The White Stripes – Elephant (XL Recordings)
So then. The Stripes’ fourth album, and the first made under an intense spotlight of media interest. Does it live up to the hype? Well, yes. While there’s no surprises, it’s raw, spacious valve-fuelled blues with a dash of punk - their most accomplished album, super confident yet not arrogant. It’s classic bluesy rock ‘n’ roll, fresh yet shrouded in 60s production. There’s piano and organs, and Meg’s vocals even get a chance to shine on In The Cold, Cold Night. There’s also a plaintive cover of Dusty Springfield’s I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself. Don’t believe the hype, just listen to the record. Matt Walton 28 March 03

useful link: www.whitestripes.com