UncleRaveyDavey when asked about his opinion of Jack White said that he didn’t know too much about him. So let’s put that right by posting a few tracks and sharing some thoughts….
We’ll only look at the 3 bands he’s connected with: The White Stripes, The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs as he’s also very busy producing and sometimes creating crap like the Bond theme with Alicia Keys – there’s also his passion for making furniture – yes I did just say – there’s also his passion for making furniture!!!
The Guardian called Jack “The Rock’n'roll star of the Decade” – bit strong but I can see what they mean as there’s not too much real competition around – Gobshite Twins? Pete Doherty? Matt Bellend sorry Bellamy? This is probably why he’s ranked at no. 17 in the Rolling Stone Top 100 list – plus the fact that he does make music that is original, that has passion, that is honest. You may say that all he’s doing is playing stripped down blues music – yes of course he is, but he does it good and he does it with feeling – as this track ‘Ball and Biscuit’ from his best album ‘Elephant’ shows.
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My only problem with Jack is that he can, especially with White Stripes, be very one dimensional. You hear one of his high pitched wailing guitar solos and you’ve heard them all. He’s not, I don’t think technically a good guitarist, and while to me this ain’t too important as he does have a great feel for space and timing, I would like to hear a little more variety in his guitar work. The next track, from “under great white northern lights” demonstrates this lack of variety. It also shows that they need a bit of help on stage (a bass player be nice) as this song and the album in general is let down by the sound of empty spaces. This is a shame as its actually quite a good album but could be so much better.
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His other work with The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs is somewhat different with both being more of a band thing but he is the star attraction (even though he says different) but all these examples only prove, for me, that Jack White is very important to rock music today. His approach to making music is very traditional, even using analogue studio equipment, and its this passion for making good music that makes Jack a special talent.
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So… do you agree with me or not? Do you think Jack White is the saviour of Rock Music or just another guy in the right place at the right time? As always your comments and feedback welcome
The first track is good, with some noisy bits. The second track is pure noise, and reminds me for some reason why I could never quite take to Hendrix. Both tracks have a lot of what I call “musical masturbation” – great for the person doing it, good for you, yay, but not really much in it for me. I thought the third track was awesome when it started, then I got bored. It will either grow on me or start irritating me. As, I suspect, will Jack White in his noisy-Hendrix totality. Does anyone know, does he cite Jimi as one of his influences ? ‘Cos I think he should.
Bottom line, I think if Jack ever catches me in the right mood, and his music makes perfect sense right then, I’ll be hooked from then on. You’ve got me definitely interested, LD. Thanks. Does he have any polka dot shirts ?
Mr LD good discussion but i think you don’t really know what oasis can sound like some of the guitar stuff on their albums and live is really good. I think Jack White is so popular cos he’s so different and can play with different bands and still make them sound good
I like the new live album sounds very rough and ready to me like you are at the gig. Though poeple say Meg is a great drummer I’m not into drumming but even I can hear that she is second rate
Ta Sinny – I actually agree with you Meg is not the best drummer in he world
Another late post – forgive me, I’m new, so playing catch up….
Jack White? I’m not a massive fan, but he does have moments of brilliance…. Good examples of this are:
Carolina Drama – The Raconteurs
Steady As She Goes – Raconteurs
Doorbell – The White Stripes
7 Nation Army – The White Stripes
Ball & Biscuit – The White Stripes
I implore you to listen to ‘Carolina Drama’ if you’ve never heard it before, as it’s a bit special….