Search - White Stripes :: Get Behind Me Satan

A brilliant display of artistic growth

Alan Pounds | Minneapolis, MN | 06/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album will make or break a "true" White Stripes fan. The change is HUGE, and I'm certainly not complaining. I'm happy that The White Stripes have the balls to constantly experiment and bring something new to the table, time and time again. Most notably, casual fans are going to miss Jack's wailing guitar solos and time signatures. His artistic vision is channeled through piano, marimba, tambourine, and acoustic guitar (although their is some electric guitar lurking around in the mix). While other bands try to replicate the magic of their freshman debut, The White Stripes are busy honing their skill, creating music that has soul, feeling, and ideas (all executed within a 2 week recording session). This subsequently feels like a retreat to their "little room" from the staggering success of "Elephant". They've locked the door and threw away the key to make whatever they see fit, which merits even more respect. Screw the bigwigs, the "true" fans want to hear a intimate recording by these two creative forces, which is exactly what they brought us.



The first cut "Blue Orchid" is a thrilling metal number, reminiscent of past material, but still different. By the end of that song, they slip back into their little room to stun listeners throughout the rest of the record. "The Nurse" is very experimental. Meg's drums sound like a series of explosions over Jack's piano and marimba, along with his soft lyrical delivery. But I have to say, it's "My Doorbell" that sinks it's hook into you. It's a little reminiscent of the "Hotel Yorba" days, with Jack's quick, happy go lucky lyrics. It's actually very catchy, and stands in stark contrast to the previous cuts. Up next is "Forever for Her (Is Over for Me)" where Jack sings ever so passionately. It's one of the most well written songs on the album. But then comes my personal favorite, "Little Ghost". Jack and Meg belt out this soulful number with a brilliant country bluegrass swagger that is simply irresistible. "The Denial Twist" is fantastically driven by piano and tambourine. The presence of Rita Hayworth also plays a significant role on songs such as "White Moon" and the dazzling "Take, Take, Take". The rockers closest to the material on "Elephant", "Instinct Blues" and "Red Rain" should please all White Stripes fans. Meg does a fantastic job with her vocals on "Passive Manipulation" were she boasts the very effective lyric - "Women, listen to your mothers / Don't just succumb to the wishes of your brothers / Take a step back, take a look at one another / You need to know the difference between a father and a lover". "As Ugly as I Seem" is a very simple acoustic guitar flavored tune. I can't think of a better song they could have used to close out the album, than "I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)". Jack's lush voice and beautiful piano work will leave your head swaying just like Meg's head would be at a live show.



Needless to say, I am quite impressed with this album. But I'm sure some of you will be sorely disappointed with their new direction. Personally, I would be in heaven if all of my favorite bands made albums the way The Stripes do. I would rather hear something completely original, than to hear "Elephant" part 2. If I want to hear riveting guitar solos, I'll listen to "Elephant". If I want to listen to Jack's blues-rock perfection, I will listen to "De Stijl" (It's nice to have choices). But in no way does "Get Behind Me Satan" pale in comparison to it's predecessors. Their discography is on it's way to being just as staggering as Beck's. They're all brilliant works of originality. And although it may push away some casual fans, The Stripes are at their best when they push themselves to their limits."

Multi-colored Stripes

Porter | In the shadows | 06/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The White Stripes have gone heads and shoulders above other bands in the retro-rock circuit since they're debut. They've stood out through their mind-boggling two-man(one man, one woman to be specific) attack, their genra defying style of rock, and Jack White's unmatched witty and profound songwriting. With each album the band seems to get better and putting other bands to shame. Now with their fifth release they have yet again blown the competition away.

The album starts out with the raunchy first single "Blue Orchid" a little ditty that must bring a smile to the face of any fan of The Darkness. Then out of nowhere comes the captivating "The Nurse" comes in to the tune of a childrens show jingle. An even more interestingly the Whites pull off a perfect Jackson 5 sound with the funky, groovy "My Doorbell". Then comes one of the finest songs the Stripes have done yet with "Forever for Her (Is Over for Me)" where Jack's voice tears through the record deep into your heart and there's no doubt he means the words "let's do it, just get on the plane and do it like the birds and the bees, let's do it", regardless who the message belongs to we feel it.

The album rolls along at this great pace and seems to end before the listener is ready and closes with the amazing and straight-forward "I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet).

This may not be The Stripes most successful album or even their best but there is no doubt it is their tightest. Every song keeps it's energetic, if not upbeat, loose style. And the one thing good about being quick it leaves you desiring a second listen and boy is it better with each listen.

Regardless of popular opinion I believe "Get Behind Me Satan" is another step forward for one fo the greatest rock bands in the world."

A Higher Plane

Matthew T. Parrish | Somerdale, NJ USA | 06/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Good-bye to the casual fan; hello new sound. The White Stripes got popular with simple, catchy, and very creative songs. From De Stijl, to White Blood Cells, to Elephant, their popularity skyrocketed as their songs and albums got better and better. As everyone could tell, their style peaked at Elephant. So, I was expecting to be disappointed by Get Behind Me Satan because how could it be better than Elephant?



I was wrong. Like David Bowie with Aladdin Sane (after Ziggy Stardust), The White Stripes did not try to best Elephant, they altered their style and have written their best and most intricate songs yet. In short, they took a step back and sideways to go forward.



Just pick a great song. "Red Rain" is Jack White's most creative song to date and it's melodic in the most interesting way. "The Nurse," with it's seemingly random but calculated guitar crunches and it's purposeful lack of a real chorus, it has all the elements of great indie rock. "Take Take Take" is an off-rhythm harmony that's probably the best melody in the White Stripes catalogue.



You've heard the White Stripes go country before, but on "Little Ghost" Jack pushes to bluegrass and still makes it work. The textures and layering of the song are beautiful. "My Doorbell" is probably the song that is most representative of their former style on this album. It's simple, catchy, and funny. "As Ugly as I Seem" has great transitions and the patient notes come off perfectly.



After an album of experimentation and great results, the White Stripes have all the credibility they need to write a traditional closing song which is still really good anyway. Even when they write formulaic songs they elevate above the formula.



This album cements the White Stripes as a classic rock band. Without hesitation, I'd put them and Radiohead up there with The Doors, Pink Floyd, R.E.M., Nirvana, and so forth."