The White Stripes Album: “Elephant [Japan Bonus Tracks]”

There are things in life that we just don't want to see change because they're so damn good the way they are. They're comfort food for the soul. The White Stripes are such comfort food for me. Following up the massive breakout record White Blood Cells they've given us another fabulous record that bleeds classic White Stripes sound. . The title, Elephant, was chosen because the animal represents their personalities: regal, innocent, compassionate, and subtle. The musical rules are loosened a bit from the previous record's tight restrictions, but it's hardly anything new, even in the world of Jack and Meg White. IN the end it's still all about guitar and drums, indistinct relationships, and red and white outfits.

Jack's confidence as a songwriter really shows through. It's as Jack has stated an album about the death of the sweethearts (note the dying country lovers the album cover depicts) and, for the most part, the songs center around the ways of love, relationships, commitment and the rules that govern going about them. Nothing too new here, much like a lot of White Blood Cells lyric wise; personal with keeping enough hidden to still be mysterious.

The musical structure is quite familiar, but there's enough "new" elements to satisfy. They're quite comfortable with themselves and their musical formula and they should be because it works quite well. The first single and lead track "Seven Nation Army" kicks in with a false bass groove (guitar w/ pedal effect) and kicks the album to a charging start with the usual charging blues based riffs that have become Jack's trademark. The loud riffing continues on such songs as the building then bombastic "Hardest Button to Button", the crunching "Little Acorns", and the punk, could be hit single "Hypnotize". Then there's the softer side of Jack White with the acoustic, tender "You've Got Her in Your Pocket" and "Cold, Cold Night", which has Meg takes over on vocals.

The record just reminds me why the White Stripes are so much beyond just another garage revival band (not that the rest of the bands are without merit). Even with all the relationship rumors that float around the band and their personas they never pretend to be something they're not. Even with their simplistic musical styles they're still put out more a more interesting sound than the rest of the lot. The slow going evolution of Jack White's songwriting is certainly something to be excited about and I think they've yet to make their best record, but this one is pretty damn close if not.

Listen, I've been a drummer for about 5 years now. And not to sound cocky, but I'm pretty damn good. And I can tell by listening to other drummers if they are good or not. Yes, Meg White's drumbeats are not hard one bit. They are probably the easiest drumbeats ever caught on tape. But that does not mean they are bad. They fit these songs perfectly. Jack has said it himself; if she was trying to be a hotshot drummer like most other drummers, it would not work. She blends perfectly. So shut the hell up, Meg bashers.

Now that I got my little rant out, I can now say that this is one of my favorite albums of all time. I never get sick of this album. I can rock out to this any time I want; in the car, at a party, in my room, etc. This music is completely infectious. From the opening guitar in "Seven Nation Army" to the rather amusing ending to "Well It's True That We Love One Another," I feel hypnotized (no tie-in intended).

Jack White, whether you want to admit it or not, is an amazing guitarist. The things this guy can do never fail to astound me. He has some solos on this disc that are almost Hendrix-worthy. His vocals are also incredibly powerful. He isn't the greatest singer in the world, and he doesn't need to be. Like Meg's drumming, his voice fits this music perfectly. Let's go through the songs, shall we?

"Seven Nation Army" - The perfect opening to this album. A very hypnotic guitar part and some great lyrics. Meg's drums sound incredibly powerful in this one. I personally think it was worth the radio play that it got.

"Black Math" - One of the hardest rockin' songs on this album. The vocals are stinging, and the slight tempo change in the middle is really cool. This is even better when played live.

"There's No Home For You Here" - Whenever someone asks me what my favorite song on this album is, I always have an argument with myself between 3 or 4 songs, and this is one of them. The harmonies between Jack and...Jack are great. They almost sound like Beatles harmonies. His guitar is rarely more powerful. Just a completely kick-ass song.

"I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" - Another one of my favorite songs. The mellow parts are very good, and the ending is very fitting. Only Jack and Meg can turn a Dusty Springfield song into this.

"In the Cold, Cold Night" - The most hypnotic song on the album. Meg's vocals totally bring you out of your world and into theirs. They're just so darn mesmerizing. The organ adds a nice touch.

"I Want To Be The Boy To Warm Your Mother's Heart" - A very nice song with meaningful lyrics. Guys, don't we all remember the girlfriend's mom we tried to win over? Excellent slide guitar solo in the middle, I might add.

"You've Got Her In Your Pocket" - Excellent heartfelt ballad with awesome guitar playing and vocals. The only Stripes song to ever feature only one of them.

"Ball and Biscuit" - 7 minutes and 23 seconds of pure brilliance. 4 amazing guitar solos that would make Eddie Van Halen drop his jaw. Great bluesy lyrics and solid drumming. Even Bob Dylan was impressed with this song. Enough to bring Jack on stage in one of his concerts to perform it (no joke!). I could listen to this all day.

"The Hardest Button to Button" - The White Stripes have bass in one of their songs!! Don't worry, they aren't selling out. The bass really adds to the attitude of this song. The absolute best thing are the lyrics. They are so odd, yet they walk on the edge of ingenious. Good job, Jack.

"Little Acorns" - Yes, the opening is a little weird, but it ties in with the song. The guitar is greatly heavy.

"Hypnotize" - Jack and Meg made this song short and sweet. It goes by quick, but every second is hypnotizing (once again, no pun intended).

"The Air Near My Fingers" - Another one of my absolute favorites on this album. The lyrics are very good and the guitar is just plain awesome. I love the rockin' organ as well.

"Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine" - Don't let the title turn you off. I can't explain how awesome this song is. It is probably the single hardest rockin' song on the album. The lyrics are sung very fast, but they are brilliant. I could listen to this song all day.

"Well It's True That We Love One Another" - Yes, they probably could have found a better way to close out the album, but this isn't necessarily a bad choice. Some of the lines are pretty funny, and everyone gets in on the fun.

If you couldn't tell by now, I frickin' love this album to death. The White Stripes are brilliant and I can't wait to see them live in September. So don't listen to all the Meg-haters. If you appreciate good music whatsoever, get "Elephant." I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I'm not a musician, so I have no idea if these guys have 'talent'. The lyrics may not be great, either; and the music itself may be completely derivational and unoriginal. But really, who gives a f---? It sounds awesome, it rocks, it's fun. And if they sound so much like _insert great 60s band here_, isn't that a compliment? Aren't you basically calling the music kick-a--, saying that if it were recorded 35 years ago it'd now be on a greatest hits compilation like Hot Rocks? As Picasso said, good artists copy but great artists steal. And if it's overrated, well...? So what? Does that mean you can no longer enjoy it? If it's good, it's good, and if it's bad, it's bad.

So get over yourselves, purists. Jack White could be the biggest poseur in the world, but if poseurs rock like this, then tell me where to find more.

One guitar, one voice, one set of drums. Limiting? Forget it. This, and unless I'm going to be very mistaken, together with the forthcoming Yeah Yeah Yeahs debut show that this, in the right hands, can be the most liberating of line-ups. Primal. Earthy. Just proper. Just rock 'n' roll.

The NME had this as one of their Top 100 Albums of all-time before it was even released. Which may or may not be ridiculous.

So what you have to do is ignore stuff like that and just listen to the music...

'Seven Nations Army' sets it up. The de-tuned guitar intro leading into the woozy guitar blasting out of each verse. Which for me is just fine but leads to criticism, the criticism of this band : That This Is Nothing New. Mmmm, well, maybe. And maybe, so what. It is clear that the main inspiration here is the blues and to some extent this is music as old as the hills. But then there are rock stylings and aggression ( 'Black Math' could be hardcore, if it wasn't so schizophrenic...)and a singular personality/force of will that is Jack White. And then more than a dash of Pixies. Which is obviously a good thing.

I won't bore you with all the hyperbole that has already invested the many reviews. BUT....here it is:

My son turned me on to the Stripes a couple of years ago and I'm 60 next year and for all of you ZEP, STONES, AC/DC, LENNON, GARAGE fans....shaddup and get this cd.

Its the cleanest,toughest, rawest yet coherent best crap I've heard in 20 years. I've turned tons a folks my age on to this stuff and they love it. It's a drug!

BUY IT!