So today, I was toying with the idea of posting a somewhat less positive review. Just about all of the music I've discussed here so far has been things that I have a favorable opinion of. But the negativity, or at least less enthusiasm, is on its way. I was thinking about The Shins, specifically; they're a group that has some good songs and also some unaffecting soggy-cereal kind of songs. They aren't awful, but I wouldn't say their music would 'change my life'.
Enough. Let's get down to business.
Today's Music That Jason Keeps Locked Away Until You're Older is Elephant, by The White Stripes. I could go on and on about Jack and Meg themselves, but let's talk about the album today. This album is from a period in the White Stripes' existence where Jack was really getting into old blues and country, ran around with Loretta Lynn for a while, and incorporated some of these elements into the music. The result was probably the best White Stripes album (some people would argue in favor of De Stijl or White Blood Cells, certainly not baseless claims). The songs here jump around a little, stylistically: straight-forward dirty rock songs ("Seven Nation Army", "The Hardest Button to Button"), slow bluesy songs that get loud and squeal a little bit ("Ball and Biscuit", "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself") and even songs with Jack being cute and flirting with Holly Golightly ("It's True That We Love One Another"). It makes a whole that manages to be cohesive without reaching for any kind of uniformity.
I even like the song titles and lyrics on this album. The lyrics aren't exactly Stipesque, but they fit exactly with the style of music. This album is fun and rambunctious, but doesn't deny its roots. Underneath all of the songs is a sense of latent danger that you don't get in most records. There's always that possibility that each song might be the one where the White Stripes decide to go to 11 and ROCK THE HELL OUT OF YOU. I want to tell you that I have a favorite song on this album, but I couldn't pick just one or even two. The uptempo songs are fun and almost perfect workout music, the downtempo songs make for good contrast and offer a nice slow burn. Basically, if you like modern rock that doesn't blow, this album is for you. Not recommended if you like your bands full of late 20-somethings who still write songs about being in high school.
Someday, maybe, there will be a post about the greatness of the White Stripes in general, about how they are exactly who they are on stage and how they might not have 'saved' rock but they didn't let their image get in the way.
In other news:
As reported by The Onion, America's News Source, death is still 100% fatal. No cure in sight.