#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.

#18: Norah Jones - Not Too Late (2007)

Not Too Late is the third studio album by Norah Jones and the third consecutive #1 album she had. A little fun fact about Norah is that her father is Ravi Shankar, the famous sitar player. He also taught George Harrison how to play the sitar. Small world.

Sinkin' Soon
The best track on the album. It's witty, it's fun, it's a little cooky. It also features the coolest horn solo on any of her records, maybe even the best solo overall. The guitar keep a little picking going while Norah's haunting vocals lay on top of a slow, yet bouncy bass. The piano fills make the song really move for me, they're extremely tasteful and elegant. Overall the song just has oodles of atmosphere. It's unlike any other track on the record.


My Dear Country
Lyrically it fits in any time period. No matter what political party you're aligned with, it can be applied. It's such a beautiful, dark song that starts with a simple piano/vocal and slowly stretches out to an out of control machine. This song (along with Sinkin' Soon) are the reasons I chose to review this album, they are two of her best... and also because nothing scarier than election day.

Not Too Late
Why is it that every time I play a simple piano part it sounds contrite and lacks any kind of emotion, and when Norah Jones does it - it's magical? Maybe it's the fact that she has some of the most amazing pipes I've ever heard. Maybe it's because she can control her words so well that it really doesn't matter what she says. Or maybe it's just because the accompaniment always comes in at the perfect time and never allows your ear to get bored. Either way, 'Not Too Late' is a simple, yet beautiful song that's worthy of being the namesake of such a wonderful album.

All in all, it's a ridiculously solid record. If you're looking for something upbeat and poppy this is not your album, but if you're looking for something that's rich on emotion and thought - this will be right up your alley. Norah does an incredible job of mixing jazz, folk, and a little pop into thirteen tracks of goodness. I listen to this album probably four or five times a month and it never fails to deliver.

Tomorrow's album: Thelonious Monk's Brilliant Corners