Jack White - “High Ball Stepper” (Official Video)

April 1 is a crummy day to be a blogger because you’re especially likely to be prahnked, as they say on Kroll Show. Is the instrumental jam “High Ball Stepper” really the first song to be released from Jack White’s new LP, Lazaretto? I’ve got faith that it is, even if an instrumental is a weird way to lead things off. Hey, Jack White is a pretty weird guy! Either way, that’s definitely White shredding. Per a statement on White’s site, “High Ball Stepper” is not technically the first single off Lazaretto — that will be the album’s title track, out later this month — just “a first taste of new music from the album.”

In celebration of the new album and their 20th Vault package, Third Man has unveiled their most unique Vault package yet.

The LP for Third Man Records’ Vault package #20 will be the ONLY limited version of Lazaretto to be released. Pressed on split-color blue-and-white vinyl and coupled with exclusive album art, this alternate presentation of the album is both insightful and deserving. Also exclusive to the Vault is a fold-out poster accompanying the album, featuring a classic National Archives photo that serves as a recurrent image throughout the album art.

Unlike the lightning bolt and inverted lightning bolt pressings Third Man did for Jack White’sBlunderbuss, this alternate art and colored vinyl will be the only time ANY variation on Lazarettowill be made. Once subscriptions are closed and records are pressed… that’s it. Don’t sleep. Get in now or regret it later.

The 7-inch includes two early demos of songs that appear on Lazaretto in their completed form. Both “Alone in My Home” and “Entitlement” are solo recordings by Jack White, done while he was in Mexico. Pressed on lustrous blue vinyl and housed in the standard felt-weave, die-cut Third Man Vault 7-inch sleeve, both tracks offer a unique glimpse into the creative process and evolution of a song from it’s original germination to its final delivery.

The bonus item is a lavish 40-page hard bound companion piece book full of lyrics, exclusive musical notations, photos and art from Lazaretto. This is the perfect accompaniment to the listening experience and insight into both the album creation method and some of the inspiration (visual and otherwise) behind it.

In addition to these items, Vault package #20 will also include a linen, letter-pressed postcard with the same eye-popping color separations as evidenced in classic chromatic postcards popular in the first half of the 20th century. Stamps not included.

Subscriptions are open through April 30th, so don’t delay and visit thirdmanrecords.com/vault and sign up today.