New One by The White Stripes: Icky Thump

The the dynamic Detroit, Michigan duo White Stripes with Jack White, the lead singer, guitar and piano player and Meg White with her hard-hitting percussion and drums along with strong vocals have done it again with their release of their new album "Icky Thump ". This following the first time experience of a single, "Icky Thump", being in the top 40, May 12th coming is at # 26 in the US bill board and #2 on the UK charts. With albums such as White Blood Cell(2001), Elephant(2003), and Get Behind Me Satan(2005) already under their belts Icky Thump (is the title really all about Meg's style on the drums?)is definitely in the running to be yet another well received White Stripe release.

The mid July release of their sixth studio album was preceded by the controversy created by the Chicago radio station's Q 101 decision to play the leaked album and they didn't just play a song or two, they played the whole thing. When this information made its way to Spain, Where the White Stripes were on tour, Jack White called the station expressing feelings of being used. Who was using who is still up for discussion. According to the Chicago radio station they did call the powers to be at Warner Brothers and told them that they were going to air with the complete album. While not giving the go ahead, they reportedly did not threaten a lawsuit either.

The White Stripes have stayed true to their reputation of delivering songs inspired by music genres from raging punk, to American blues, country, and folk, and weaving them all together to once again to create a album that should not to disappoint their fans.

Many of the tracks are reminiscent of the original acid rock days, with Led Zepplin influences showing throughout the album and, as usual, the White Stripes have once again given their fans an eclectic blend of interesting lyrics, melodies, and beat. Many of the lyrics hit on taking responsibility for your heart and for your actions. You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do What You are Told) gives us lyrics like 'you're not hopeless or helpless and I hate to sound cold, but you're acting like a 10 year old'.

"Conquest " is a hard-hitting song about the relationship between a man and woman. Lyrics are sung to a beat that brings to mind the images of the toreador and a bull fighting to the death in the bullring. The graceful and the calculated passion play, the exchange of power from one to the other are all played out in this track. Paso Doble, anyone?

White strips is currently on world and are currently in Canada. They will be appearing June 24th at Deer Lake Park, Burnaby, British Columbia, June 25th Yukon Arts Centre, White Horse, Yukon Terr., June 26th Shorty Brown Multiplex Arena, Yellowknife, Northern Terr., June 27th Arctic White Games Arena, Iqaluit, Nunavut, June 29th The Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta. They will continue their tour in Canada returning to the US July 22nd at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, ME. There are still tickets available in Los Angeles (Inglewood) and San Diego for later this summer. Check the White Strip official site for pre-sale tickets and to check concert schedule http://www.whitestripes.com/.