De Stijl (Vinyl LP)

Despite their reputation as garage rock revivalists, the White Stripes display an impressive range of styles on their second album, De Stijl, which is Dutch for "the style." Perhaps the album's diversity -- which incorporates elements of bubblegum, cabaret, blues, and classic rock -- shouldn't come as a surprise from a band that dedicates its album to bluesman Blind Willie McTell and Dutch artist Gerrit Rietveld. Nevertheless, it's refreshing to hear the band go from the Tommy James-style pop of You're Pretty Good Looking to the garagey stomp of Hello Operator in a one-two punch.

It's even more impressive that the theatrical, piano-driven ballad Apple Blossom and a cover of Son House's Death Letter go so well together on the same album. Jack White's understated production work and versatile guitar playing and vocals also stand out on the languid, fuzzy Sister, Do You Know My Name? as well as insistent rockers like Little Bird and Why Can't You Be Nicer to Me? As distinctive as it is diverse, De Stijl blends the Stripes' arty leanings with enough rock muscle to back up the band's ambitions.

Tracklist:

1. You're Pretty Good Looking
   
2. Hello Operator
   
3. Little Bird
   
4. Appple Blossom
   
5. I'm Bound To Pack It Up
   
6. Death Letter
   
7. Sister, Do you Know My Name?
   
8. Truth Doesn't Make A Noise
   
9. A Boy's Best Friend
   
10. Let's Build A Home
    
11. Jumble, Jumble
    
12. Why Can't You be Nicer To Me?
    
13. Your Southern Can Is Mine