Okay, so we know Jack White has a lot of country in him. He lives in Nashville; we get it, he's feeling it. But you gotta admit, it was a bit startling at first back a few years ago when he originally paired up with country legend Loretta Lynn. Not exactly an intuitive match, although the results were impressive.
So it is with the Oak Ridge Boys' version of the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," which shows up on their recently released album and is making a bit of a sensation amongst alternative and country fans alike.
It's not quite what you expect--When I first clicked "play," I was betting on a heavy frosting of gospel and/or twang sweetening up what's essentially a pretty dark tune. However, the Boys' version actually sounds more sinister than the original. Piano and a rather creepy staccato vocal chorus hold up the distinctive melody-slash-bassline, giving it a witchy feel that neither White's alt-rock falsetto nor a screetching guitar can deliver.
In some ways, country can be more punk than actual punk rock. Have a listen and tell us what you think.
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