What to make of Aluminum? A collection of avant garde orchestral versions of White Stripes tunes? I could not make this up. Does it sound ludicrous to you too? After all, my estimation of White Stripes as a creative unit is, to put it politely, low. So how in the world are Richard Russell and Jody Talbot (who make up Aluminum) going to embellish songs which were originally built on drums, guitar and voice? I mean, these are not intricate tunes to begin with! And ultimately, the album comes across as ludicrously as its concept. Although I am sure that some B-movie directors are thrilled to discover crass soundtracks waiting for their utilization. A silly idea that is best forgotten. Fast.
~ Kevin Mathews
Release date: November 21, 2006
