6.12.2007
Icky Thump- Don't Worry, Jack

Ah, it's good to be back. Our two weeks off were completely void of work or progression in any way, shape, or form. A lot has happened though while we were away.The White Stripes' new album, Icky Thump, was leaked, for one. I've given the album a listen, and it's fucking good. I bet Jack's really pissed though, so I'm only posting the songs that have already been released as singles or whatnot. You can, however, hear the album in its entirety at MTV.com, starting today.

Jack and Meg concluded their work on the album way back in February. It supposedly took a whole three weeks to complete, which, amazingly, is the longest they have spent on any album. The album was under wraps for a whole three months before Chicago's Q101 played the whole fucking thing over the airwaves. Oops! Surprise, surprise; Jack called in to give them an earful soon after. You tell 'em, Jack.

It is pretty tempting to share the Good News though. The White Stripes is such a beast in the musical world, and when I say beast, I mean established, talented, bass-less wonder. People talk about how much Meg sucks at the drums, but, as simple as her beats are, they fit with the music that's created. Yea, my eight year old sister could very well learn how to drum all their albums in less than 24 hours, but, it's like Jack says: "I can't imagine playing with any other drummer, and I'm sure Meg couldn't imagine playing with any other guitarist." Suit yourself, Jack. Is that why you joined The Raconteurs? Hmm?

Anyway, Icky Thump is gold -- I guess the lengthy three weeks paid off. The opening track, appropriately titled "Icky Thump," is amped up and amazing. A classic rock & roll, bass drum thumping, catchy riff blaring intro leads to Jack's high-pitched, trebly voice half shouting, half singing the verses. It also has something that sounds like some Middle Eastern instrument. Kind of kazoo-like. I have no idea what it is. I think it's just the combination of guitar harmonics and a glass tube, but, eh, that's just my guess.

"Icky Thump" is probably my favorite of the bunch, but all the other tracks deserve a listen. Comparitively, Icky Thump is fused with more experimentation than their former albums. The fourth number, "Conquest," features trumpets and an Arabian-like vocal styling. A lot of "AaaAAaAAaaHhs." The trumpets are fucking amazing by the way. Right before the second minute, the trumpets go crazy and put guitar solos to shame. They actually sounded a lot like guitars... Strange concept, I know. Another noteworthy track is "Rag and Bone." Jack and Meg talk to each other throughout the song, oozing about some "mansion" and all the stuff it holds, which undoubtedly adds a theatrical effect. I'll admit, half the time, I have no fucking clue what they're going on about, but it's a fun song.

Alright, I've been going on forever. Song and video are posted below, and make sure you get Icky Thump, out officially on the 19th.


Video for "Icky Thump"

(So I have a couple more songs I wanted to share, but fucking Web Sheriff, fuck you Web Sheriff, fuck you. Go ahead and click the link "Listen to the whole fucking thing," and, yea, listen to the whole fucking thing.)
mp3 Rag and Bone

[The White Stripes' Official site][The White Stripes' Myspace]
[Listen to the whole fucking thing]

--

Soyea Kings of Leon announced a few days ago that their opening band for their upcoming fall tour will be none other than Black Rebel Motorcycle Club! Dates are still being rescheduled, but keep yourself updated here.

Soyea I smell a contest coming.
Published at 10:14 AM by Alina.
7 comments
6.10.2007
[Scissors For Lefty]
"Oh sadder days no longer, we should celebuh-buh-buh-brate."

There is something slighty torturous about being left-handed and using a pair of scissors. After a while of cuting with any ole' pair, it's a bit like like walking with shoes on the wrong foot - uncomfortable. On top of that, the only pair of "special" scissors you could get to were always broken or just plain craptastic in the first place. At that, I feel like the name Scissors For Lefty is mocking me. Hailing from San Francisco, Scissors For Lefty is a rock quintet that came together as a reason for five people to just hang out. Of course, a reason like that never sees a group setting foot beyond the garage, so maybe it's their familial bonds keeping them together. The group is, after all, composted of two sets of brothers and an uncle. Whether it be family ties or BFF power, Scissors For Lefty has something going on. While most bands from the Golden State draw from it's sunny rays, Scissors For Lefty takes more influence from the Brits and have garnered comparisons to bands like Franz and the Kaiser Chiefs. The band's second album, Underhanded Romance, is due out June 12 under label Eenie Meenie Records, and the band has plans to tour up and down California and a few other scatterings including Summerfest.

From Underhanded Romance (all songs are right click - save as):
Next To Argyle
Lay Down Your Weapons
Mama Your Boys Will Find A Home

Learn more at the Scissors For Lefty site.
Be their friend!

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Otherwheres - Connor over at IGIF is running a Pela contest, and all you have to do is just leave the name a band you think he's never heard of. Go forth and namedrop! I'll be reading that list for suggestions too probably...

Otherwheres - Dodge over at MOKB has a list of St. Vincent's Summer Tour dates...

Otherwheres - Those guys at Party Ends love throwing a good party...

Otherwheres - We're (obviously) back! The two weeks I gave myself to fix problems saw nothing done - woo!
Published at 9:55 PM by Anonymous.
8 comments