Bono once told me that rock was based on the "three primary colors" of guitar, drums, and bass. I respect U2 and am convinced they are the greatest rock and roll band of all time, but rock and roll can also be based in just "red" and "white." Jack and Meg rock like nothing I've heard in a long time. Yes there are some obvious derivitives - Led Zeppelin, Rory Gallagher, even the Rolling Stones. But the White Stripes are not a clone band. Elephant is one of the most original records to come out in the past few years.

More info on White Stripes' Elephant.