The White Stripes - De Stijl [LP]

Out-of-print in North America since 2005, the utmost care was taken in presenting these White Stripes reissues in the best way possible. They have been mastered from the original analog master tapes, the first time this process had been used for any of these titles. Each record is pressed on 180-gram vinyl, again, the first time any of these albums have been afforded this superior vinyl weight. The artwork is printed on the deluxe old-style, tip-on sleeves at Stoughton.

"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."