The White Stripes

"Icky Thump"

A few years ago The White Stripes played Conan for 5 nights in a row. It was there that those still unfortunate enough to have not seen them live (myself included) were really able to experience (however removed) the incredible power behind the band. They’ve always had an aesthetic to their records that people have obviously been drawn too, but it’s in their live show that an immense power, a force likened to Led Zeppelin, a charisma not like any other band around today, and a certain umph that I consider to be the real essence of The White Stripes comes alive. Though however powerful and rock n roll they may be, I find that umph missing in their records. That is, until now. "Icky Thump", the title track and new single from their forth coming record out in June, is a powerful rock song. One that indeed, captures that UUUMMMPH that I have so been wanting since first seeing what they are capable of in their live show. If anyone has thought that The White Stripes have played out any gimmick that might have existed, or wondered if there was anywhere they could go musically, "Icky Thump" relieves those worries. In addition to the bands trademark guitar and drums, the song is injected with some wicked seventies metal synthesizer. Jack’s dual vocals cackle along side the gut punching guitars in yet another march towards vinyl/analog heaven. "Icky Thump"’s recorded as if your ear is pressed hard against the mesh of the speaker cabinet and yet it’s got enough air for you to swing your fists into someone’s wall. "Icky Thump" only enforces that fact that it doesn’t take Jason Stollsteimer’s face to prove that Jack White is a force to be reckoned with.



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