Jack White "Blunderbuss"

     This album is not really confusion as to its sound, and maybe the album breathes a little fire now and again. In fact, it sounds like a compilation of b-sides from all of his previous projects, yet is still undecidedly his. Instead of spreading himself too thin with his various projects, his mind became a well oiled machine creating an album that has the bite of a Blunderbuss. The rhodes on the opener accompanies the tragic tale of a slow mass amputation pretty well; Mr. White is not “Missing Pieces,” he’s lost everything but his personality and wit.  The second song is more satisfying than “Sixteen Saltines.” Just listen to that riff, and you will see what I mean; it has plenty of attitude to spare told by a receptive raconteur. If that wasn’t enough to whet your appetite he follows with a funky ode to a less-than-friendly female with “Freedom at 21.” White almost sounds as if he is rapping, and his voice has given in to mindless self indulgence. The “Love Interruption” must be the reason for the relationship in the title track . However, it can be ignorant bliss: “And cover up my ears and never let me hear a sound.” "Safe to say that others might not/Approve of this and pleaded/ 'So selfish them' would be their cry/ And who’d be brave to argue?”  What does a “Hypocritical Kiss” have in common with a tenacious tongue? They both have no meaning, and they both come from someone who can be as fake as a smiling Ken doll; no emotion, but that’s only because White sings of love lost countless times to the point where we just cannot register its sincerity. The next song is a perfect example as to why he may be so bitter; he was probably one of many who fell for the siren song of a treacherous snake who has caused many a man to “Weep Themselves to Sleep.” Just listening to that backing choir, and that Bo Diddley inspired sound tells me that “I’m Shakin.” I even hear someold-fashioned Aerosmith accompany “Trash Toungue Talker.” Listening to “Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy” I cannot help but think of Billy Joel for some reason; a more astute intellectual may actually know why. If I cannot figure what to say when listening to this song “I Guess I Should Just Go to Sleep.” Hook based construction can take a heck of a lot longer than that which uses a crane, making it seem like it just goes “On and On and On” without end and this song probably could without much complaint. Favorites:Missing Pieces, Sixteen Saltines, Freedom at 21, Weep Themselves To Sleep, Trash Tongue Talker, and Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy.