Concert Monkey takes a look at 20 of the best albums of 2014

Not a countdown. Not a Top 20.

Next entry: Best albums of 2014: Georgio 'the Dove' Valentino – Mille Plateaux

Only 2 months after the release, Lazaretto becomes the biggest-selling vinyl album of the year, with 60 000 copies, competing only with Pearl Jam's 'Vitalogy' released 20 years ago.

What's a lazaretto? Our dictionary defines it as an isolation hospital for people with infectious diseases, especially leprosy or plague. And indeed, isolation, unrequited love, madness, diseases and obsession are central themes on the record. But still, it is not a sick sad record, on the contrary, it’s dense, complex, crazy and has the same feeling that everything Jack White touches turns into a state of blues.

Despite the great variety of tracks, there are enough elements to back up the album heaviness and bring its high peaks even higher: powerful piano for increased drama, rural country flavor with violin playing and of course, a vindictive and troubled guitar sound. 

Released: June 9/10, 2014

Genre: Blues rock, garage rock, alternative rock, country rock, folk rock
Length 39:13
Label: Third Man, XL, Columbia
Producer: Jack White

Preceded by: Blunderbuss (2012)

Singles

"Lazaretto"
"Just One Drink"
"Would You Fight for My Love?"
"Alone in My Home"

Concert review: Jack White @Forest National, Brussels – 16 November 2014

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