by Heather Phares
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. Jack White's understated production work and versatile guitar playing and vocals also stand out on the languid, fuzzy &Sister, Do You Know My Name?& as well as insistent rockers like &Little Bird& and &Why Can't You Be Nicer to Me?& As distinctive as it is diverse, De Stijl blends the Stripes' arty leanings with enough rock muscle to back up the band's ambitions.