Music: Top 40 Albums of 2007 24-20

20) The White Stripes – Icky Thump
Jack and Meg return with a classic rocker that brings the songcraft.
Here’s the video for “Conquest”:


21) Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
What felt like a retreat at first opens up to reveal intricacies that deepen with each listen.
Here’s the video for “What Light”:


22) Various Artists – David Shrigley’s Worried Noodles
A sampler of great indie rock featuring artists from Franz Ferdinand to Grizzly Bear to David Byrne to Final Fantasy marrying Shrigley's clever lyrics to great songs.
Here’s a video promo for the album featuring Shrigley’s artwork and the band YACHT:


23) Future of the Left – Curses
Mclusky fans look no further. Ex Mclusky members team up with the bassist from Jarcrew. Driving anger fueled rock with snarky lyrics follows.
Here’s the video for “adeadenemyalswayssmellsgood”:


24) Blitzen Trapper – Wild Mountain Nation
The Pavement aping album cover and a few of the songs on this debut album suggested a cover band called Debris Slide trying to write originals for the first time. In reality there is more than meets the ear with pastoral folk, and freaky-deaky indie that hews its own course.
Here’s the video for “Devil’s A-Go-Go”:

Music News: Jack White Finds a Replacement For Meg?

"Hmmm Bob White...I like the sound of that..."

As Rolling Stone Magazine's website has been breathlessly reporting all week, Jack White has taken to sharing a stage with Bob Dylan lately and spurring His Greatness to play songs not previously or rarely played live. Could Bob be angling to become Grandpa Bob White? Or perhaps Jack has his eye on George Harrison's vacant Wilbury spot. Either way, fans who are lucky enough to catch the Amos Lee/Raconteurs/Dylan shows should have a unique experience.

Music News: White Stripes Cancel US Tour!

Jack does what he can to ease Meg's anxiety...

The White Stripes have cancelled their fall tour. It seems drummer / fake-sibling Meg is suffering from "acute anxiety". No word yet on whether or how they will deal with this situation moving forward. Ticketholders are being offered full refunds for these shows in support of their excellent album Icky Thump.