390 - The White Stripes - Elephant

[csberry]

I have a lot of respect for Jack White and the White Stripes, I really do. I just don't care for much of his/their music. I've listened to three or four White Stripes albums and feel about the same with each: there are two or three tracks I really like, about as many that I really don't like at all, and a bunch of songs that are interesting but not really enjoyable. I've wanted to hear some of the songs I like from the White Stripes, but have never felt an urge to listen to one of their albums again.

When I sit, listen to Elephant, and start typing, I can come up with commentary about the influences Jack is using for each song. I find aspects of the instrumentation or vocals that I think are interesting choices considering the overall minimalism of the band. There is an academic quality to the White Stripes' version of garage blues that I don't hear in similar bands. That is commendable, but doesn't change the fact that I fail to have an emotional connection to most of their songs.

I consider this lack of emotional connection just one of those personal taste things and I certainly don't want to discount the quality of Elephant or the opinions of others that can wax poetically about the brilliance of Jack and *cough* Meg. However, I think it is nearly universal that Meg's drumming is a limitation that brings down the potential for the band. It is one thing to be a good drummer that chooses not to flaunt the depth of one's skills; but if that is the case with Meg, she's waited far too long to reveal the inner Neil Peart.

Songs I knew I liked: "Seven Nation Army" and "The Hardest Button to Button"

Songs I didn't know but now like: "Black Math" and "In the Cold, Cold Night"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: There are many I wouldn't miss, but only "Little Acorns" causes an urge to skip it.