Karen Elson is a model turned singer/songwriter. She also happens to be married to musical mastermind Jack White of White Stripes, Raconteurs and Dead Weather fame. Elson and White met while filming the video for the White Stripes "Blue Orchid", which Elson was featured in. They married in 2005 and currently have two children together. The Ghost Who Walks is Elson's solo debut album and features an alternative folk/country/blues sound which was produced by White himself. The title comes from a name Elson was called in high school due to her skinny, pale appearance. Elson has a background in cabaret which can clearly be heard on track "100 Years From Now". The album features White on guitar and drums while White's Raconteurs/Dead Weather band mate Jack Lawrence features on bass. Their influence can be heard on certain tracks, in particular the song "The Truth Is In The Dirt" which is heavy on organ and slide guitar. It could practically be considered a Dead Weather b-side. While Elson has a wonderful voice she doesn't quite sing with the same raw energy and strength as other songstresses in the same category, such as Neko Case (New Pornographers). Her album is still a welcome addition to any album collection as it has some strong tracks on it but I feel that many reviewers will be biased over the fact of who she is married to. Hopefully a second album will follow which will sway any naysayers and will take her out of the shadow of her husband.
www.myspace.com/karenelsonmusic
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