Everyones favourite Blues Rock duo release satanic, piano-led album.For some strange reason it works to a brilliant effect.Surely after two years of punch-ups,Hollywood girlfriends,car crashs and starring in crappy war films (Cold mountain).You'd think the last thing Jack White would do is make the most experimental album of his career.Well that's what he's done.
Respect must be given to White.After breaking into the mainstream in 2003 with the brilliant 'Elephant' album.Then admitting he hates his new celebrity lifestyle and been in the limelight.'Get Behide Me Satan' could be Jack sticking two fingers up to the mainstream.Going his own way and not listening to his record label.Whatever it is it's great.
Track By Track:
1.Blue Orchid-
First single and a great one at that.With some great high pitched vocals and a catchy riff from Jack.Whlist Meg....um,well shes keeps good rhythm.It was rumoured that this track is about Jack's fight with Von Bondies frontman Jason Stollsteimer in Detroit in Demcember 2003.The line ''How dare you,How old are you now anyway''.Overall a brilliant opening track.
9/10
2.The Nurse-
The first expermental track and one of the best.On it's first listen it just sounds werid and a bit of a album filler.But after a while it becomes extremely addictive.With Jack on a marimba and odd little guitar riff in places it all fits into place perfectly.
8/10
3.My Doorbell-
Take one Ragtime piano,some pounding drums and a hyper sounding Jack and you get the second single.Catchy and danceable.With great lyrics about Jack's isolation ''I don't need any of your pity i've got plenty of my own friends there all above me''.It even has a bass guitar in the background.I don't know why i find it so amazing but...They've got a bass guitar in the background!.
8/10
4.Forever For her (Is Over For Me)-
A full on Piano ballad.It's a nice come down after the first three tracks.But is a bit weak and dull after a couple of listens.
6.5/10
5.Little Ghost-
Blue grass influenced song.Charming yet a bit cheesy for the White Stripes.Lyrics about Jack falling in love with a little ghost (well no!) who no one else can see.Ok!.
6.5/10
6.The Denial Twist-
Very funky and one of my favourites.Like a faster version 'My Doorbell'.The piano sounds great on this track and as well as the drums.
7/10
7.White Moon-
Another ballad.This time with a funeral march feel.So it's quite morbid and bland after the funky 'Denial Twist'.
5/10
8.Instinct Blues-
Back to old White Stripes Blue Rock on a track which sees Jack name a bucket load of animals.Refreshing but seems like a filler track to me.
5/10
9.Passive Manipulation-
God talk about a filler track.This is where Meg gets her time to shine.Repeating the same line 3 times whlist hitting a cow bell.Pointless.
0/10
10.Take,Take,Take-
After 3 weak tracks.'Take,Take,Take' puts the pace back up.Telling the story of Jack incounter with Rita Hayworth.It's quirky yet catchy and has a simple yet great chrous.
8/10
11.As Ugly As I Same-
Jack on acoustic guitar.Meg on bongo (Obviously).Simple but still effective.7/10
12.Red Rain-
If your missing Led Zeppelin.Listen to 'Red Rain'.High pitched guitars.Glass shattering vocals.It sounds like Jack has been replaced by Robert Plant.That's not a bad thing in my opinon.
7/10
13.I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely)-
Another Ballad.But this time you wrists are safe.Like 'Elephant's final track 'It's True That We Love One Another'.It's shows how hard it is not to love The White Stripes.
8/10
Overall:
'Get Behide Me Satan' will never match up to 'Elephant' but it shows a band who are capible of doing anything. May it be Acoustic pop ('As Ugly As I Seem'),Glamrock stompers ('Blue Orchid') or experimental Marimba-led track ('The Nurse'). It may isolate a few fans insteed of gaining some new ones and i wouldn't recommened it to anyone as a first purchase for new stripes fans. But respect is given to The White Stripes for delivering an album which beams confidence and charm.
Rating:4/5
Download:
Blue Orchid
My Doorbell
The Nurse
The Denial Twist
Take Take Take
I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)
If You Like This,Try This:
The White Stripes-
Elephant (8/10)
Led Zeppelin-
One (8/10)
The Von Bondies-
Pawn Shoppe Heart (9/10)
Thanks For Reading.
