The Icky Icky

According to several sites frequented by yours truly, The White Stripes new one, Icky Thump, has "sort of leaked." Here is the album, though many of the tracks feature lead-ins from local Chicago rock station, Q101. The quality is actually pretty good still. A handful of the tracks probably came through other sources and do not have lead ins (the title cut has been out for a few weeks).

Initial thoughts on the album: definitely a return to the darker, crunchier side of the stripe. Jack gets downright psychedelic on some of his solos -- and I suppose that makes for the majority of the artistic progression here. The mandolin drops in for at least one appearance, but for the most part it's the usual guitar / drums thing... definitely a departure from thier previous release, Get Behind Me Satan, in terms of arrangements and song presentation. I don't think the songwriting is as good as that record. Aside from the title cut, I don't here any immediate My Doorbell-s or Denial Twist-s that stand out.

If you like the White Stripes you'll dig it. I predict a modest critical reception for this album, however. Neither good nor bad, just kinda... consistent.

LINK:
White Stripes - Icky Thump