Album Review: Jack White Releases No Name
–by Robert Wilkins
Jack White is known for keeping things interesting and creating excitement. Recently, patrons at his stores were given a free album titled No Name upon checking out at one of his three Third Man Records storefront locations. Lo and behold, the album is in fact his newest offering and was released without any prior notice. The next day he announced that he wanted the people that received these albums to share them online for others to enjoy free. He then announced that this was in fact his official new album and it would be distributed everywhere the following week.
This new album has taken Jack back to his roots and is the most reminiscent of his work with the White Stripes since they broke up 13 ½ years ago. It does however touch on other aspects of his career as well. His current band consists of childhood friend and longtime band mate Dominic Davis on bass, Bobby Emmet on keyboard, and Patrick Keeler on drums who also happens to be in the Raconteurs with Jack.
My personal favorite song from the album is “That’s How I’m Feeling”. It’s a combination of sounds from Jack Whites earliest days on the Detroit rock scene along with stuff from his later solo career. His guitar sounds gritty and raw while his vocals are impassioned and exciting. I also couldn’t begin to say enough about the cast of characters playing alongside him. These musicians were undoubtedly handpicked by Jack and for good reason.
“Archbishop Harold Holmes” is what I would imagine crack would sound like if it were able to take musical form. I can’t get enough of it. The guitar riff is urgent and aggressive. The leads are minimal but explosive and his vocals are a bit staccato, and just slightly more than spoken.
“Bombing Out” could be a true White Stripes classic had it not been penned by JW only recently. It starts with dissonant sounds that are hard to pinpoint what are creating them. The song moves into a fast-paced punk rock riff and never really lets off the gas while showcasing some stellar leads midway through.
“What’s the Rumpus” is much more along the lines of Jack’s previous solo work and Dominic Davis plays some great bass lines. The vibe is that of an alternative song with great pop sensibilities. It could surely be a hit on alternative and hard rock radio stations.
“Tonight (Was a Long Time Ago)” is much more reminiscent of Jack White’s work with the Raconteurs. Not least of all due to Patrick Keelers straight ahead drumming that weaves in and out of Jack’s guitar playing. It is very catchy, well written and rocks just hard enough to keep longtime fans enthralled. In my humble estimation, this should be the first single released from the album and will surely be given radio airplay soon.
As a huge fan of his, I have to say I am very pleased with this album. It is his best work in quite some time. He seems to have been inundated with a newfound inspiration for his music and plans to continue to wow concertgoers in the near future.
Jack recently played at Detroit’s St Andrews Hall (from 8 Mile fame) to a crowd of only 1000 people with only a few days’ notice. He has stated that his upcoming tour will consist of small venues and shows that will be announced as close to the date of the performance as possible. If you are a fan keep your eyes and ears open because he might show up to play your town with a notice as late as the morning of the show.
Track listing:
1. “Old Scratch Blues”
2. “Bless Yourself”
3. “That’s How I’m Feeling”
4. “It’s Rough on Hats (If You’re Asking)”
5. “Archbishop Harold Holmes”
6. “Bombing Out”
7. “What’s the Rumpus?”
8. “Tonight (Was a Long Time Ago)”
9. “Underground”
10. “Number One With a Bullet”
11. “Morning at Midnight”
12. “Missionary”
13. “Terminal Archenemy Ending”
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