The White Stripes (and Pavement)

[Tidyman]

Well the year end polls are in, and one rock CD that seems to top just about every list is 'Elephant', the latest record by The White Stripes.

Spin Magazine rated it best of the year, calling the decision "stupidly simple", and it rated high on Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly's year end wrap-ups.

I really like the band, but I'm wondering what you fine ladies and gentlemen think?

[toppler]

Haven't heard too much from 'em, just the "hits"

[jackyfromjudy]

Yeah I think they are really good.
I like there additute...bass player we don't need that...just guitar & drums ;D

Also like that clip of hardest button to button, with the drums multiplying & stuff, looks really cool!

[René]

yeah i like there stuff, for what i've heard sofar..and live they are realy surprising, just the two of them ;D

nice band

[milkei]

Haven't heard them much, and what I've heard is not for me I think.

[GBV]

When did they change their name from Shite Stripes?
I missed that press release.

"Good evening Toronto, Canada. We're the White Strokes!"
-- Danko Jones, Horseshoe Tavern

[BaStiROckz]

i really like the white stripes, allthough i noticed them first since the release of elephant.
i luv to crush my air guitar when i listen to "ball and biscuit" ;D

[GBV]

ball and biscuit is more a led zeppelin song than a white stripes song. note for note.

[maarit]

I love The White Stripes. Of their albums I've probably listened to 'De Stijl' the most... It's kind of more bluesy and peaceful than their other albums, I think. 'White Blood Cells' is full of brilliant songs (Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground is my favourite White Stripes song... in fact it's one of my favourite songs ever) but that album kind of makes me a bit depressed... I'm not sure if there's something sad there or if it's just that it reminds me of a certain time in my life.

Their first album is good too and 'Elephant' has some great songs like Seven Nation Army, Black Math... and some weaker songs too. I think they've made excellent covers - I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself, Jolene, Lovesick, Good To Me (oh how I love their version of that song) - and I really like the way Mr White plays his guitar.

But it's strange they got so big. And I think Jack White does steal a lot... Hmm hmm.

But I love them, I just can't help it.

[Tidyman]

Mr. Danko Jones himself has said that the White Stripes (and the Strokes) aren't terribly original but he likes them anyway.

Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground is a tiny little gift to me as well, maarit. I like their cover of Jolene but believe it or not, I've always been a fan of the Dolly Parton original.

GBV - This is totally unrelated but do you like Pavement?

[GBV]

Tidyman: yes, LOVE them in fact.
Am I that predictable?
Brighten The Corners is my favourite album of all time by anyone. I know it gets shat on by the Slanted&Enchanted-loyal Pavement faithful, but to me Brighten The Corners is absolutely perfect.
And I love Malkmus's solo stuff as well.

"A redder shade of neck on a whiter shade of trash."

You a fan?

[EvilRaff]

The Strokes aren't anything special, or original, to be sure but, whilst Danko are FAR better than the white stripes, i think it's a little unfair to say that they're any more original, and having seen the stripes live way back when, any more passionate (both Jack White and Danko Jones giving it thier absolute all). Danko just have miles better songs and they have the attitude. Plus, I think the success is going to Jack White's head, he's becoming a bit of a rockstar in the wrong kind of way.

[GBV]

i heard the album was originally going to be called 'eledphant'

[Tidyman]

I am indeed a Pavement fan, GBV. Although I do love the early EPs (Perfect Sound Forever is indeed that), Slanted and Enchanted and Crooked Rain, I certainly wouldn't shit on Brighten The Corners, which is far better than it's predecessor Wowee Zowee. I still love the song Shady Lanes, just to name one.

I regret that I never got to see them live, and I also regret now that I didn't start a new thread called "Pavement", because we are so far off topic we need GPS to get us back.

[GBV]

A Danko and Pavement fan who dabbles in the odd GBV?
Man, I never thought I'd find another such soul.
I actually, really, really, really love Wowee Zowee, it's my second favourite Pavement release. It licherally took about 20 listens for me to even 'hear' any songs on the thing but i think it's fucking beautiful and Father To A Sister Of Thought I think is my fave tune by them.
If I had to rate the LPs in order I think it would be:

1. Brighten The Corners
2. Wowee Zowee
3. Slanted & Enchanted
4. Westing
5. Terror Twilight
6. Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain

I got to see them a bunch of times and thank god coz I got into them kind of late. There was something special about them on stage coz everything seemed on the brink of collapse. I think I've seen the term 'brilliant accident' used to describe. I've also seen Malkmus and The Jicks a bunch of times. Can't say I'm a fan of Spiral Stairs's Preston School Of Industry Stuff though.

"Pick out some brazilian nuts for your engagement.
Check that expiration date, man, it's later than you think."

[Tidyman]

Geez, for my edification! I didn't even know Spiral Stairs had another project! A font of knowledge, this board is. Here are my album rankings. Looking at the way I ranked em, I guess I do prefer older Pavement after all:

1. Westing (which includes the Perfect Sound Forever EP)
2. Slanted and Enchanted
3. Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
4. Watery Domestic EP (came out between S&E and CR,CR)
5. Brighten The Corners
6. Wowee Zowee
7. Terror Twilight