Marking its 20th anniversary, the “most misunderstood entry” in the White Stripes back catalog is receiving a much-deserved revisit, allowing both old fans and new listeners to explore its rich depths.

As part of the ongoing Vault subscription series from Jack White‘s Third Man Records, Get Behind Me Satan XX is being released in a special two-record set that includes an additional 7″ record and a Blu-Ray. This comprehensive package serves as a companion to the original 2005 album, providing fans with a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the music that shaped a generation.

Third Man Records describes the album, often misconceived as a break-up record, a commentary on fame, or primarily a ‘piano’ album, as a piece that is genuinely concentrated on the truth of its themes. According to the label, it is crucial to note that it was in no way a continuation of Elephant, which only added to the confusion and intrigue surrounding this album during its initial release.

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Even after two decades, the album remains remarkable for its timelessness and freshness. Faced with newfound worldwide commercial success, no other contemporary rock band dared to introduce instruments like mandolin, tympani, hand bells, and marimba into their musical repertoire. The White Stripes, however, were not like any other band; their audacity and innovation set them apart. Upon revisiting Satan, it becomes easier to appreciate the diverse elements that coalesced to create such a refreshing listening experience.

The first disc of this enhanced package showcases previously unreleased demos and alternative studio takes from the album. These demos, created in 2004 and early 2005, offer a skeletal yet enlightening glimpse into Jack White‘s songwriting process, captured without any concern for fidelity. The rawness of these recordings is especially exciting for fans who wish to gain insight into the creative journey behind the music they love.

The second disc features a collection of previously unreleased live recordings from the 2005 tour, providing an authentic live experience for listeners. Additionally, the accompanying 7″ record includes what is referred to as “one of the great white whales in Stripes history,” a long-sought recording of “Spitting Tacks.” The included Blu-Ray offers captivating footage of the band’s energetic performances during their Central and South American tour, showcasing the spirit and passion of their live shows.

Accompanying the audio collection is a Blu-Ray capturing intimate moments from the White Stripes Central and South American tour in 2005. Shot by David James Swanson with a mini-DV camera, this footage provides an unfiltered look at the band’s experiences, from soundchecks to enthusiastic fans singing along. Although it might be too bold to refer to this as a ‘film’, the collection of sequences offers a striking and complementary insight into the unique and chaotic atmosphere that enveloped the White Stripes during this vibrant period.

As is customary with such releases, the package includes an expansive archival booklet. This booklet features a treasure trove of memorabilia including photos, concert posters, a complete list of tour dates, and all the exhaustive details that loyal fans have come to expect from these anniversary editions, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Initially released in June 2005, Get Behind Me Satan marked a significant milestone as the White Stripes’ fifth and penultimate album. It achieved remarkable success, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and earning the group a Grammy for Best Alternative Album the following year. This album not only solidified their place in rock history but also showcased their innovative spirit.

While the original album has seen occasional reissues since its debut, the Vault editions from Third Man Records are generally not reissued. Fans interested in acquiring the Get Behind Me Satan XX special edition should sign up for the Vault subscription before January 31st to ensure they don’t miss out on this unique opportunity.