Release Date: 2003
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes

Impressions: Well, even though it’s been played to death…”Seven Nation Army” is a real winner. I must confess it’s pretty undeniable. What’s not to like? I mean, that massive riff… dummmm dum dum dudumm! It’s perfect. Jack and Meg White are like the proprietors of a fancy restaurant in a trendy yet rundown neighborhood that serves up high-end takes on comfort food to hipsters. Sloppy, fun, simple. The bashing continues with “Black Math.” They slows down ok too on the spooky, Meg White sung “In The Cold Cold Night.” The songwriting is improved and their sound is fun and raw without any digital messing around. I’m sure Jack White is pissed that I’m listening to this on Spotify instead of a Edison Wax Cylinder or something. He’s kind of an interesting guitarist…tastefully tasteless, precisely sloppy, old and new all wrapped into one package. Meg is not… the most technically accomplished timekeeper, but it works. For some reason, I feel like I should be enjoying this album less than I do, but you know what I’m just going to go ahead and enjoy it. Somehow they made a long blues guitar jam (“Ball and Biscuit”) sound modern and even work in the 21st century ?

Starred Songs: “Seven Nation Army,” “Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself”
Sneaky Track: “Black Math”
Should this album be on the list? Sure.
Will you listen to this again? Maybe
Verdict: Big meat and potatoes rock served up with a little artisanal attitude.

Rating:  ★★★★