Blunderbuss

His best album ever. Put it in my car CD player and turned up my Bose system and loved the whole CD beginning to end

Jack White has one of the largest shadows in music today. Between his work with The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather, his guest vocal appearances with the likes of Danger Mouse and The Rolling Stones, his production and composition work for a host of notable artists, and his own record label, Third Man Records, it's a wonder how he ever has time to sleep. With each project he becomes a part of, however, his shadow grows and comparisons to his past successes are more and more inevitable.Since the formation of The White Stripes in 1997, Jack White has become a musical icon. His gritty, minimalist style with blues, punk, and rock influences has added even more variety since moving to "Music City," Nashville, TN in 2005. With "Blunderbuss," he finally has the chance to let his creative juices flow without being held to the constraints of a single project. The result is easily the most diverse album he has ever been a part of which also means there is less of a defined direction to the album than past releases.Opening with "Missing Pieces," Jack White opens up about his experiences with women; including his recent divorce from Karen Elson. As a Rhodes organ presses him onward, White poetically declares "sometimes someone controls everything about you and when they tell you that they just can't live without you, they ain't lyin', they'll take pieces of you." Lyrically, "Blunderbuss" contains some of Jack White's finest work to date, but most of the edgy guitar riffs that put him on the map to begin with are replaced with laid-back analog grooves and an expanded instrumentation.One of the few throwback moments for Jack White occurs on the album's second single, "Sixteen Saltines." Thanks to White's nearly shouted vocal delivery and heavily distorted guitar, "Sixteen Saltines" is sure to be the highlight of the album for anyone still mourning the announcement that The White Stripes are officially finished.Although fans of The White Stripes may get preemptively excited for the remainder of "Blunderbuss" after hearing "Sixteen Saltines," Jack White did his best to quell their expectations by not releasing it as the lead single. Fans' first taste of the record, titled "Love Interruption," is a complete departure from White's past projects. Although White has had his quieter moments in the past, "Love Interruption" is almost entirely acoustic with White taking on a much less angst-driven persona. Nashville singer-songwriter Ruby Amanfu even offers a distant, wavering accompaniment to Jack White on the calm flow of the track.As "Blunderbuss" takes shape, the Nashville influence on White becomes more and more apparent. From the pedal-steel of the title track to the violin, harp, and honkey-tonk piano mixed into the remainder of the record, there is far more of a country vibe heard here than on any Raconteurs album. "Hip Eponymous Poor Boy" and "I Guess I Should Go to Sleep" both sound as if they could be playing in the background of a saloon out west with only White's signature voice to remind us of the song's creator. When mixed in with the hard rock track "Freedom at 21" and the classic blues tune "I'm Shakin'," the album loses some of the flow that made all of White's past projects such enjoyable listens straight through, but there's nothing wrong with a little variety.Before its release, "Blunderbuss" seemed to be flooded with 5-star reviews and unanimous praise from critics. Although it is an excellent record, "Blunderbuss" is not without flaws. "On and On and On" lives up to its name by quickly dragging the close of the album to a crawl. The final track "Take Me With You When You Go," brings a bit of the lost energy back, but the odd vocal harmonization and random instrumental breaks all feel out of place, even on such a mixed bag as "Blunderbuss." This leaves the end of the record somewhat disappointing, even for listeners with a completely open mind going into it.On "Blunderbuss," Jack White purges his brain of a multitude of ideas; weaving a variety of styles, influences, and instruments together. Thanks to some clever lyrics and a knack for lively mixes, the end result works surprisingly well. Sure, there may be a few bumps in the road, but for fans of any of Jack White's past projects, "Blunderbuss" is a must-own.Track Suggestion: "Sixteen Saltines"

Jack White’s 2012 album Blunderbuss is a humdinger. I don’t think I can surpass the fervor of some of the other reviews so maybe I can sum up more completely. Jack’s eclectic influences are on display on Blunderbuss but so is his originality. The varied music and songcraft on this album are many things: diverse, innovative, clever, intelligent, quirky, rocking, aggressive, subdued, subtle, funny, melancholy and accomplished, to name just a few things; in short there is something on here for many of the moods you might find yourself in. Blunderbuss is both exceedingly retro and thoroughly modern. Jack’s playing is outstanding as is that of the supporting cast of musicians. All songs are written by Mr. White save one cover: I’m Shakin’ (originally by: Little Willie John, written by: Rudy Toombs) which fits in with the other incongruent material that is somehow totally cohesive when taken as a whole. I for one miss Meg’s rhythmically fluid drumming (which I have always thought was intentional and nicely set her apart from the more common metronomic drummers); but this to me is a worthy successor and addendum to the White Stripes’ legacy. I think if you are a fan of the White Stripes this album should at least make a favorable impression. Advisory warning: If you are one of those folks that does not appreciate Jack White’s voice or guitar playing then this album will be unlikely to change your mind.Sound quality is outstanding for a multitrack recording with punchy lows, extended highs (not ear-shredding), and immediate sounding mid-range frequencies. No ridiculous over-use of compression here so it has extended dynamic range (not all sounds loud and in your face at all times). With a nice mix that showcases both acoustic and amplified instruments and places vocals just right. Good stereo separation, and ambiance (seems to be both artificial and natural). Kudos to the engineers and the producer. The vinyl is beautifully pressed and is very quiet. With exemplary quality control. This is a good example of why vinyl lovers prefer vinyl.Packaging is absolutely top notch: great photography and layout, quality printing on nice cardstock, a gatefold presentation even with just one record, a black paper plastic lined sleeve (appears to be anti-static plastic), a separate folding lyric sheet, and a download card is included. Jack is offering a premium product to entice people to splurge on a superior format and I certainly appreciate it.

I wanted to rate this five stars, the only thing stopping me was Amazons fail to care for my package. Somewhere between the Amazon warehouse, and the care facility my package got damaged. Because when I received it at my home, I opened it, and the CD fell apart in my hands. What I mean is, the case fell in half. So I can’t put the desk in the case. Thankfully I have a CD book where I can put it, if it wasn’t for the CD book I would be returning my items. But still a great album and I give this four stars.

I LOVE this record. What a great great album it is...it sounds like the musings of a mad musical genius being alowed to just go for it... It reminds me of McCartneys output after the Beatles, McCartney, Ram and Wings' Wild Life... They all showcased McCartney just going nuts and creating some incredible things, often all on his own.And that's what this record has, whether he succeeds or fails, a real musicality remains regardless... even on songs you might not like, there's something to enjoy... a solo, a keys riff, a bass line... something that makes you listen again. And it has a real sense of expression and fun...It's a brilliant brilliant record. A brilliant artistic snap shot of man in transition and feeling a new found freedom to create.

Second favourite album of 2012 and so very very close to being first. Lots of great tracks on this album and they work together too. Jack clearly has a few 'women ishoos', but considering his divorce and his band split with Meg that's not too surprising. If you liked the White Stripes or the Raconteurs you should definitely get this. If you don't, give it a try, he might surprise you.

passed to charity

Good collection of songs from Jack. Tried to obtain this when it was released, but unable to locally, so very pleased to have got a copy now.

Delivered on time but some of the cases cracked but still worth the money.