The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan

Following on from the massive commercial and critical success of ‘Elephant’, the question on everyone’s lips was surely, where now for this all-conquering Detroit duo? Having set the world alight with their re-working of the blues for the post-everything generation their were those who probably hoped that this album would see the bombast of ‘Elephant’ pushed over the top to stadium sized proportions. No such luck, as with any artist on top of his game it seems that Jack
White’s main aim is to confound, rather than pander to, expectation.

The large majority of the songs that make up ‘Get Behind Me Satan’ don’t feature electric guitar, instead piano, acoustic guitar and marimba are favoured, all contributing a more laidback feel, perhaps a come down from the sustained assault of it’s predecessor. The fuzzy stomp of the first single, ‘Blue Orchid’, will wrong foot many, being closest to the White Stripes ‘signature’ sound. The same can be said for raucous, slow burning garage rock of ‘Instinct Blues’ and ‘Red Rain’. Those who have approached this album hoping for more of the same will probably be disappointed.

To coincide with his new mariachi image, Mr White has unveiled a new sound. Subtler and less immediate, it takes a few listens to feel the full effect, but repeated examinations reveal the fruits of this new musical exploration. The marimba led ‘The Nurse’ is eerily beguiling, threatened throughout by an electric guitar assault that never fully manifests and ‘ Forever For Her (Is Over For Me)’ rolls along on a loping rhythm before hitting its stride with the Stonesy swagger of the chorus. The rhythms are irresistibly ramshackle throughout; most effectively on the loose limbed, back porch funk of the addictive ‘My Doorbell’. Elsewhere ‘As Ugly Is I Seem’ provides an introspective lull; it’s beatific folk a welcome moment of serenity.

It seems that in the making of this record Jack White has chosen to sidestep expectation, maybe in a deliberate attempt to baffle or as an artistic expression of his right to make whatever album he feels fit. Whatever his reasons, and even if The White Stripes do go on to make a bigger, better record than ‘Elephant’, this record has enough musical invention to stand the test of time and become a relevant part of their back catalogue, rather than just a respite.