"Get Behind Me Satan" is experimental by White Stripes' standards — loosey-goosey, less guitar-driven than their debut album "Elephant." It has a generous splash of piano, some marimba and a touch of freaky soul. Nevertheless, the band remains tethered to its time-tested punk-blues style. For the most part, the Stripes are the Stripes are the Stripes.

"Blue Orchid" is this album's "Seven Nation Army," an irresistible lead track that lets the band rock straight ahead. The intrigue comes later with the celebrity-stalker send-up "Take, Take, Take," in which the celeb in question is Rita Hayworth. There's also "Passive Manipulation," Meg's brief piece of relationship advice, and "I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)," Jack's opportunity to decline romance with a woman in a hairnet.

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ROCK The White Stripes "Get Behind Me Satan." V2. 13 tracks. Grade: B+

The best song of all, "Little Ghost," is a howling Americana romp that takes this Detroit two-piece way out into the country.

— Nick Marino

The White Stripes will perform at 10:30 p.m. Friday at Music Midtown.