

bob

04-20-2005, 06:49 PM

Anybody have a link to a download? I don't have/want iTunes.

fevers

04-21-2005, 11:54 PM

Originally posted by beastieben21
Eh........I think if the White Stripes are going to continue to be relevant, they're going to need to add something to the mix besides Meg's 7th grade drumming and Jack's ridiculous falsetto. It's wearing a bit thin for me, but obviously I'm a small minority. I think the song sounds dull

I agree. Not a very complex or interesting song at all. I used to give White Blood Cells an occasional listen, but even that I find boring and annoying now. I wasn't much of a fan of Elephant and this new single gives me no interest in hearing the new album.

bob

04-23-2005, 03:31 PM

Downloaded it a couple of nights ago; definitely not what I was expecting.

The first time I listened to it, I absolutely HATED it, but since then I've really started to love it. The vocals and the overall catchiness of the chorus really start to shine through after a coupla listens. I'm looking forward to the new album even more now, but I'm glad that all the songs aren't in this same style...

"How old are you now, anyway?"

Droog989

04-23-2005, 04:31 PM

Shouldn't everyone be (at the very least) excited at the prospect of a new video for them? I don't think I need to name name's as to who has done the majority of their previous videos, and I for one am anxious to see if he returns for this next single....

arto_j

04-24-2005, 06:02 AM

Some artwork for the album :

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00097A5H2.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

After a few listens, I too must say that Blue Orchid kicks ass. Can't wait for this.

Sigur509

04-24-2005, 02:29 PM

The artwork is great. And yes, I hope Gondry comes back for another set of videos.

But doesn't Meg look like Drew Barrymore there?

moviegroupie

04-24-2005, 04:05 PM

sigur - yea she does . i dont like the single but ii'll check out the cd .

daddiefatsacks

04-24-2005, 04:21 PM

blue orchid is such a killer tune

i can't wait for their new disc

blankpage

04-24-2005, 06:59 PM

Dayum. I'm just diggin' that artwork! Lurve it.

And after a few listens to Blue Orchid last week, I have been groovin' to it quite a bit. Fun track!

June 7th can't come soon enough!!!

Sigur509

04-24-2005, 07:08 PM

Is it wrong that Blue Orchid makes me want to shake my arse?

Because it does.

beastieben21

04-25-2005, 12:25 AM

And Jack...What's with the mustachio? I'm starting to...
http://www.vh1.com/shared/media/news/images/w/White_Stripes_The/sq-intvw03-mtvnews.jpg

http://www.mijac.org/gallery/2000/gallerypic.jpg

!?!?!??!?!

bob

04-25-2005, 06:48 PM

The lyrics for this song are very bizarre and interesting, I really love that about Jack's writing...

Psychocandy

05-22-2005, 01:27 PM

I've heard the album and...well...it's really fucking odd. Gone is the reliance on guitars and in comes a more textured approach featuring a multitude of different instruments (a lot of piano here). I've only listened to it once but based only on that I can state with absolute conviction that this is nowhere near as immediate as Elephant (anyone disagree?). Do I think it will prove it's worth in the long run? I can't honestly say. If someone held a gun to my head i'd have to say "probably not". There are good songs here. Fuck. There are a couple of great songs here. But some of them are annoying on first listen and I fully expect them to get more irritating on subsequent plays. I'd be interested in hearing some opinions other than my own. Like I said...it could definitely be a grower. Another five to ten listens will prove revealing. I have my fingers crossed that i'm wrong because I love Jack & Meg.

chandler_bing905

05-22-2005, 02:56 PM

This'll be brief but i found the album online the other day, i've listened to it completely once, and a few songs a few more times. With that said, it's alot more Beatles'y then any of their other albums, the electric guitar is definately not brought out often, but there're pro's and con's too that. More than any other album, this showcases the stripes range.

def. sounds like they're older, but so am I, so I guess we'll just see then, won't we.

bob

05-22-2005, 07:14 PM

I got a job this summer basically just so I could buy this album.

It better be good. It's strange, even the negative reviews of it have made me psyched.

moviegroupie

05-22-2005, 09:51 PM

Meh bob just work at mickey d's for 2 hours and then quit. then your set.

or just download it :(

Mike Sampson

05-23-2005, 07:56 AM

For those who are curious, the album is online to stream at scenestars.net. Good stuff there...

MS

Strider

05-24-2005, 07:16 PM

I just listened to Blue Orchid for the first time. And my first reaction: Awesome! This song had me hooked from the start. What a kick-ass tune this is. I can't wait for the album!

Strider

jimmyjdmb

05-27-2005, 01:39 PM

I had a chance to go see them in concert in Guatemala on May 18 (i live in El Salvador) but couldnt becuase I had a huge exam the next day and wouldnt of gotten back in time *curses life*.

I heard Blue Orchid and I think the new album is gonna be great.

jimmyjdmb

05-27-2005, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by Tayzlor
Great music has been thrown at me from all directions since I last purchased an album in October. (I don't count that Mars Volta album I tried out)

The Mars Volta's new album is amazing, pure genius. They're even better than the White Stripes....*preparing for criticism*

beastieben21

05-30-2005, 02:50 AM

The album....kinda blows. Jesus, give the Mo-Roccas a rest guys, I swear to God, 10 out of 13 tracks feature them. Otherwise it just sounds dated and dull. Things that sounded earth shattering when De Stilj and White Blood Cells came out now sound like they're stuck in a rut. Anyway, the album is sub-okay, a few good songs and a bunch of lackluster ones.

BadCoverVersion

05-31-2005, 02:46 PM

The video for Blue Orchid is fucking BRILLIANT!

Is that hot Manc model-freak Karen Elson in nose-bleed heels?

Psychocandy

05-31-2005, 02:56 PM

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
The video for Blue Orchid is fucking BRILLIANT!

Is that hot Manc model-freak Karen Elson in nose-bleed heels?

The video is a masterpiece. I love it when a band comes along who truly understand the relationship that should exist between a song and it's accompanying video. It's not just about creating a throwaway advert for the song and album. It's about creating a piece of art that compliments the song so perfectly that it becomes impossible to think of the song without getting a sudden mental snapshot of the video.

As for the album. Well...i've lived with it for another week or so since outlining my initial thoughts earlier in this thread. It's definitely a grower and i've got to give Jack & Meg credit for following their muse into some pretty fucking bizarre and unexpected territory. Even the songs that I thought would always inhabit a dimension bereft of anything approaching the possibility of enjoyment have grown on me like some kind of strange moss that makes my skin tingle in a manner that whilst not entirely pleasurable is not without it's allure. Overall I can't compare it to anything they've done before. It has it's own identity and with this being the case it should be allowed to stand on it's own without the weight of expectations that were always going to result in disappointment if all the listener wanted was Elephant 2. End of story.

silentasylum

05-31-2005, 11:17 PM

I'm waiting for this album, too. Blue Orchid is a great song. I love the sound they bring. I havent had a chance to see the video, yet. Though I'll keep an eye out for it.

jimmyjdmb

06-01-2005, 05:33 PM

Originally posted by Psychocandy
I love it when a band comes along who truly understand the relationship that should exist between a song and it's accompanying video. It's not just about creating a throwaway advert for the song and album. It's about creating a piece of art that compliments the song so perfectly that it becomes impossible to think of the song without getting a sudden mental snapshot of the video.

The video just fits with the song perfectly and makes the song even better. On the other hand, its not nearly as good as many of their other videos (seven nation army, hardest button, dead leaves).

BadCoverVersion

06-03-2005, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
The video for Blue Orchid is fucking BRILLIANT!

Is that hot Manc model-freak Karen Elson in nose-bleed heels?

Turns out it is, and he's only gone and married her!?

I'm pale and Mancunian, why can't I bag hot ROCK patootie like Jack.

bob

06-03-2005, 07:26 PM

According to billboard.com, the Stripes are playing Red Rocks on August 22.

Mmm...that's good anticipation...

BadCoverVersion

06-03-2005, 08:01 PM

I just can't get enough of My Doorbell and Little Ghost right now.

The Stripesters are so HAVING IT with this album...I LURVE it!

Btw, here are some pictures of Jack's alleged new wife Karen Elson...

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/cosmetotherapy/folders/perfumaholic/laparfumerie/lancementsparfum/images/karenelson.jpg

http://supermodels.nl/karenelson/01.jpg

http://www.saigonnet.vn/gallery/gallery/Mode/Karen-Elson/001.jpg

She looks like a bit of a freak in shoots - as is intended (they shaved her eyebrows and 'whited' her up when she was first discovered) - but she is STUNNING in the flesh, a real head-turner. I've been a fan of her work for a couple of years now...plus she's a fellow Manchester gal so respect is due :)!!!

Psychocandy

06-03-2005, 08:22 PM

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/cosmetotherapy/folders/perfumaholic/laparfumerie/lancementsparfum/images/karenelson.jpg

She looks absolutely stunning there. Jack is a lucky dude.

As for Get Behind Me Satan. It just keeps getting better with every listen. I fucking love it when an album doesn't immediately reveal all it has to reveal. I'm fond of the slow burners. The one's with layers that take some weeks to unpeel. I'm pretty much loving every song at the moment and choosing favorites is a bit of a toughie.

Blue Orchid is a zinger of an opening track. Like the musical equivalent of swallowing an entire tube of sherbert without the dip. The Nurse is fucking odd and more than a little disturbiing. My Doorbell is possibly the most purely addictive pop noise Jack has tossed out thus far. Forever For Her (Is Over For Me) is such a gloriously beautiful song. Makes my heart soar every time. Little Ghost is an addictive strum of a song. The Denial Twist is odd for the first couple of plays but swiftly reveals it's charms. Love the pounding piano throughout. White Moon is lyrically impenetrable but I love it nonetheless. Instinct Blues is another oddity but is one of only two or three songs that sound like classic White Stripes...and it's a good one with a particularly ferocious guitar meltdown at the end. Passive Manipulation...is...well...very odd. Take, Take, Take is another highlight. I totally get the message in this song. As Ugly As I Seem sounds lyrically full of self hate and is a real grower. Red Rain is almost apocalyptically intense. One to play loud...real loud. The final track is reminiscent of Jack's work with Loretta Lynn...and it's a cracking song.

So there we have it. Another great White Stripes album. If you've listened a couple of times and given up...persevere...it's worth it.

BadCoverVersion

06-03-2005, 08:38 PM

Originally posted by Psychocandy
She looks absolutely stunning there. Jack is a lucky dude.

Aint she just a peach!

Elson is a pure break from the norm; free of peroxide, war-paint and the 'trappings' of generic beauty.

I would KILL to look like her...and that's a fact Jack!

Originally posted by Psychocandy
As for Get Behind Me Satan. It just keeps getting better with every listen. I fucking love it when an album doesn't immediately reveal all it has to reveal. I'm fond of the slow burners. The one's with layers that take some weeks to unpeel. I'm pretty much loving every song at the moment and choosing favorites is a bit of a toughie.

Blue Orchid is a zinger of an opening track. Like the musical equivalent of swallowing an entire tube of sherbert without the dip. The Nurse is fucking odd and more than a little disturbiing. My Doorbell is possibly the most purely addictive pop noise Jack has tossed out thus far. Forever For Her (Is Over For Me) is such a gloriously beautiful song. Makes my heart soar every time. Little Ghost is an addictive strum of a song. The Denial Twist is odd for the first couple of plays but swiftly reveals it's charms. Love the pounding piano throughout. White Moon is lyrically impenetrable but I love it nonetheless. Instinct Blues is another oddity but is one of only two or three songs that sound like classic White Stripes...and it's a good one with a particularly ferocious guitar meltdown at the end. Passive Manipulation...is...well...very odd. Take, Take, Take is another highlight. I totally get the message in this song. As Ugly As I Seem sounds lyrically full of self hate and is a real grower. Red Rain is almost apocalyptically intense. One to play loud...real loud. The final track is reminiscent of Jack's work with Loretta Lynn...and it's a cracking song.

So there we have it. Another great White Stripes album. If you've listened a couple of times and given up...persevere...it's worth it.

Hehe..."sherbet without the dip", my personal preference. I can't be dealing with the fountain liquorice...it only complicates the fizz-pop-bang experience. Fab description Candyman.

As for My Doorbell, "purely addictive" is an understatement. Who (but little Jacky White) could make a song out of such mundane subject matter...and make it fucking electrifying to boot.

WHO?

They've outdone themselves.

BakeTheMooCow

06-03-2005, 10:59 PM

Ooh, The White Stripes are reaching the heights of pretentiousness with this album. Blue Orchid was a fine song for a couple of listens, but I've never distanced myself from a single of theirs like I did this. It grates surprisingly quickly, and the video is plain embarrassing. Methinks Jack and Meg hit it too big, too soon with Elephant and fear being osctracized from the indie scene as sell-outs. Trying too hard to be strange, it seems. "Look, a horse, an apple, a baby, an anorexic model, Jack with a mustache and a cane, Meg drumming on plates... we're so weeeeeird!!" Bad surrealism gets on my nerves just like this album. "Forever For Her (Is Over For Me)" and "As Ugly As I Seem" are two songs that stick out as being merely decent. The rest of the album is lazy, lyrically and musically. Lazy, lazy, lazy and pretentious. De Stijl and White Blood Cells are still their best works. Elephant was a fun album, because of the strength of its radio-friendly singles. Get Behind Me Satan truly blows. Maybe they need a break.

BadCoverVersion

06-03-2005, 11:29 PM

Ouch, down to the marrowbone;).

It's a pure grower for me...I adore the Blue Orchid vid'.

I get your reasons for disliking it because I see all the 'weird' clichés and raise 'em tenfold...teetering stilettos, snakes, etc.

Still, I think its so fucking well-made that all is FORGIVABLE!

The Poonchy

06-04-2005, 11:40 PM

too many of you are too big of white stripes fans that just seem to consider get behind me satan great because youre in denial.
i heard the single 'blue orchid' a month and a half ago and couldnt be more disgusted. the song was weak, to say the least. but i wasnt that surprised, because the white stripes musical talent started declining with the failure that was elephant (and im not talking about commercially; the album got them superpopular). from that fame, i think they got way full of themselves, let their egos control them a little bit. the video for 'blue orchid' is full stupid pretention, just trying to show off how weird they really arent. their new album is ridiculously lacklustre, and im thoroughly disappointed in them. and youd think after 7 years, meg white could drum at least a little better.

Psychocandy

06-05-2005, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by The Poonchy
too many of you are too big of white stripes fans that just seem to consider get behind me satan great because youre in denial.
i heard the single 'blue orchid' a month and a half ago and couldnt be more disgusted. the song was weak, to say the least. but i wasnt that surprised, because the white stripes musical talent started declining with the failure that was elephant (and im not talking about commercially; the album got them superpopular). from that fame, i think they got way full of themselves, let their egos control them a little bit. the video for 'blue orchid' is full stupid pretention, just trying to show off how weird they really arent. their new album is ridiculously lacklustre, and im thoroughly disappointed in them. and youd think after 7 years, meg white could drum at least a little better.

Well...I for one am not prone to hyperbole. I judge each album on it's own merits. I also find it a little arrogant when someone throws out comments like "you're in denial" as if he/she is the only one capable of forming a legitimate opinion. I'll admit that I don't expect everyone to enjoy this. It's not Elephant Part 2 and it's even further removed from their debut, De Stijl and White Blood Cells. It's too early for me to decide where it falls in terms of best to worst. I'm very familiar with the earlier albums and Get Behind Me Satan is still a shiny new thing. It could be that in a few weeks after several dozen listens it's appeal could fade. I don't think so though. I didn't take to it immediately and in the past it's been those albums i've ended up loving the most. Are you certain you're not one of those fans who finds himself losing interest in his favorite band when the common herd discover them? It's a common complaint.

bob

06-05-2005, 01:36 PM

Does anyone know what Jack is holding on the cover of Elephant and Get Behind Me Satan?

Sigur509

06-06-2005, 07:39 PM

Just got it. My thoughts later.

thedudeman69

06-06-2005, 07:53 PM

It's coming along with Coldplay's X&Y! YEAH!

Mike Sampson

06-07-2005, 10:52 AM

Coldplay?! Get outta here! Where's my banning stick?

True, the "Orchid" video was soaked in pretentious surrealism but that's just a video that someone else directed. The music is great. Like Rolling Stone says in their review, if you're in a rock band and your name isn't Jack or Meg White then you're in trouble.

Tayzlor

06-07-2005, 11:18 AM

I happened to be up around 9 in the mornin', and the local Wal-Mart didn't have it. :(

Three rows of Coldplay, but not one of Meg holding a white apple.

screamer581

06-07-2005, 01:35 PM

Originally posted by Tayzlor

Three rows of Coldplay, but not one of Meg holding a white apple.

Sounds good to me. *coughColdplayrulescough* :) But yeah, from what I have heard so far of the new cd I'm not too impressed. The so so reviews aren't much helping my interest either.

bob

06-07-2005, 02:11 PM

There's a review posted at whitestripes.net that has Jack stating that he probably won't make rock and roll for too much longer, that rock and roll is "a young man's game". It looks like Jack's gonna become a blues/bluegrass/country artist after the Stripes break up, which is probably why this album is shying away from straight-up rock.

Psychocandy

06-07-2005, 02:32 PM

Originally posted by screamer581
Sounds good to me. *coughColdplayrulescough* :) But yeah, from what I have heard so far of the new cd I'm not too impressed. The so so reviews aren't much helping my interest either.

The reviews in the UK have been overwhelmingly positive for the new album. I've only read...let me think...perhaps one review with much of anything negative to say about it and that was in the predictably fractious review page of a free UK newspaper the critics of which seem to try to go against the consensus whenever possible just for the sake of bucking the trend. Even they gave it 3 out of 5 so it was hardly a so so review.

bowieee

06-07-2005, 04:20 PM

Well I picked up the album today as well as a ticket to see them again next month with the pixies and a million other bands at the san diego street scene. I'm really excited about this show. The album I've only heard once so far and every song was fantastic. I really love those two.

bluesbrother965

06-07-2005, 04:34 PM

I listened to the whole album yesterday, and I think it's great (and Blue Orchid, which I didn't like at first, is growing on me). Bowieee, I envy your ability to attend this San Diego Street Scene thing, I wish I could go. It'd be worth it to see the Pixies and teh White Stripes alone.

screamer581

06-07-2005, 07:41 PM

Originally posted by Psychocandy
The reviews in the UK have been overwhelmingly positive for the new album. I've only read...let me think...perhaps one review with much of anything negative to say about it and that was in the predictably fractious review page of a free UK newspaper the critics of which seem to try to go against the consensus whenever possible just for the sake of bucking the trend. Even they gave it 3 out of 5 so it was hardly a so so review.

Well I just read the rollingstone review of it and they gave it 4 and 1/2 out of 5, so that that gets me semi interested.That said, even though "Elephant" grew on me, I still don't think it was the masterpiece everyone else in the world thought it was.

bob

06-08-2005, 02:16 PM

Well, I picked up the album yesterday, and I can honestly say I love it.

To me, The White Stripes have done what every great band in history does, which is follow the first three steps to being musical history:

1) Find an original, electrifying sound (The White Stripes and De Stijl)
2) Perfect it (White Blood Cells and Elephant)
3) Change it completely and piss everyone off (Get Behind Me Satan)

The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, The Clash...as you go through the all-time greats, everyone did it. And I'm happy to say the Stripes have turned out a very accomplished album. No, you're not going to immediately love any track, except probably "My Doorbell", but the album has many more layers than you hear on first listen, and Jack's bizaare, eerily catchy lyrics are in full swing:

Track by Track (in case you care):
Blue Orchid: The first single, a great, futuristic-sounding rocker. Got to love the vocals.

The Nurse: The marimba and piano rhythm is fantastic, I actually think the short stabs of guitar and drums hinder the song a bit. The lyrics are quite disturbing, especially sung in Jack's lullabye voice.

My Doorbell: Quite honestly, the catchiest song the Stripes have ever done. A happy-sounding sad song.

Forever for Her (Is Over For Me): A great ballad; the first taste you get of Jack's country/blues mentality on this record.

Little Ghost: A straight-up, hoe-down throwin' bluegrass tune. The thick country accent on the vocals might piss you off, but it's Stripes-as-O Brother Where Art Thou.

The Denial Twist: Another great piano rocker. The interplay of drums and piano is deliciously funky.

White Moon: The only song I really haven't been able to get into yet. It's kind of a lullabye to Rita Hayworth, but it's not that musically creative, and too long. Really the only lowlight.

Instinct Blues: This album's "Ball and Biscuit", with equally strange lyrics, a better riff, and a way worse solo. Pretty damn good.

Passive Manipulation: Meg singing eerily for 35 seconds. Forgettable, but kind of cool.

Take, Take, Take: Another piano rocker, also about Rita Hayworth. Great lyrics, vocals, and musicianship. Not much to dislike.

As Ugly As I Seem: Another slower song, hard to get in to, but very interesting.

Red Rain: The guitar comes back full force in this grungy song. Not as good as the other two guitar songs, but still pretty good.

I'm Lonely: A fantastic closer, a country-blues ballad that references White Stripes lore (sister or wife?) without getting cute.

It'll take a few more listens to judge how I feel about it as a whole (if definitely doesn't flow as well as Elephant), but it sounds great so far.