Fast and dirty. Like no other band of their generation, The White Stripes understood that’s the point of rock and roll. No need to belabor a eulogy on Jack and Meg’s medicine show. Raw they gave it to you. Guitars that twitched like the electrocuted and damned. Drums that kept a steady pulse and knew how to get the fuck out the way. De Stijl. The art of simplicity. Minimalism for a maximal age. The White Stripes knew that rock and roll was about rebellion. But they didn’t give you the sad-sack soap box bromides of Chris Martin, or the slick leather assault of The Strokes. They understood the power of natural colors. They attempted to channel an air of mystery for a generation led to believe that they have the god given right to little league fame.
If you call them throwbacks you’re missing the point. Jack White would throw you off a roof for lesser offenses. Don’t believe me, ask the assclown from the Von Bondies. So black and blue you needed a steak to cover the collateral damage. Those Detroit boys don’t play. Jack White told people that he’d originally considered a career in the service of God (CAPITAL LETTERS), and there’s a divine providence that flaps across their music. The sort of stained glass and incense revelations that can only come from channeling the inaccessible parts of your soul. The White Stripes were the rare breed who could say “soul” without needing to use air quotes — that’s because they had nothing else to offer. Their magic arrived from a place of primary colors and earth tones — as voodoo as it was Christian as it was Old Testament. Their music cannot be compared to anything other than the natural elements. Air, fire, earth, water. White Stripes. Clean vertical impressions slashing across a dirty smear.
In front of me is a poster. “Presenting from Detroit: The White Stripes: April 5,6,7,8, 2002 @ The Bowery Ballroom.” Jack and Meg, with primal hair and murderous intent. A Son House button inconspicuously pinned across his right breast. That’s where it comes from. Those ancient Delta ideas conjured by lonely and lecherous sorcerers. Dead leaves and the dirty ground. What else do you need to write a song? He understood that there are really only a few decent themes for a story. Death, rebirth, revenge, isolation, love — both lost and found. You may consider Jack White an old soul, but that’s too simplistic. He’ held ancient values that don’t change, no matter how many caskets are delivered to the post-modern morgue of bad ideas. People mocked him for the simplistic color schemes. They called it a contrived put-on or a gimmick. Not true. The Stripes understood the power of an image, the importance of presentation. Their peers wore suits. They wore t-shirts and jeans, but somehow made it look neat. Nary a wasted movement. A leyden jar attack. 300 MPH Torrential Outpour blues. The zebra suits and Zorro hats came later.
How many bands can you remember hearing for the first time? Not many. I wasn’t at that Bowery show — still in college at the time. Acquired the poster via the centerfold of a Mojo Magazine where Jack interviewed Iggy and asked him about Fun House and God. I’d never heard The Stooges before either, but I did afterwards. John Gillis came from the old model, before stupid critics made artists terrified of “being derivative,” and caused them to cover their tracks. Instead, Jack White honored his forefathers. The Son House pin. The Iggy worship. Making documentaries with Jimmy Page. Where was I? Oh right, the first time. On the fucking MTV Music Awards -- that shrill yearly commercial intended to hawk Viacom stock and Vans. Never heard of them before 2002. I was busy listening to Wu-Tang. Oh well. So when I saw the Medusa-haired duo stomp onto the stage at Radio City, I saw what I loved in hip-hop transmuted into a thrashing fusion of proto-punk, classic rock, and the electric blues. Wasn’t even paying attention at first. Why would I? But my focus was soon diverted and I started to think that maybe rock music wasn’t all whiny white guys with soft paws.
First time I saw them was at the following Coachella. Sold instantly. Half a mile from stage and my hair went Yahoo Serious. I could tell you why but it cheapens it. Bands like The White Stripes aren’t supposed to be explained, they’re supposed to be felt. They’re the sort that illuminate the flaw of criticism. Nothing can replicate a highly charged combination of protons and electrons detonating across a field of 100,000 people. Bomb atomically. That’s why rappers loved them. The Stripes had the aggression and anger of all great rap music, and they understood how to alchemize and distill it into three minute bits. No pretense. Nothing got in the way between you and the songs. Just wild voltage and absurd adrenaline. A seven nation army couldn’t hold you back.
Spent the following summer listening to a live recording of “Jolene.” Must’ve heard it 500 times, sometimes for hours on repeat. Jack White taking Dolly Parton down to the Delta. It was one of those seasons where you feel completely dead and are convinced that nothing will ever go right again. But there was a healing power in those quaking vocals, coiled tension, and wildcat thrash. That’s what rock is supposed to do. Saw them a bunch of other times, but you don’t need to hear about that. Saw the Raconteurs and the Dead Weather too. They’re good but they ain’t the Stripes. Nothing can ever be the White Stripes. Jack White understood that better than anyone. He’d turn vicious when people would slag Meg, because they just didn’t get it. There could be no White Stripes without Meg. She’s what tied the little room together. Stark and spare drumming was what the situation called for. A technically superior drummer would’ve marred the primal nature. Fuck being fancy.
So the best band of its generation has gone the way of its ancestors. Can’t say I’m surprised. The signs were obvious and everywhere. Maybe it’s for the best. Like Trey Kerby said, “I can’t get mad at four perfect records, two near perfect records, a billion B-sides that are better than most bands A-sides, an excellent live DVD, Meg White’s tits and the riff to “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Grass.” Nothing’s forever and it’s better to keep the images intact, rather than watch a geriatric Jack and Meg shamble around like Mick and the Sedentary Stones. Expect more tributes to pour in in this space. Until then, let them have the last word–they earned it.
“Both Meg and Jack hope this decision isn’t met with sorrow by their fans but that it is seen as a positive move done out of respect for the art and music that the band has created. It is also done with the utmost respect to those fans who’ve shared in those creations, with their feelings considered greatly.
With that in mind the band have this to say:
“The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.”
Download: (from Under Great White Northern Lights)
MP3: The White Stripes-”The Union Forever”
MP3: The White Stripes-”Jolene”
31 comments
CD says:
February 2, 2011 at 1:57 pm (UTC -7)
Most. Overrated. Band. Of. The. Last. Decade.
i’ll take the Black Key’s worst over the Stripe’s “Best”any day of the week.
Mags says:
February 3, 2011 at 4:57 pm (UTC -7)
The Black Keys are homophobic assholes. See their recent Rolling Stone profile.
Sister_Midnight says:
February 3, 2011 at 10:02 pm (UTC -7)
I like the Black Keys fine, but I’d sacrifice them three times over to keep the White Stripes (and that magical quality no other band can ever have) alive.
Evergr8ful says:
February 4, 2011 at 12:23 pm (UTC -7)
White Stripes vs. Black Keys — Grow the fuck up. The beauty of music is that there is more than just one kind (or band…or genre). You don’t have to like one or the other; in fact you can change your “favorite” as often as you like! Embrace good music where ever you find and always keep looking for the next thing that turns your ears on and never condemn somebody who’s tastes are the same as yours.
Rock is Dead! Long Live Rock.
JackE says:
January 23, 2012 at 9:07 pm (UTC -7)
totally agree. the black keys and white stripes are my two favorite bands. both for completely different reasons. the white stripes are my favorite of all time by far, yet I have my black keys tickets for march 24th already hanging on my door. Doesn’t have to be a choice
Trey Kerby says:
February 2, 2011 at 1:58 pm (UTC -7)
Golly, this is good.
zulu says:
February 2, 2011 at 2:04 pm (UTC -7)
years from now they’ll probably just be known for a stadium anthem, too bad they don’t make jock jam records anymore
Andy Softley says:
February 2, 2011 at 6:40 pm (UTC -7)
I always thought that this was the best blog out there, now I know.
Dan says:
February 2, 2011 at 7:32 pm (UTC -7)
Even though “Fell In Love With A Girl” was getting some spins on NY already, it was that same MTV Music Awards performance that made me run out and cop White Blood Cells the very next day. And good call on the “Jolene” cover as well – so, so fucking brilliant.
I’m sad that I never got to see them live. Seen the Dead Weather twice, but never the Stripes. Damn.
Timothy McIntyre says:
February 2, 2011 at 8:02 pm (UTC -7)
Thank you so much for this incredibly eloquent tribute to one of the best bands of all time. “Jolene” live at Blackpool Lights is probably the most raw, moving performance of any song ever.
D says:
February 2, 2011 at 11:11 pm (UTC -7)
Despite being a big fan of this band over the past decade, I accepted this pretty quickly. Their discography is so damn good, I’m just… satisfied. I feel like saying, “You guys had one fuck of a good run, feel free to do whatever you want.” They’ve left a huge impression on me and a whole lot of people, and I feel that’s all anyone can really ask for from a band.
…even if it means another Dead Weather album (hurgh).
Douglas Martin’s Dirty Shoes: I’m Bound to Pack It Up » Passion of the Weiss says:
February 3, 2011 at 3:03 am (UTC -7)
[...] drums pummeling everyone with eight metric tons of force. Let’s talk about that drumming. As Jeff alluded yesterday, Meg was much more than the dead weight she’s usually referred to as. She was even [...]
Neil Cake says:
February 3, 2011 at 4:32 am (UTC -7)
haha, there’s no way The Black Keys are anywhere near as good as The White Stripes! I thought they were going to be, but they’re not.
Anyway. Good article. I like how you spend a ton of words explaining the White Stripes, and at one point say, “The White Stripes aren’t supposed to be explained”.
I wish all my favourite bands would split up before they make me hate them.
And thank god (not capital letters) for the Raconteurs.
CD says:
February 3, 2011 at 8:12 am (UTC -7)
Let’s review the facts, shall we?
A. Ohio is infinitely superior to Michigan. i believe we accept this on a gut level to be true. Furthermore, as their rubber roots prove, BK is far less likely to receive any lasting damage from any hurled insults, as those same insults obviously would bounce off of them and stick to you.
B. Make whatever excuses you will for Meg’s drumming, but she was beyond horrific. i’m an admitted music junkie and will be the first to admit WS put out some stellar albums. However, i also saw them live twice, and it was a cacophonic mess. i’ve heard better drumming at third grade music recitals. To say Meg was without a sense of rhythm still is too kind. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, Patrick is one of the heaviest foots on the planet right now. If you don’t appreciate his Bonham-like beastial goodness, well, you, sir, don’t know much about drumming.
C. BK’s side projects are more interesting. Would you rather spend the evening with RZA or Brendan Benson? OK, i’ll give White his due w/ Mosshart, but even he has misused her considerable talents.
D. Admittedly, i’d rather see Meg in a low rent sex video than Dan, so points to WS here.
E. From one who has attended mutliple shows by both acts, let’s be honest, Dan and Patrick simply seem more approachable and authentic. You’d go have a beer with those guys. If you went out w/ Jack, you’d be too worried your mascara was running. Don’t lie; you know you would.
F. While it’s hard to argue with the perfection of either “Rubber Factory” or “thickfreakness, “BK clearly have been improving with each new release, refining their sound and taking it to the next level with each successive album. The Stripes? Not so much. “Get Behind Me Satan?” “Icky Thump?” They both had some strong tracks, but they were nowhere near their highpoints.
Don’t get me wrong, they were a strong band, but it’s not like White won’t be pushing out his brand of noise for years to come.
Bromwich says:
February 3, 2011 at 12:53 pm (UTC -7)
A. Ridiculous
B. Accounted for in article
C. Nothing to do with The White Stripes
D. Nothing to do with The White Stripes
E. Speculative, Nothing to do with The White Stripes
F. I’ll take near-perfection over improvement any day. Elephant and Get Behind Me Satan are near-perfect, just different. Even if Icky Thump is a step behind those two, it’s still about as good as Brothers or Chulahoma.
DocZeus says:
February 3, 2011 at 1:51 pm (UTC -7)
“A. Ohio is infinitely superior to Michigan. i believe we accept this on a gut level to be true. ”
I can confirm this part of the thesis.
CD says:
February 3, 2011 at 1:55 pm (UTC -7)
It was a tongue-in-check response, but Brothers BURIES Icky Thump, and Elephant or De Stijl can only hope to be half as good as the aforementioned thickfreakness or Rubber Factory.
CD says:
February 3, 2011 at 2:56 pm (UTC -7)
Also, your mother dresses you funny.
i’m just saying.
dallison says:
February 3, 2011 at 4:47 pm (UTC -7)
Nice job.
Brendan says:
February 3, 2011 at 10:57 pm (UTC -7)
Wow, I am surprised that a eulogy of The White Stripes turned into a debate about them vs The Black Keys. I love them both, but there is no comparison.While The Black Keys are more skilled in every way, there is no substitute for inspiration. The White Stripes exude more originality and inspiration on “Little Room” than The Black Keys do on any entire album. Again nothing agains The Black Keys. Any White Stripes track has more originality and inspiration than most bands’ entire discography.
Show some respect. You’re comparing Manet to Monet.
Hunky Dory says:
February 4, 2011 at 1:08 am (UTC -7)
I’m just looking for JPGs of Meg White’s tits.
Passion of the Weiss says:
February 4, 2011 at 1:40 am (UTC -7)
http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2011/02/meg_white_photos.php
Amanda says:
February 4, 2011 at 11:30 am (UTC -7)
I have the same poster and I also heard them for the first time on the MTV awards…I remember it vividly.
Better Red Than Dead says:
February 4, 2011 at 6:50 pm (UTC -7)
Great article with one glaring mistake. Jack White appeared with Jimmy Page (and The Edge) not Robert Plant in a documentary. The author is strongly advised to check out Led Zeppelin as this error suggests you maybe never have.
To CD:
It’s funny that you mentioned “rubber roots.” Akron, the hometown of The Black Keys, is where they make tires. Detroit, the hometown of The White Stripes, is where they make cars. Therefore, it is an indisputable fact that Akron would not exist if it wasn’t for Detroit. The same way that The Black Keys would not exist if it wasn’t for The White Stripes. The White Stripes became one of the greatest bands of our time because of their creativity, passion and sheer audacity. It will be a long time before ANY band even comes close.
CD says:
February 5, 2011 at 8:38 am (UTC -7)
My Communist Leaning, Fearful of the Afterlife Friend:
Your tire to car analogy clearly is a chicken/egg debate, far too acrimonious a topic to dwell on in the fine fields of the Passion. Let us not forget those lost to the great Michelin Man Uprising of ’23. Many a good and patriotic lad laid down his life that day, and i, for one, do not tread lightly upon such sore spots in our collective history.
San Dimas High School Football Rules!!!
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast » Blog Archive » 7-Imp’s 7 Kicks #205:Featuring Fabiola Garza Villalobos says:
February 5, 2011 at 11:02 pm (UTC -7)
[...] Also, I wish I’d written this. [...]
Bootleg: The White Stripes live @ The El Rey Theatre (6.3.02) : web in front [dot] net | L.A. music news, reviews and interviews says:
February 7, 2011 at 10:09 am (UTC -7)
[...] Read this. [...]
Gandhus says:
February 8, 2011 at 10:20 am (UTC -7)
Meg-bashing?
Ohio???
…spend an evening with RZA?!?!?!
Hahaha…wow.
The White Stripes were one of the greatest of recent times.
MrBentley says:
February 11, 2011 at 6:41 pm (UTC -7)
beautifully written. couldn’t agree more
matt says:
February 26, 2011 at 12:49 pm (UTC -7)
i got real lucky once upon a time.. in the days of yore, there was a modest mouse mailing list on yahoo that at least some future pitchfork editors (among many others) were on.. someone on the list tipped the white stripes based on their first album which i bought on vinyl because the art was so neat
anyway, they came to my town a while later and i had been working a shitty part type job doing data entry and had been dabbling in meth amphetamine and the show was on a sunday so no one wanted to hang out with me. i got down to the bar a bit early with not much else to do but drink and i saw meg at the bar by herself just sitting there. as you do, i introduced myself and said how much i liked their records and she was accommodating and we talked about the tour and what we were listening to and she talked about her van breaking down.. s’all i remember. then the set and “jolene” with literally about 70 people there
sorry CD, the black keys wouldn’t have an audience– you included– without these guys
rip!
Cali says:
April 8, 2011 at 2:49 pm (UTC -7)
CD says: Ohio is infinitely ‘superior’ (Superior! Ar Ar Ar!! Superior, Michigan, Ohio, Erie!! ) than Michigan – I’m just trying to remember where any of them are – although I do recall being in each for a very brief time in each …. they aren’t on the East Coast, I’d have heard – or the West Coast (where everything happens!!) that means they’re somewhere in Kansas – since that’s what’s left!
Oh, as for the White Stripes – good band – looking forward to the occasional reunion.