Pitchfork

If Aphex Twin and Metallica can go symphonic, why not everybody's favorite coed, color-coordinated guitar-and-drums duo the White Stripes? XL Recordings founder Richard Russell didn't just ponder the possibilities-- he done did it, recruiting British film and television composer Joby Talbot and "many of the UK's finest young classical musicians" (according to a publicist) to record an entire album of orchestral interpretations of White Stripes songs.

Russell and Tablot christened their project Aluminium, in reference to the Stripes song but with a British spelling to emphasize their place of origin, a good ocean and a half away from Meg and Jack's native Detroit. Aluminium's self-titled debut arrives (for pre-order) November 6 and features ten Stripes covers, including "Aluminum" (retaining the original spelling), "The Hardest Button to Button", and more.

This ain't your prance-y Mozart shit either. These orchestral renditions have a decidedly modern bent, incorporating plenty of odd percussion, dissonance, and jarring tempos-- particularly the almost-title track. Listen to a few tunes from Aluminium's album on their MySpace.

Aluminium will be available exclusively through the band's website, and limited to 3,333 CD and 999 vinyl copies. It features artwork by long-time Stripes designer Rob Jones, and vinyl LPs come with an original Jones silk screen print. In addition, a special Aluminium toy will be available for purchase on the same date the album arrives.

Aluminium's music is already turning heads: Russell played some early recordings to Jack and Meg last year, and reported on the XL website that the Stripes gave them a ringing endorsement. "Jack said that the music is beautiful, and that he's flattered, and that it's an honour," Russell wrote.

Meanwhile, choreographer Wayne McGregor will include several pieces from Aluminium in a ballet to be performed at London's Royal Opera House this November.

Aluminium:

01 Aluminum
02 I'm Bound to Pack It Up
03 Why Can't You Be Nicer to Me
04 Astro
05 Never Far Away
06 Little Bird
07 Let's Build a Home
08 Who's a Big Baby
09 The Hardest Button to Button
10 Forever for Her