I thought their first album was too poppy. Too many catchy hooks and song structure. Consolers of the Lonely was incredible. Maybe top ten all time for me. Definitely would not call it tame. I saw them on their first tour then again at Stubbs after their second album. Even their show got a ton better. I am excited for their next album, and with the White Stripes gone, that should be next.
never got to see them live? go buy a guitar and learn 3 or 4 chords and you can put on your own White Stripes concert.
Jack White is the modern day Jimi Hendrix. I am not exagerating at all. Yeah, there was a lot of power chords, but what about Death Letter? Ball and Biscuit?
I'm the guy that wants The Black Keys to play with Tommy Shannon and Reese Wynans, and hell Chris Layton too. Throw the kid out. I like my rock in a fat, four piece sound.
You obviously have not seen what this guy can do with any string instrument, man made or made by him with a piece of wood and a string. Or you're just ignorant/hater/jealous.
Sucks that one of my favorite bands is no more, but from the point of view of the future, let's not pretend that this was a band of equals. It's not like the world will forever be robbed of Lennon's iconic genius paired with McCartney's pop sensibility. Jack White is a musical virtuoso. Meg White is an average drummer with an okay, seldom-used voice. Together they made great music. But, at least from the outside looking in (and please correct me if I'm wrong), it sure seemed like Jack was responsible for the lion's share of that greatness. Meg White strikes me as Art Garfunkel in his solo career, you know, minus the voice. I'm with Team Jack moving forward. I'm sure there will be great music from him ahead. True that. <iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xCFXeChXfcI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Never got to see them live so I'm kinda bummed by the news, but I can't say it's unexpected. I think I heard Meg has travel/touring issues and that's what ended the last tour. I think "top yourself" off consolers of the lonely is written by Jack to Meg. I like the Racanteurs (saw them at Stubbs) and I also dig the dead weather stuff. Jack is the brains and talent so as long as he keeps going I'm cool with it. Here are the lyrics... I think he's speaking directly to her after her issues ended the last tour. How you gonna top yourself When there is nobody else? How you gonna do it by yourself? 'Cause I'm not gonna be here to help you, yeah Alright, how you gonna top yourself When there is nobody else? How you gonna do it by yourself? 'Cause I'm not gonna be here to help you How you gonna do it alone When I don't pick up my phone? I'd love to give a dog a bone But I'm not gonna stick around to help you, yeah Alright, yeah, how you gonna stop yourself When your man stops ringing your bell? You're right between heaven and hell And you're gonna need the good Lord to help you How am I gonna make you see That this is ain't no way to be? See you've been digging it all for free Guess, you better get yourself a sugar daddy to help you, hey, hey Top yourself Such a little girl like a spinning time mama But she spinning out of control, yeah Take sleeping with a snake like you to Rip apart my soul, yeah Yeah, rip apart my soul Rip apart my soul, yeah How you gonna rock yourself to sleep When I give up my midnight creep, girl? How you gonna get that deep When you're daddy ain't around here to do it to you? Yeah, how you gonna do it alone When I don't pick up my phone? I'd love to give a dog a bone But I'm not gonna stick around to help you Yeah, yeah, alright Hey, hey, yeah Top yourself Top yourself Top yourself
calling her average is still a very generous statement to make. but her aesthetic worked for what they were trying to do. it wouldnt have been the white stripes if it was jack white w/ a proper rhythm section. never really got into them, but i always liked what i heard. i do own 'get behind me satan' and i would say its probably in my top 20 of the last 10 years - but that seems to be the album that their fans like the least. not into the raconteurs albums, but they bring it live. i saw them at acl a few years ago and they seriously threw down zeppelin-style. i wasnt expecting much, but i was most impressed.
Average is a generous statement for a lot of what they do if picked apart individually, but the sum is pretty electrifying at times... and it often just sounds good. Three years and however many side projects, plus all the rumors, this is no surprise. I'm disappointed not having seen White Stripes, but no big thing. I like the albums they made enough that it's probably good they didn't screw it up too bad eventually as so many do. I've been fine with seeing what he does in other bands etc, so whatever. Both Raconteurs albums are pretty good (a little tame maybe) and I do like the Dead Weather stuff, especially the latest. Landry, that criticism sounds like someone who doesn't like rock and roll, and i know you do. Maybe it's just not your thing? mlwoo, I like Jack, quite a bit, but a modern Jimi he ain't. Might have some overlapping quality, but come on now. So, kind of a bummer, but eh, let's see what's next. *any following of a jo mama post is strictly coincidental
I saw the White Stripes in 2003 at the Verizon. I was in town from New Zealand after my grandmother died and I was emotionally and physically drained from all of that and needed a distraction. They were more than that. It was one of the best concerts I ever saw and I will never forget it. I love that band and I am sad to see them gone.
Ignance this video will change your life.. <iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1fM2qhG8mA4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> might not be saying much but The White Stripes in my opinion are the most soulful band of the last decade.. the raconteurs are pretty sweet.. but just not as raw and powerful im kinda excited they broke up it has me going through and listening to all their albums and watching live videos, re falling in love with their passion.
raconteurs are kickass. plus, i got to meet three, count 'em three clutchfans at the show at stubbs in may of 08 - crazydave, voodoopope and the legendary swtsig.
I love the white stripes.. one of my all time favorites. All good things must come to an end. What I really enjoyed about them was that Jack took Meg and made it work. While she had very little talent and natural ability, he had enough for both. If you've seen any of their shows he basically carried her through the everything. He gives her every mark and change throughout the songs, it's really pretty amazing. She was not a drummer, she was his wife who he trained to be his drummer. The fact that they lasted as long as they did after the divorce always amazed me. He once said that the whole brother sister act, with the red and white, the restrictive nature of only using a guitar and drums was all devised so that he could get away with playing the blues and not feel like a hack.
