The concision discipline here consists not only of not padding the songs out, but also in not padding them up. That is, he doesn't pile up a bunch of unnecessary crap on top of his basic songs. Operationally, he has enforced this idea by having only Meg and himself play on the album- just the two of them, with no outside help or studio musicians. They get really good effect from this self-imposed box. Also crucial to this optimum effect though, they have significant wiggle room in the studio to multitrack several parts.
He also shows particularly wise artistic discipline with his guitar playing. Jack's rightly known as a hot shot guitar player, yet only maybe three or four of these songs feature fancy electric guitar. Like Richard Thompson, Jack White has the sense not to indulge in wankery. The guitar playing stays focused on serving the actual song. His biggest guitar showcase here is the "Instinct Blues" which clocks in at a modest 4:16- most of which is invested in the main tune of the thing.
Cutting back the guitars makes room for some good marimba parts in several places, starting obviously with "The Nurse." Jack really gets some outstanding instrumental color out of the instrument. As a supporting instrument, his marimbas really top off the lament of "Forever for Her (Is over for me)." They really give it some flava.
Words certainly must be said in praise of the beautiful lightly soured melancholy of the closing "I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)." That's just a beautiful melody, and that simple gospel piano sets it off just right. On a CD mix disc, this would make a good sour side by side with the sweet "That's the Way (I'm Only Trying to Help You)" from the Culture Club. That'd make good contrasting emotional flavor from two stylistically similar songs.
I'll say one thing sort of against the album: Most of the song titles are not reflected in the principle vocal hooks of the songs, making it challenging to remember most of the song titles. The words "take take take" appear in the lyrics of a song apparently about a presumptuous and demanding fan, but they're not the hook. That comes from about a dozen and half variations of "xxx... and that was all that I needed." This puts me in mind of Steve Martin's Jerk, Navin R Johnson, gathering up an ashtray and then a paddle ball, etc, "...and that's all I need." The title "Take Take Take" makes sense, but it's not the main thing you'd remember from the song. Likewise with "The Nurse."
Article comments
1 - DJRadiohead
"As Ugly As I Seem" is my early favorite on the album. This is not what I expected from White Stripes which right away makes it at least more interesting than some other recent releases. I do like the album but I will stick with "Elephant" as my favorite of Jack's work.
2 - Kay
I cannot get enough of this cd. It is simply amazing!
3 - Al Barger
Hallelujah, Sister Kay. Preach it!
DJ, I'm pretty stuck on this one at the moment obviously, but all votes for Elephant as the WS best will be counted. I think I'ma have to stop and get up on some "There's No Home for You Here Girl" action right now.
4 - sara
You know that Jack White was on his way to priesthood before committing fully to music. And, from all that I've read, he hasn't had a bad experience with religion. So, I doubt the title is pro-Satan. :)
5 - Lono
Al,
What a review! I didn't know you had any rock left in you. Great piece!
6 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
i have to add my yack-piece here. great great review, Al, and i share your love of the record. i can see the point of folks hwo found it a bit slight or unfinished sounding or whatever, but i love it dearly. and tell me you can't hear Loretta Lynn doin Little Ghost!
7 - Eric Berlin
Man, this is one powerhouse of a record. Great review, Al.
And I simply love that everyone seems to be taken by different songs or elements of the album.
I'm simply blown out the fucking door by "The Denial Twist." Everytime I listen to it (couple times a day at least) I think, "This is what rock music is supposed to be." The vocals work so well against the rollicking, sharp underbelly of the piano and drums (how often does unadulterated piano rock that hard?).
I'm also a big fan of "My Doorbell," which I can't help singing along to as loud as possible everytime it comes on (luckily this is most often in the car). It's been criticized elsewhere for being a White Stripes retread, but I disagree.
Overall, there's so much treasure to be unearthed and discovered here, I don't think I've even yet scratched the surface.
8 - The Theory
I, too, very much appriciate this album. While I tend to prefer his earlier stuff (White Stripes and De Stijl) I also enjoy Elephant (though, White Blood Cells was horrible).
I think that while Blue Orchid is the *best* song on the album, the one that intrigues me most is The Nurse. Am I the only one who hears Jack White channelling "A Ghost Is Born" era Jeff Tweedy on that song?
9 - Shawn
GBMS is a great album, no doubt, but I can't wait to hear Jack's side project, Detroit?s ?answer to ?Nevermind??!
10 - Al Barger
Theory, White Blood Cells was not as consistent as GBMS, but it had "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" which is still my favorite one White Stripes song, and "We Are Going to Be Friends" which isn't far behind.
11 - Eric Berlin
I think each album has its own charms, and I wouldn't really put any of them over any other at this point. I love White Blood Cells as it's got great variety. "Fell in Love With A Girl" is The White Stripes' classic garage rocker.
I love "Dead Leaves" as well. It was the first song I ever heard from the band... I was like, "What the hell is this? I'm not sure, but I sure as hell dig it."
12 - Al Barger
Their SNL performance of "Dead Leaves" was my introduction to the band. Yowsa!
13 - Scott
"I think that while Blue Orchid is the *best* song on the album, the one that intrigues me most is The Nurse. Am I the only one who hears Jack White channelling "A Ghost Is Born" era Jeff Tweedy on that song?"
"Blue Orchid" is one fiery hot rock song. I love every second of it. And now, thinking about "the Nurse," it could almost be a Wilco b-side if it was recorded cleaner.
This is a great record. Not what I expected but just so much more than what I hoped for.
14 - Nancy Marcussen
Great review. I also have to listen 2 or 3 times a day. The marimbas had me from hello.
I too thought of Steve Martin in "The Jerk" when he said, "and that's all I need".
There are favorites of mine on each album I own. (all exept for their first, but I will own that soon)
15 - Sister Ray
They're coming to Indianapolis:
http://cc.com/detail.html?eventID=211987
16 - Kay
Eric said:
"Overall, there's so much treasure to be unearthed and discovered here, I don't think I've even yet scratched the surface."
You hit the nail on the head with that statement.Everyday I listen to this record, I discover something new about it.It's simply unbelievable!
17 - Mark Saleski
"The Nurse" doesn't sound like anything else you've ever heard. It's built on a gentle marimba riff, with a soft shuffling maraca. The melody is tender and contemplative. That's already a pretty unique sound.
this is exactly why you've just got to check out Swordfishtrombones by Tom Waits. it's right up barger alley. no kiddin'.
and yep, this is one fine record (and review too).
18 - HW Saxton
I guess I'm the black sheep here but...
As these folks have kept on releasing
their stuff, I have become more and more
alienated by them. I didn't really like
their earlier stuff all that much but I
thought it was paving the way for better
and cooler things to come.I do really
like the minimalist approach but with
this one they have lost me.I was hoping
that they would take a bluesier turn a
la another Dee-Troit band I LOVE called
"The Gories". A Minimalist Blues-Garage-
Punk band that I know had some sort of
influence on The Stripes somewhere down
the line.The Loretta Lynn disc Jack W.
produced is all aces though.
19 - HW Saxton
I guess I'm the black sheep here but...
As these folks have kept on releasing
their stuff, I have become more and more
alienated by them. I didn't really like
their earlier stuff all that much but I
thought it was paving the way for better
and cooler things to come.I do really
like the minimalist approach but with
this one they have lost me.I was hoping
that they would take a bluesier turn a
la another Dee-Troit band I LOVE called
"The Gories". A Minimalist Blues-Garage-
Punk band that I know had some sort of
influence on The Stripes somewhere down
the line.The Loretta Lynn disc Jack W.
produced is all aces though.