Genre: Alt. Rock/Blues Rock/Garage Punk
Origin: Detroit, Michigan
As some of you may already know, The White Stripes have parted ways. In an official statement from the band on their website, they've stated that this split was not brought on by artist differences or health issues. "It is for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way."
In some ways, it feels sad. To know that one of the biggest rock bands that you grew up with during the first decade of the 21st century is no longer together is like losing a good friend. They've always been there for you and then you now have to console with what you guys had together. In some ways, though, it feels completely right. The impression they've left on the state of rock is certainly well-known, and the catalog of which they've left us with still remains as some of the best rock has to offer. Those peppermint colors and awesome blues are just as vibrant as they ever were, and we're better listeners for it.
I thought I'd take this week's End Note to show you guys what songs are my Top 5 songs by The White Stripes, in order of release.
From De Stijl
"Hello Operator"
The sounds of the second track off De Stijl aren't too much different than any that can be found off their first album, but "Hello Operator" is the first foray into what feels like a proper first single. Even for a piece of garage blues, it sounds wonderfully accessible. Jack White's power chords and Meg's simple but thumping drums are but one of the first calls to attention when defining The White Stripes, and this song encapsulates that.
"Apple Blossom"
The sounds of the second track off De Stijl aren't too much different than any that can be found off their first album, but "Hello Operator" is the first foray into what feels like a proper first single. Even for a piece of garage blues, it sounds wonderfully accessible. Jack White's power chords and Meg's simple but thumping drums are but one of the first calls to attention when defining The White Stripes, and this song encapsulates that.
"Apple Blossom"
This is a great little number from the same album, bringing Jack White's vocals to the forefront while maintaining a steady beat with the help of Meg White's drums and introducing a tine piano. It feels inspired from so many popular acoustic tracks featured during the 60's, and that's probably the most appealing for me. It takes me on a trip that I honestly don't want to leave.
From White Blood Cells
"Fell In Love With A Girl"
This is such a great song not because it plays off as one, but because it feels completely void of any barriers. Jack and Meg give it their all in this loud, spazzy, and downright fun number that opens the door to any that are willing to rock out in public. It allows us as listeners to grab a hold of it and never let it go.
Plus the Michel Gondry-directed video is just plain amazing.
From Elephant
"Seven Nation Army"
You're probably thinking that this is the most obvious choice. EVERYONE knows this song. It's pretty much what broke The White Stripes into the popular consciousness. To me, that means there's good reason why this song has such appeal. The constant beat and simple guitar show a stripped down kind of rock that still packs a punch. Jack's guitar riff is insanely addictive, and it's a slice of rock that knows too well that it's the Elephant in the room.
"Girl You Have No Faith In Medicine"
Perhaps my favorite song of theirs, this is pure candy that bears the colors of the band in every way. Like "Fell In Love With A Girl" before it, it let's them play to the best of their abilities and utilize an all-out approach that never feels forced. It takes the genius of Jack and Meg to make their stripped down sound and compose it in such a way that they compliment each other. It's a major standout.
-DJ
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