Rate the new White Stripes album

[abcdefz]

...once you've let it sink in. It's supposed to be a little baffling.

Comes out today. I'll get it at lunchtime, I guess. $9.99 at Best Buy -- yeah, yeah; I know. :o

[wavin_goodbye]

weird.. i thought i put a 6 :confused:

[saz]

baffling is good and so far I'm digging it, although it could use more blues.

[Darko]

There's a lot of great moments on the album, but overall, it sounds more like a transition record than anything. The best moments are when it gets weird, like on 'The Nurse' and 'Red Rain'. But the rest of the album sounds like typical White Stripes.

[abcdefz]

....song four is just starting.

So far, the album sounds like a good kind of weird.

[abcdefz]

Wow... this album's really nuts. :D

[abcdefz]

Okay: I'm spinning it again.

I'll say this -- it's a pretty exciting album. There's some terrific stuff on here, and it's so loose and... I think it's brave. More than half the songs are things that I can see managers scratching their heads at. "Blue Orchid" makes a lot more sense as part of this album than it did as a single; I get it now.

I'm leaning toward an 8 or a 9.

[Mr Films]

I'm coming up on half way through it.

so far, "forever for her (is over for me)" is my favorite.

so far it sounds like a worthy kin to Elephant.

[abcdefz]

...you're probably about where I am.

If not, wait'll you hear "Take, Take, Take." Very cool.

[abcdefz]

This is a fantastic record. Takes big chances by ignoring the fact that it's taking any chances at all... Supposedly the whole thing was written and recorded in two weeks, and I can totally see it: so much of it seems to be operating on instinct and un-selfconsciousness. Great stuff.

9 out of 10.

[Mr Films]

good to have the ol stripes back

[open letter]

i own and love all there albums

they are amazing ,jack = god (y)

[abcdefz]

Wow.

I wonder when their next album's coming out. :D

[Mr Films]

they are amazing, jack = god (y)

or satan.

which ever

[Mr Films]

If not, wait'll you hear "Take, Take, Take." Very cool.

you weren't kidding.

awesome awesome track (y)

[abcdefz]

...I'm on "As Ugly as I Seem" again. Three plays in a row.

This is another great song. Man. This is good stuff.

[abcdefz]

...I just realized: is this their first album without any covers? Jack wrote all the songs.

[open letter]

blue orchic is an amazing track (y)

[abcdefz]

So far, my favorites are most of the album:

The Nurse
My Doorbell :D
Forever for Her
Little Ghost
White Moon
Take, Take, Take
As Ugly as I Seem
I'm Lonely



...Passive Manipulation is dandy, but at 35 seconds or so, I don't know if it really qualifies...

[saz]

yep it's dope...this is sorta like their Between the Buttons. I also gotta agree with films about forever for her, but soon enough I'll have tons of favs

[abcdefz]

This is a GREAT album. Maybe it's just because it's new, but I think it's my new favorite album of theirs.

[LOBSTER PRIZE!]

its fucking dogshit.

and I like pretty much everything else they put out. Just more of the same old crap.

oh wow, my doorbell...sounds pretty much like hello operator. ZZZZZZ

[abcdefz]

its fucking dogshit.

and I like pretty much everything else they put out. Just more of the same old crap.




I don't get it.

This is dogshit; this is "more of the same"... which you like.

So you like the other dogshit but not this dogshit?

[LOBSTER PRIZE!]

its the same old minimalist formula and gimmicks. Songs so simple they seem a bit complex in their simplicity. I get it. It worked for a while, its just played out and stupid.

[abcdefz]

Fair enough.

Still works for me, though. It'd be kind of like complaining that "Start Me Up" sounds too much like a Stones song.

[HEIRESS]

HE's SO COLD COLD COLD LIKE A TOMBSTOOOOOOOONE

[Mr Films]

i only have this and elephant, so I can't really say how it compares to past material.

I can say I prefer this one of the two.

pretty much all the songs are great.

Take, Take, Take has got to be one of their best songs.

man, 2005 is a kick ass music year.

[Parkey]

'Nurse' sounds just like the theme tune to Rentaghost...

[Documad]

HE's SO COLD COLD COLD LIKE A TOMBSTOOOOOOOONE
:D

[Rancid_Beasties]

I'm really lovin the album so far, especially White Moon and Instinct Blues (y) I'll be sure to comment further once i've finished the whole album :D

[icy manipulator]

is it as good as their last one???

[open letter]

is it as good as their last one???
yes ,if not better

[abcdefz]

Right now, I prefer it to any of their other albums, so it just supplanted Elephant in my affections. But I have a feeling, once the novelty wears off, those two albums will jostle for first place and it'll just depend on my mood.

This is the rare artist that I really think has just steadily improved, album by album.

[Rancid_Beasties]

I probably like it the most of all their albums at this stage. Needs a few more listens though.

[abcdefz]

I'm making myself stop listening to it for a while. I heard it about five times yesterday and twice already this morning. I feel gluttonous.

[Mr Films]

this thread faded too quick.

and i agree with a-z about them steadily improving

"Red Rain" is my new fav

[open letter]

i actauly think that white blood cell count is there best album

it has such a variaty of differnt sounds on it (y)

[abcdefz]

It's been in constant rotation since Tuesday.

I bet you the pigs get it.

[Mr Films]

Take Take Take is such a bad ass song.

it makes me want to sit around and listen to Jack tell stories all day.

and to think I counted these two out years ago.

shame on me.

ps, haha, both me and a-z are quoting songs from the record in our sigs.

nerd up!

[abcdefz]

:D

[DroppinScience]

Right now, I'm on Track 8 ("Instinct Blues") and it's awesome as usual!

Gotta let it sink in, of course.

I'm not sure they'd ever top "White Blood Cells" though (yes, "Elephant" is great, but WBC is my personal fave).

[Mr Films]

hmmm, maybe I'll check out white blood cells

[Freebasser]

I think you all need to change your pants, before they stain forever.

[Rancid_Beasties]

I'm not too happy with the five 1/10's that the album has got in this poll though (n)

[Tzar]

I'm not too happy with the five 1/10's that the album has got in this poll though (n)

HAHAHA \m/
i hate the white stripes even though i've only heard "7 nation army" and "push button-whatever the fuck".

they think they're too good for a bassist, but they have some hell recognisable basslines. fucking tarts.

[Rancid_Beasties]

HAHAHA \m/
i hate the white stripes even though i've only heard "7 nation army" and "push button-whatever the fuck".

they think they're too good for a bassist, but they have some hell recognisable basslines. fucking tarts.

Hardest button to button :D
The basslines are done with a standard guitar and an octaviser pedal i think. But yeah I wouldnt think the white stripes would be your thing, but this is not a "rate the white stripes" poll its a "rate this album" poll, like only if you've actually listened to it :p

[Mr Films]

they think they're too good for a bassist, but they have some hell recognisable basslines. fucking tarts.

you're a tool

[Documad]

I think you all need to change your pants, before they stain forever.
lol

What if I dislike the White Stripes, but like this album? What will that mean?

I don't understand the White Stripes--what their goal is. I didn't give them a fair shake from the beginning because I hated everything about them -- the made up stories, the calculated freaky behavior, and the fawning critics who are always sucked in by this kind of schtick. This time, I loved the single against my will.

But what are the White Stripes trying to sound like? For instance, I like the second track, but I think that's because it sounds like an outtake from a Led Zeppelin album you never heard. Is that what they're going for?


[and yeah, I don't think you should vote unless you listened to the album a few times. :)]

[Rancid_Beasties]

I think their aim is to sound like they haven't had an aim in making their music. Hence all the weirdness and inconsistancies and garagey sound. Of course I'm no expert but thats my take. I've always loved them (y), although i did choose to see goldfinger over them at livid 2003 because i was big into that sort of music back then :o

[abcdefz]

But what are the White Stripes trying to sound like? For instance, I like the second track, but I think that's because it sounds like an outtake from a Led Zeppelin album you never heard. Is that what they're going for?



They're really big on stripped down, minimalist sort of art. If you read this description of the Dutch style de Stijl and apply it to music instead of arcietecture, it might provide some insight:

de Stijl artists and art

Dutch nonfigurative art movement, also called neoplasticism. In 1917 a group of artists, architects, and poets was organized under the name de Stijl, and a journal of the same name was initiated. The leaders of the movement were the artists Theo van Doesburg and Piet Mondrian. They advocated a purification of art, eliminating subject matter in favor of vertical and horizontal elements, and the use of primary colors and noncolors. Their austerity of expression influenced architects, principally J.J.P.Oud and Gerrit Rietveld. The movement lasted until 1931; in architecture a few de Stijl principles are still applied.

[Documad]

Well, I messed up. I didn't mean the second track. It's the third track and the next few after that where Jack sounds like Robert Plant, so sometimes it sounds like a Led Zeppelin track before they added Bonzo and Page. :) But some songs also strongly remind me of the early, non-hit Rolling Stones stuff. I'm really bad at explaining. But it doesn't sound remotely new. It sounds like I found some old LPs I forgot I had from some blues-influenced British group that never hit it big. Which I guess sounds new to people today who are looking for a change from slick electronic music.

I dislike most of the bands that are reputed to play their instruments really well, and generally prefer stripped down bands. But on the other hand, I don't usually like the authetic garage sounding stuff unless they have a really killer song here and there.

I can't help thinking that the drummer isn't nearly as good as the kid next door practicing in his basement and I can't help wondering what it would sound like with a better drummer, and if Jack had spent a couple more weeks working on the lyrics. It probably would be worse, but I'd be interested to find out. :D I also keep wondering how much is calculated. Not that it's bad or wrong, but I think they're as calculating as Madonna. REM apparently lied about how little time they spent in the studio on their early albums because it was good for their indie rep. I wish we could take just a litte of the White Stripes' press and give it to some other deserving new groups.

I'm still trying to decide what I think of this CD though. I kind of like it right now.

[yeahwho]

. REM apparently lied about how little time they spent in the studio on their early albums because it was good for their indie rep. I wish we could take just a litte of the White Stripes' press and give it to some other deserving new groups.

I'm still trying to decide what I think of this CD though. I kind of like it right now.

I really do like the White Stripes and all, but Documads observation is onpoint about the press. The really big story about the White Stripes is their ability to understand Public Relations and to use it to full advantage. Without PR this band would still be great, but the PR is pushing them to Platinum status, kids (elementry age) know these songs...... it's not like they're some underground alternative scenesters, they are a mass commercial product designed as underground alternative hipsters. Bubble's may have just Burst here, but hey, I like them alot...it's just interesting how well they play the media game. Reminds me of that book "The Tippng Point".

There's nothing wrong with being popular, or making money, it just kind of cracks me up how many observe the cult status of the White Stripes.

[venusvenus123]

I'm not too happy with the five 1/10's that the album has got in this poll though (n)
haha. i pressed that for a joke. i haven't even heard the album altho i do now have it.

the image aspect of the white stripes and the whole "ooh, guess our mysterious relationship" does get on my tits. their music is ok i guess but they are completely over-hyped. i have most of their albums but i haven't really invested that much time listening to them. there's always tomorrow... and something else i'd rather be listening to.

[Tzar]

you're a tool
nah i'm cool.

(y)

[abcdefz]

it's not like they're some underground alternative scenesters, they are a mass commercial product designed as underground alternative hipsters.




I really don't think that's accurate. I grant you that they play the media -- that's pretty obvious -- but I don't think they're a "mass commercial product." Imagine any unknown band handing in this record to Sony. You think they'd actually get signed? Maybe, if Sony were looking for "the next White Stripes," but if the White Stripes didn't exist, there's no way in the world that some major label would pick this up.

And if it were such a commercial sound, why didn't Columbia or somebody scoop them up from the get-go?

[Rancid_Beasties]

I really don't think that's accurate. I grant you that they play the media -- that's pretty obvious -- but I don't think they're a "mass commercial product." Imagine any unknown band handing in this record to Sony. You think they'd actually get signed? Maybe, if Sony were looking for "the next White Stripes," but if the White Stripes didn't exist, there's no way in the world that some major label would pick this up.

And if it were such a commercial sound, why didn't Columbia or somebody scoop them up from the get-go?

I think what yeahwho was saying was that the white stripes want their music to sound like its not a "mass commercial product", so that it can scoop up the market that specifically doesnt want that "mass commercial product". The alternative market is often an overlooked commercial entity for record companies. So I think he has a point but I still love the white stripes music regardless.

[abcdefz]

Well.... that would be a pretty disingenuous argument, because then, by default, anybody whose album went platinum becomes suspect.

[Rancid_Beasties]

Well I'm not saying that their music is produced in a such a calculated way, but i'd agree that they are catering somewhat to that alternative market, just as pop acts cater to their market.

[yeahwho]

And if it were such a commercial sound, why didn't Columbia or somebody scoop them up from the get-go?

Yeah I knew when I posted that it didn't come off the way I wanted it to, I've like the White Stripe since before the Major Labeling of their music and actually enjoy this new record too, it probably has more to do with the major labeling of "The White Stripes" than Jack and Meg. They are taking all the press in the best possible stride that can be expected.

I was just watching a rerun of Bob Dylans 60 minute interview and he pretty much states he's never been anything anybody ever thought he was. Just a song and dance man who happened to have magic at the time. Writng songs like `Blowin in the Wind in 10 minutes and such, it always baffles guys like me who have a hard time figuring out simple rhymes. ;)

I meant the PR and media not the actual band, here is an interview and some songs from NPR (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4696110).

[Documad]

I don't like anything on the album as well as Blue Orchid. The tracks where he sounds like Robert Plant are bugging me. So I'm going to give it to a friend.

In other news, today I finally found the Fun House LP in mint condition for $4.99. Ha ha! I have now replaced almost all of the records my brother took from me. (to be fair, they were his to begin with. :))

[beastieangel01]

Take Take Take is one of my favorites. My Doorbell is probably my most favorite at the moment. The syncopation of his voice with the music is well done. And although the lyrics aren't the greatest thing ever, the way it's composed makes an exceptional song.

I am in love with this album. 10 years from now this album will still be good.

[Documad]

We got tickets today, so hopefully I'll start to warm to the new stuff. :o

[DroppinScience]

We got tickets today, so hopefully I'll start to warm to the new stuff. :o

I find it odd how you go to concerts of bands you don't even like that much. :confused:

[Documad]

Yeah, I'll pretty much see any band once. And sometimes more than once to humor good friends. Also I'll see anything that costs less than $30. A lot of my favorite concerts last year were ones I saw for no particular reason. I guess my expectations were low and thus easy to meet.

This was about $50 including fees, but I have a close friend who loves the White Stripes and she rarely goes to concerts, so it seemed like a good idea, and now a bunch of us are going. I've got a lot of concerts in July and September but not much in August, so I was weak.

I'm also seeing Coldplay because I happened to get good seats and another friend loves them. I think the new CD sucks and now I regret it. But she flew to NYC to see BBs with me so I owe her. :rolleyes:

[rahntl]

I only rate this album a 6, because the first time I could barely recognize it as the White Stripes. It didn't really do it for me, but I give them a 6 anyway for creativity. It is really Jack's album, Meg is just there to keep the beat. I was expecting White Blood Cells, which was my fave album. My fave song is definitely "Doorbell" since it does have that typicsl kooky White Stripes sound. I was a little dissapointed, but I am going to give it a chance. "Take Take Take" is growing on me.

[abcdefz]

I only rate this album a 6, because the first time I could barely recognize it as the White Stripes. It didn't really do it for me, but I give them a 6 anyway for creativity. It is really Jack's album, Meg is just there to keep the beat. I was expecting White Blood Cells, which was my fave album. My fave song is definitely "Doorbell" since it does have that typicsl kooky White Stripes sound. I was a little dissapointed, but I am going to give it a chance. "Take Take Take" is growing on me.


Give it a chance. It's fantastic.

[Mr Films]

I bought "White Blood Cells" last week and I must say I'm not to impressed.

I can see how they've only gotten better since.

[Documad]

Okay, time to eat some shit.

I loved the White Stripes live tonight. Listening to the CD for the past week, and now hearing most of the songs live, I like the CD more. I still hate that doorbell song (but I found out today that it's my friend's 3 year old's favorite song!)

When Jack sings live, I like that he sounds like Robert Plant. :) I love that they just come out and do song after song with no nonsense. I love that he broke a string on every guitar he played. I love the way he plays guitar. I loved his fucking hat. I loved that they did that Nurse song and he played the xylophone or whatever it is. And I love that they are playing two nights in a smaller theater instead of hitting an arena.

That red and white shit is still stupid, but the kids seem to enjoy it.

[yeahwho]

Ha!

[Documad]

Ha!
Don't mock me!

I dragged my ass there tonight with no expectations and a pounding headache. I was NOT in the mood to enjoy loud music.


Now I'm wondering whether I should give Liz Phair another shot. She was my worst concert of 2004 but it was on a horrific women's tour sponsored by Maybelline. She's coming back to my favorite club.

[abcdefz]

Even if you had hated the Stripes, at least you gave it a shot. And the fact that you came out of it digging as much as you did is icing. (y)

[dave790]

I gave it 7.

[Darko]

This album has grown on me. A lot. But I still don't think it's the best we've seen from them yet.

[abcdefz]

...I have a feeling the White Stripes, as we know them, are probably close to becoming Jack White's side-thing rather than main-thing.

[adam_f]

I liked them in that Jim Jaramusch movie. Coffee & Cigarettes or whatnot.

[Documad]

The thing about Jack White is that he's surprisingly sexy.

[abcdefz]

The thing about Jack White is that he's surprisingly sexy.



If cool = sexy, I guess that flies.

He's awfully, awfully pasty and doughy-looking, though; I'm surprised anyone would find him attractive.

[Documad]

btw, I posted that last thing because a certain someone was supposed to agree with me, but he was a pansy and didn't.

Having said that, Jack was far more attractive in the flesh than I expected. I'm not usually a sucker for the whole, "he's a rock star so he's sexy even though he's horribly ugly" thing. But the man can shake his hips and he does have charisma. I should report that Meg was far more attractive in real life as well.

[open letter]

i can't wait too see them in november,im going all the way too london to do so (y) ,has "my door bell"been released in the UK yet :confused: