April 24, 2007 15:55

World exclusive – White Stripes to make their return with NME

We're giving away the duo's first new material absolutely free

Photo Gallery: The White Stripes

The White Stripes are set to release the first new material from forthcoming album ’Icky Thump’ exclusively with NME.

Jack and Meg White’s new album will be released on June 18. However, beforehand the pair will release the track ’Rag And Bone’ on a special seven-inch vinyl that will come exclusively for free with the issue of NME out on June 6.

The track will be pressed onto red vinyl, while the flipside will feature a etching designed exclusively by Jack White and will come in special gatefold packaging featuring more artwork by the band.

Following the exclusive release with NME, the band will then release their album’s title track, ’Icky Thump’, as a single on June 11.

However confirming our giveaway’s unique place in The White Stripes’ history, the seven-inch version of the 'Icky Thump' single will be pressed onto white vinyl and will also feature a unique etching on the flipside.

With space left for this release in packaging given away with the NME, the two pieces of vinyl can be combined into a unique collectors editions.

Speaking of the unique release, Ben Beardsworth, managing director of the band’s label XL, said he was excited that by releasing ’Rag And Bone’ via NME so many people will be able to get hold of the band’s latest material.

"There something quite magical about getting such a strong track, on such a stunningly presented piece of vinyl, directly in to the hands of such a vast number of people," he explained.

To get hold of the unique release all readers have to do is buy the NME which hits UK newsstands on June 6. Details of how those outside Britain will be able to pre-order this unique issue will be available nearer the time on NME.COM.

For more information about this unique release, and how to get hold of your copy, see this week’s issue of NME, out on April 25.

Meanwhile, the track ’Icky Thump’ will get its first play on Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 show on April 26, and the band will play 02 Wireless Festival in London on June 14 and in Leeds a day later (15).