For well over a decade now, Jack White has established himself as one of the best guitar players alive in addition to creating his own trademark brand, Third Man Records, which has attracted one of the music industry’s most dedicated followings. During the past three years, Third Man Records – the physical store, venue, and headquarters in Nashville, TN – has hosted a variety of events, all cloaked in that White-endorsed mystery that makes it so intriguing. Whether it’s a rare and innovative LP pressings or unique one-off performances from the array of White’s various acts, the black-bricked building has become a “Graceland” of sorts for Jack White’s many followers.
It’s amazing what Jack White has accomplished during a time when countless music labels are dwindling away and simply disappearing; the former White Stripes front man is always dressed dapper with that trademark smirk of his, surrounded by throngs of cash-carrying fans, who are willing pay any price for some rare 7″ vinyl, even if they’re falling from the sky (see balloon release from April 1st.)
There’s a reason begin the review of White’s debut solo album, Blunderbuss, with this back story as his image has now taken on its own mythos, something far greater than it was even when he was still one half of The White Stripes.
Blunderbuss, available today, is a record that feels like more like a tapestry of music woven together over the past three years rather than a singular or definitive direction. In fact, there are songs on Blunderbuss that could have found their home on any release from The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, or even a Dead Weather album. While the first single, “Love Interruption” sounds more subdued and mellow than White’s typical fare, the follow-up single, “Sixteen Saltines” proves that Jack White is a one-man army and force to be reckoned with. The paradox for Jack White on this record is whether or not he presses ahead, looks behind, or offers the best of both worlds…
Luckily, the listener is rewarded with the best of both worlds on Blunderbuss, and no matter what kind of departure Jack White makes with his sound, he always returns back to his roots-the Mississippi Delta blues. Tracks such as “Missing Pieces,” “Freedom at 21,″“I’m Shakin,’” and “Trash Tongue Talker” all conjure up the sounds his fans have longed for since the breakup of The White Stripes and his more recent ventures with The Raconteurs and Dead Weather. However, White displays a more meditative and contemplative side and gives a nod to Jeff Tweedy and Wilco on the alt-country track “On and On and On.”
Despite being a little scattered, smothered, and covered on Blunderbuss, it’s as if Jack White is still shaking up his past to move forward into the future, and as a result, the album is a showcase of everything Jack White has already accomplished, which of course, isn’t bad at all. Regardless of what was to become Blunderbuss, I seriously doubt any fan of Jack White/Third Man Records/The White Stripes/The Raconteurs/Dead Weather would not be lined up at their local record store today to get a copy of his debut album.
-Will Fisher, The Showbiz Kids
SBK Rating: 9 out of possible 10
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