THE WHITE STRIPES - ELEPHANT

The White Stripes... My first exposure to them was through a friend who worked in the medical supply field. He listened to them nonstop. When I found out my sister liked them too I started paying more attention. I bought this little number at a pawn shop for something like $3. From the opening drums of 'Seven Nation Army', you know something special is happening here. Brother and sister duo, Jack and Meg White, make more noise for two people than most bands do with five or six. The momentum continues with 'Black Math'; a rockin' number that reminds me of early Beatles songs. Though Jack sounds more like Robert Plant than Paul McCartney. 'There's No Home For You Here' has an incredible build. It all happens through the intensity of the vocal delivery on the verses. The chorus is the natural progression of the urgency of the lyric narrative. Another great tune. Three in a row.

The next two tracks are where the bottom falls out. The cover of 'I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself' is quite boring. This demonstrates that a boring song can't always be saved by an exciting band. If the songs sucks, it will usually suck no matter who's doing it. Meg takes over vocals for 'In The Cold, Cold, Night'. It's a nice number, but doesn't really stand out compared to other material. Meg has a smaller less expressive voice than her brother and singing isn't where she feels comfortable. You can tell the vocal feels forced at times. There's something wrong and right about 'I Want To Be The Boy To Warm Your Mother's Heart'. The song has an almost schoolboy fantasy quality when you consider the lyrics, but it's sweetly sentimental and even though there's an implied perv quotient here, the lyrics never really cross the line and forever stay in the realm of honest and true intentions. 'You've Got Her In Your Pocket' is a wonderful follow up. It's a ballad, but beautifully performed. There's a sad quality to this number. It makes me sigh when I listen to it.

'Ball And Biscuit' is a powerful blues number. Jack comes on like a preacher on Sunday. He oozes presence on this one, folks. 'The Hardest Button To Button' is another track with presence and a deep southern feel you can't quite relate to unless you've been there. Listen to Jack talk about curing the baby's illness by taking a rag doll and sticking little pins in it. It's got all the makings of trailer trash, backwoods, wrong side of the tracks anthem. And he pulls it off artistically and profoundly. 'Little Acorns' is another amazing number. Featuring an introduction sounding like a "How to" inspirational manual on tape, this number is the first track that verges on metal. The deep electric guitar screeching throughout the song is indeed awesome! 'Hypnotize' is another 50's rocker with metal guitar. The music continues to build once again with 'The Air Near My Fingers' and 'Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine'. Each subsequent track increases the pace both in sound and speed. Very satisfying.

The final track, a duet with Holly Golightly called 'Well It's True That We Love One Another' is probably my least favorite track on the entire record. It's a strange number that sounds more like a group of 13 year olds talking than a group of rock and roll stars. It's bouncy and annoying on so many levels.

They named the record "Elephant" and I'm guessing that title was meant to invoke a sense of largeness and power. In my opinion, they succeed rather well. The two of them create a rich full sound that incorporates so many sounds and possibilities. The White Stripes are unique and truly amazing with what they're doing. "Elephant" is the perfect example of the breadth of this band's potential. My final words: LARGER THAN LIFE AND TWICE AS LOUD!

THE WHITE STRIPES - ELEPHANT
01. Seven Nation Army
02. Black Math
03. There's No Home For You Here
04. I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
05. In The Cold, Cold, Night
06. I Want To Be The Boy To Warm Your Mother's Heart
07. You've Got Her In Your Pocket
08. Ball And Biscuit
09. The Hardest Button To Button
10. Little Acorns
11. Hypnotize
12. The Air Near My Fingers
13. Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine
14. Well It's True That We Love One Another