So this morning sees the release of the White Stripes 7" that comes free with the latest issue of the NME.This is the only reason to buy the publication, which has now shrunk to 75 pages prompting "when I was a lad" type thoughts from me. Anyway the actual gatefold 7" is a nice item, red vinyl and an etched picture on the B-side. Frankly the Stripes should have stuck a song on the B-side, I'm sure they have plenty lying around. However its a freebie with a point, as you can complete the set by purchasing the Icky Thump 7" when its released next week.Ah, takes me back to the days of the flexies you used to get on such mags. I wonder what percentage of the NME readership still own a record player?