In true solo album fashion, Blunderbuss
is Jack White's first real opportunity to musically let his hair down and goof
off without the burden of a big-name band behind him. It is not as anthemic as The White Stripes, nor
is it as moody as Dead Weather or as earnest as The Raconteurs. What
you get is somewhere in between all three without ever being any of
them. “Sixteen Saltines” is the closest this album comes to an
old fashioned White Stripes rager (as well as being a good choice for an early
single): the strained vocals and lyrical guitar riffs reign supreme.
As always White flies the highest when he gets more manic and less
precious about his craft. “I'm Shakin'” is a fun knees up that
references Bo Diddley and Samson while White himself recalls the
Three Stooges with the use of the word 'noivous' instead of
'nervous'. The same goes for closing track “Take Me With You When
You Go” when the end half truly takes flight. Still, every now and
then his pop sensibilities get the better of him which makes for some
cloying moments (“Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy” and “Trash Tongue
Talker” are glaring culprits, and side-by-side no less). In
Blunderbuss Jack White has a good album, but that's the
problem. A musician of his status and prestige cannot afford to be
putting out merely good albums given that everyone knows about all of his
great ones.
Rating: B-
Recommended tracks: I'm Shakin', Take
Me With You When You Go
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