They got big when rock was taking a hard turn away from rock. Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, and their ilk were dominating new rock radio while 90s alt rock was slowly tapering off. The Whites Stripes and other bands like The Strokes were heralded as a return to rock with a garagey hi-fi take on lo-fi sound.
I heard about a half-hour of the White Stripes at the Austin City Limits Music Festival a few years ago, and was not particularly impressed, and then went to another stage (there are usually 5 or 6 bands playing at any given time at ACL) to hear Los Lobos, which is a band that I actually do consider groundbreaking.
Last year, I heard Jack White’s side project Raconteurs at New Orleans’ Jazzfest, which I though was a much more engaging, approachable sound than the White Stripes.
Still, either way, I don’t think of incredible musical talent when I think of Jack White—A moderately talented player with a VERY talented PR agent is closer to the mark IMHO.
Of course, in terms of musical tastes, it’s all totally subjective, so for those who really love Jack’s playing, I hope you won’t take offence.
They were only band I can think of from recent years that still bothered to make interesting videos. Great songs, too, of course, but I can think of other bands that still bother with that.
Here to fill the void…Patrick Carney of The Black Keys.
I enjoy those guys, too–very similar vibe (obviously with the guitar & drums setup), and a similar hard approach to the drums, but I like the Stripes songwriting better.
Just curious, have you heard any of the album that he produced for Loretta Lynn? If so, I wonder about your thoughts on it. I think it’s excellent.
I would agree, Jack White’s contributions (just about everything from concept to arrangement of the music) on that album is what made it great.
Jack White is a brilliant guitar player. He records a bit sloppy and he’s not going for Yngvie levels of accuracy and technique, but the man can write a hook like nobody’s business and he is an absolute *master *of tone.
I agree with this totally. I have a lot of respect for Jack White as a player, songwriter and producer.
Agree.
As a massive White Stripes fan, I have become very used to defending Meg’s presence in the band. Those that criticise her for not being a technically good drummer miss the point - nobody else could have done the job that Meg did. One of the keys to a White Stripes show was the fact they did not do set lists. Jack would just do what the hell he felt like and Meg had to keep up - the pair had to have an almost psychic connection to pull this off and that was just one of the aspects that made them so exciting live.
Out of the eight times I saw them, the last three times were on consecutive evenings and it was a completely dfferent show each night. Cover versions and obscure B sides would get an airing one night then never again. Well known tracks would get a completley different treatment on different nights. One night Seven Nation Army would get kept for an encore, sometimes just tossed in there early in the set. And if you were lucky, you’d get the set closer of Boll Weevil.
I think Jack White is an amazingly talented individual. I’ve seen the Raconteurs several times, and the Dead Weather too. His other projects are pretty damn good - his (live) performance on Blue Veins with the Raconteurs is an astonishing piece of guitar work.
But the White Stripes live were really an extraordinary, unique experience.
Think I’m going to watch me some Blackpool Lights now.
My sister thanks you and I thank you, good night.
Not since Joe DiMaggio has a man tried so hard to do right by his ex.
They totally ripped off the Spinanes gimmick.
Not that Jack White is wasting any time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTHslukHBoU
Now, there’s a girl that sings. It’s up for debate if her singing is at the level of Meg’s drumming (me thinks so). Luckily, guitar more than makes it up.
Crude, but it’s worth noting that Meg also has a fantastic rack. I mean there were a very visible band – shooting lots of videos and all. Can’t hurt your band’s image.
Shame, there were rumours going around that they were going to start on another album soon.
Good post Scougs. I don’t listen to their albums a great deal, in general I prefer the live recordings. Here are a few I particularly like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLiNNN3GU3Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF9ZtvNqwJI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RqLhy_P_C8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6KbVOsHlSc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYHV0CsQjXA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdY5RRxuwDY
Even if she’s a so-called bad drummer, Meg White can handle my stick anytime she wants.
They are a great band, they made me realize that rock music is still alive. In their later albums the White Stripes started getting away from what made them great in the first place; simple grungy bluesy rock. Not over-produced crap, and it’s amazing the sound they achieved with only 2 people. The videos were great too, that didn’t hurt.
Don;t forget ‘Showman’. When I saw The Dead Weather, he completely dominated that show, from behind the drum kit.
They weren’t siblings?!?!?
Nope, they were spouses.
And “Jack” took Meg’s last name!