Blunderbuss by Jack White

Released:  April 24, 2012
Rating:  75.38
Genre:  Punk Blues

First, let me just say that this albums kicks it.  (Which finishes out an April low on quantity, but high on quality.  All three albums made it into the top 10!)  This album slides easily into the number 4 spot.

Beginning in 1999, Jack White and (and his now ex-wife) Meg (guitar/vocals and drums, respectively) put out the first White Stripes album, by 2007 they had released 5 more albums and won two Grammies (for 2007's Icky Thump: Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group).  While the White Stripes were still performing, Jack White joined the Raconteurs as a guitarist, which released two successful albums (in '06 and '08.)  In 2008, Jack White met Allison Mosshart (of the Kills) when the Kills opened for the Raconteurs.  They released two albums as the Dead Weather (in '09 and '10) with White on drums.

In his spare time he opened his own studio, produced albums for a couple dozen other performers, contributed to movie soundtracks (Cold Mountain) did guest appearances with a number of other performers, from Alicia Keys to Dangermouse and has appeared on film (TV and movies) a dozen times.

And this is his debut album!

Picking just a couple examples off this record is about as hard as it gets. There are just too many great songs, but I've tried to do my best. Click on the following links (full length versions, compliments of YouTube.com)

I'm Shakin' is my favorite. It's got a boogey woogey thing goin' on, reminiscent of some of the angrier early (i.e. '50s) rock.

Sixteen Saltines is a raw, angry song with an angry video to go with it. This is the official video, so you get to sit through a 15 second commercial. It's worth it.