Their Kids Are Gonna Be Talented

Jack White remarkably didn’t make it onto my list this year. His latest Dead Weather release made him a contender, but ultimately it didn’t make the cut. That’s not to say, however, that his influence isn’t still felt. Number nine this year is the first of two members of the ever-present Jack White musical cadre. In fact, Karen Elson, despite being a newcomer and releasing only her debut album in 2010, is a member of the JW inner circle. Now, some might consider her releasing The Ghost Who Walks an act of nepotism, considering her other name is Mrs. Jack White and she is mother to his children. Some might also suggest I’m playing favorites on this year’s list because of the association. There may be some validity to this argument. After all JW did produce the album and his Raconteurs-style country/folk is pervasive throughout the album. That being said, she has a lovely voice and is a very talented songwriter and not only does this album belong among the best of the year, but she deserves all the accolades for it. (On a side note, I can't help but wonder if he didn't pair up with her due at least in part to the fact that her red hair and white skin fit with his strictly enforced color code.)

The album kicks off with two slow seductive tracks, the title cut and The Truth Is In The Dirt, both of which start out with eerie keyboard lines and the latter of which builds to a very White Stripes-esque steel guitar and electric guitar call-and-response. The fourth track, Lunasa, is possibly my favorite song of the year (depending on the day and my mood). It’s a beautiful, delicate three-part reflection on the end of summer and the heartbreak that comes with the changing of the seasons. The three parts play perfectly together and this track really showcases Karen’s beautiful voice. The next track, 100 Years From Now, is a vaudevillian romp which isn’t my favorite track, but one that I value as part of the collection as a whole because perfectly exemplifies the album’s richness and diversity. Cruel Summer is another very light-hearted and countrified tale of said season and speaking of country, The Last Laugh is a tender love song that sounds like it could easily be in the CMT Top 20. The album definitely starts stronger than it finishes, but among many great folk genre contributions this year, including strong releases by Ray LaMontagne and Robert Plant, this was the one that stuck with me most. With Karen Elson’s ability and her position as a member of pop music royalty, I suspect the best is yet to come.

Happy New Year to one and all! I can think of no better way to ring in the 2011 than with a review of the latest from one of my music idols. Log on next year to hear all about my eighth favorite album of this year.