New White Stripes is a dud IMO...

[newtrix1]

I'm on my second spin of get Behind Me Satan, and I'm really having trouble mustering up interest in this album. I love these guys best when they rock; plain, simple rock. Seems like they're getting too cutesy with this latest effort, which is fairly devoid of the pounding guitar driven rock sound that made Elephant such a hit album for me.
Guess I can't blame Jack for branching out a bit and trying some new styles, and I'm thinking that many folks here will like this album and applaud them for not falling into a comfortable routine. Personally though, I hope it's a phase and they come out rocking next time.
On the optimistic side, I think the hit song Blue Orchid is great as well as The Denial Twist and As Ugly as I Seem which, despite the title, is a very pretty melodic acoustic guitar number.

[3-LockBox]

One had to wonder if his collaboration with Loretta Lynn would rub off. Actually, I think White is talented enough to pull off just about anything he wants to do, but will his fans be just as put-off as you? That will determine whether he comes out rocking next time.

Myself, I could see him flirting with this style a little on Elephant.

[N. Abstentia]

News flash:
ANYTHING by the White Stripes is a dud....

[kingcrim05]

I really don't see the talent or appeal of this band....

[newtrix1]

I really don't see the talent or appeal of this band....

...does a good rock band need talent? Appeal otoh, I think they have.

[nobody]

I like the new one. It's not gonna win many new fans and may actually alienate some of their old ones, but personally, I'm glad they branched out a bit. If I wanna hear what they've done on the first four records, I'll listen to the first four records. And, really, I don't think its all that radical of a direction after Elephant.

I think the appeal is largely that they're one of a pretty small number of groups trying to do something with rock music other than ape the past. The two person format gives them somethng a bit unique. They have an interesting aesthetic. They play with power and force, but still retain some delicate moments, even more so on the latest one. And, quite simply, they can lay down a seriously rocking single when they're in the mood.

[Troy]

...does a good rock band need talent? Appeal otoh, I think they have.

You can't listen to how they look or how cool they are in interviews.

A truly boring band.

[Modernaire]

And...recently I heard through the media...tv or radio, how Jack White was rocks most influential rock artist in rock history...I was drinking a soda...it took a few minutes to wipe clean the Sony receiver from the soda spraying it recieved.

But yeah, I can say they got that oooh factor with the drummer girl and two man band thing. But Elephant was intersting for about two plays. Then I realized kids need their own heroes.

AND! And its also too bad that female drummers on the level of Sheila E. are just so rare nowadays. Look at the Donna's drummer. Just hair...and she nearly effed up her wrists because she has no...no...oh whatever.