Musicheads want to know what you think about The White Stripes' "Icky Thump"

It's been a while since i've joined the conversation--but this is one worth chiming in for. I think Icky Thump is solid through and through. There are no stinkers on there--nothing to fast forward through or skip. they certainly bring jamz of the highest order, if you ask me. (and yes, i even like "Conquest")

I think I will be switching between the new album and "De Stijl" and "Elephant" as my favorite White Stripes albums. I never understood the fuss over "White Blood Cells"; it has more average tracks per capita than any of the other albums (even including "Satan"!)

I think Jack consciously limited himself to such an extent with "Satan", that only now are we seeing how his guitar work has truly expanded since "Elephant". He's taken the best elements from his facemelting (hardy har) solo on "Ball and Biscuit" and applies that effect liberally throughout the record, in particular on the title track and "Conquest". And those songs!! But enough from me -- what about you?

Thanks for dropping by Mac & Brett! I am impressed with many things about this album. I can't believe how quick the whole album came together. The album wasn't even announced til late February. I didn't expect the White Stripes until 2008.

I also how the album is so based in the blues but also adds new elements like the bagpipes & the trumpet.

Well done Jack & Meg! I am not quite ready to say it's better than White Blood Cells. Gimme a few more weeks!

Your thoughts?

I was chilling on the Fourth with my buddy Mikey the Musichead, who is a HOOJ Stripes fan, and he says that he always puts it on shuffle and programs the player to omit tracks 4, 6 & 7, "Conquest" and the two with bagpipes, and only THEN is it a strong CD?!
Interesting topic, in these day of playlists and shuffles, perhaps we should make the system of grading an album depend on how many tracks are good enough to expand your playlist...'Icky Thump' ; 10/13 from Mikey.
Although I don't mind the bagpipes, I've never been a fan of the 'Meg skits' and I might not add "Rag & Bone" to my playlist as she sounds bored and the banter in the song doesn't wear well. So from me; 8/13, just in case you thought that I loved EVERYTHING about the cd!!

'K, I finally heard the album everyone is talking about, and I think it's a very satisfying White Stripes release that proves that the band is as vital as ever. "You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told)" is a catchy earworm right from the first listen. "Icky Thump" and "I'm Slowly Turning Into You" are both solid, heavy and hard. I think "A Martyr For My Love For You" has to be one of Jack White's best creations and should be an instant Stripes classic. It went straight into my iTunes library on first listen. I disagree with some of the critics on "Prickly Thorn But Sweetly Worn", the first bagpipe song. I like it, although it's a real departure and not something I'd expect from the duo. The high camp "Conquest" struck me as a b-side from a Rufus Wainwright album, but I can't really say I dislike the song, despite the mariachis.

I have to say that my only complaint is that I think Jack should have left well enough alone and forgotten "St. Andrew". The bagpipes drag just a weeeeeee bit after 2 songs, and Meg's vocals annoy slightly.

Do I like "Icky Thump" better than "White Blood Cells" or "Elephant"? I think it's too soon to say, but judging by the number of songs I plunked into iTunes right off the bat, it's a definite keeper.

P.S. Mac, I love your term "facemelting guitar". It's such a perfect description of White's inimitable guitar style.

Mark, Nice "playlist" idea...on mine I'd have 11 of em'! I would eliminate #7 "St. Andrew.." & #10 "I'm Slowly Turning Into You"...11 of 13....that's a pretty GREAT album! I't probably a better ratio than any other Stripes albums.

Looking forward to their Austin City Limits Festival appearance this September!

Why on earth would you cut "I'm Slowly Turning into You"?

Credit for the term "facemelter" must go to Brett Baldwin.

Most of the UK music mags are giving it a big thumbs up. Zeppelin comparisons abound. I must say, I haven't heard much of the album, but was pleasantly surprised with the title tune when I heard it a month or so ago. That's a way rockin' tune. I wasn't much of a WS fan previously, my typical knee jerk reaction to the hype at the time, but this one just might win me over.