White Stripes: De Stijl LP

Originally released in 2000, The White Stripes second album De Stijl was recorded on 8-track analog tape in vocalist/guitarist Jack White's living room and is now a cult classic. Named after an early 20th century minimalist art movement (no doubt a tip of the cap to the group's own sound), the record finds the band expanding on its 1999 self-titled debut, bettering the songwriting, weaving in additional melodies, and increasing the variety. In addition to the pair's trademark garage-blues punch, country flavors, vaudeville pop accents, and acoustic currents run wild, the invigorating effort ricocheting with equal parts raw noise and sing-a-long tunefulness. Jack White continues to sharpen his impressive guitar skills with myriad riffs, and Meg White's fill-free drumming provides the perfect subtle support. DeStijl is simultaneously brooding and ebullient, primal and sort-of-produced. A key cog in the band's discography. As for the sonics, now better than ever, remastered from the original analog source? The White Stripes' use of analog and low-fidelity equipment in the recording process partnered with a DIY approach created a simplicity of composition, arrangement, and performance that sets them apart from their contemporaries. This music was meant to be experienced in analog. Get your copy today!