#90: Jack White - Blunderbuss (2012)

Jack White is the man. I have such deep and great respect for him. He does crazy stuff and makes it cool, he tries to get away with as much as he can. He's influenced by musicians all over the map and he's one of the most talented and bravest songwriters out there. What he does isn't always popular, but that's not the point now is it?

Sixteen Saltines
Sounds more of a Scorpions 'Rock You Like A Hurricane' type of lick to start, however, this song is a lot angrier (and cooler). The vocal technique he uses on this is something he's known for. He uses multiple takes and one is clearly heard than the other, but he doesn't try to sing it the same way on both takes. This creates a lot of depth on an otherwise thin vocal line (for higher notes).

Love Interruption
What I love about White is the fact that he has such an amazing range. He can rock so hard and then this is the next song. It features an acoustic guitar and a melodica speaking of what love should be. For most artists these type of songs don't transition well to the rest of the album, but the arrangement and the beautiful backup vocals really make this track shine. This isn't a collection of 'rock' songs, it's just a collection of really well written songs.

I'm Shakin'
I know this is a cover and there's plenty of other original songs that also could be spotlighted, however this song is just so damn cool. It's got the best groove on the album, the vocals are phenomenal, it rocks, it's such a great recording. It's absolutely the best track on the album and I especially give him bonus points for pronouncing the word "nervous" as "nouy-vous". It's the best cover of an old school blues song put in a modern setting since the Black Crowes' 'Hard to Handle'.

All in all, this album is a reminder that commercial albums are dumb. Not that there's not good commercial music, there certainly is. I really tend to like records that aren't usually socially acceptable, but they're just so good they become acceptable. From a songwriter's point of view this album is a resounding success.

Tomorrow's album: The Rolling Stones' The Rolling Stones.

#20: White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan (2005)

This album is a bit different from the rest of the White Stripes' catalog. There's a lot less rock/blues music, as well as less lead guitar. There are track that feature a marimba, piano, and other instruments that hadn't been used in recordings previous to this album's release. It's a little more adventurous than some of their previous works and it proves just how good Jack White is (and continues to be).

Blue Orchid
I still have no idea what's being said both lyrically and on a deeper level, but it's still so incredibly cool. It's such a simple riff, simple guitar part, but somehow it works so well. Jack White has proven to be one of the best guitarists of our generation and it's not always because of the difficulty of material he writes. Such a cool groove that flows seamlessly from the verse to the chorus. It's one of those awesome riffs in which you wonder, "It's so simple but so effective... How was this not recorded prior to this?"

My Doorbell
This is the song that got me hooked me on the White Stripes. From the Ringo-esque thwaps of the drums to the broken boogie of the piano, this song is full of what constitutes to me as a perfect song. Again, the White Stripes excel in an environment that doesn't thrive on complexities, but on simple riffs and thoughts. Every part is spot on, there's not a weak spot on the track. Best track on the album.

I'm Lonely(But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)
Sometimes you hear a song and all you can feel is jealousy. I wish I wrote this song. It's my favorite track on the record, and it's a perfect bookend to the album. Simple but not understated, elegant yet honest, and incredibly soulful. There's not really much else to say, it's an amazing track that you should listen to right now.

All in all, it's a very good album. It can get a little out there at times and that's something I really enjoy. Not enough has been said about Meg White. She provides percussion on the album and while some may say that her parts are too simple, I find them to be simply perfect. She lays out very good, rhythmic beats that Jack can just go nuts over. I really think the simplicity of the drums adds to the overall music. One thing I just can't get over is how refreshingly honest this album is. It may not be "pop friendly" all the way through, but that's why I like it so much. It's an album that's very true to it's writer despite what anyone else thinks about it, and that's something I can definitely learn from.

Tomorrow's album: Sabu's Palo Congo.