Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Substance Over Style
A few days ago I ran across this article about the White Stripes. I've always been annoyed by Jack White, but this really got to me. Here's what bothered me so much:
The two-piece band has been around for years just as their sound has. Below are two of my favorite two-pieces that do/did something original without sounding totally derivative and without acting like total jack-asses.
"Jack White has been complaining that too many bands have copied his colour schemes. The White Stripes are well known for their red, white and black clothes and covers but now it seems other bands such as Green Day and My Chemical Romance have started 'stealing' his ideas.I didn't think it was about how you looked; I thought it was all about the music. Bands should stand out by writing good songs but the White Stripes play half-assed, recycled/thrown away MC5 riffs and act as if they are changing the face music. They are not original in sound or style.
White added: "Recently so many bands have adopted the red, white and black colour scheme that it's harder for us to stand out.""
The two-piece band has been around for years just as their sound has. Below are two of my favorite two-pieces that do/did something original without sounding totally derivative and without acting like total jack-asses.
764-HERO was a two piece out of Seattle featuring John Atkins (Hush Harbor, Magic Magicians) on vocals, guitar and keyboards and Polly Johnson on drums. Unlike Meg White, Polly could actually play the drums. Also, Check out John's new band the Can't See.
764-HERO - Sunburnt (mp3)
764-HERO - Without Fire (mp3)
Quasi is a two piece out of Portland featuring Sam Coomes (Heatmiser) on vocals, keyboard and guitar and Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney) on drums and vocals. Not only do they have the same setup as the White Stripes, they were doing the "ex-husband/wife in a band together thing" years earlier.
Quasi - All The Same (mp3)
And finally, as far as the White Stripes being known for their red, black and white color scheme....I can't really think of any other rock stars that have done that before.
