“Icky Thump” is a masterfully experimental album that only adds to Jack and Meg White’s illustrious credits. This is the sixth album created by this blues rock band from Detroit. In each album Jack’s sound and tone move to new heights and continue to grow. As with any White Stripes album Meg, his divorced wife, and Jack have an undeniable cohesiveness as musicians. In each track Jack and Meg feed off each other’s energy. The album is laden with octave jumping guitar riffs, ringing keyboards, and this myriad of experimental sounds backed by Meg’s steady hand on the drums. To be truthful there isn’t a bad song on the album. The opening and title-track is a perfect preview of Jack’s new sound. The song grinds and wails until its conclusion. The second track ‘Conquest’ stands out as it features a comedic overtone and features a mariachi band. The third track ‘300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues’ is a great Dylanesque song mixed with White’s gritty distorted guitar riffs. The album then shifts direction to ‘Bone Broke’ and ‘St. Andrew’ the sixth and seven tracks. These tracks represent the album’s experimental nature dabbling in and Celtic folk rhythms and tones. The progression then moves to Jack’s signature brand of simplistic blues-rock. The twelve track, ‘Catch Hell Blues,’ then rolls around. It is a perfect fusion of delta blues and rock it proves the spirit of the Crossroads in alive in Jack White. This track is followed by the keyboard filled conclusion Effect and Cause which brings the album to a stirring close. Icky Thump is a must for diehard and casual fans alike. Take a listen and let Jack take for you for a ride.
