Understanding My Mistakes. Vocal ANALYSIS of The White Stripes and NOT Whitesnake!

[@gregorymccasland2874]

Wanna be completely shocked? It’s not a bass. It is a guitar tuned down and attached to an octave shifter. He is playing guitar both guitar and bass…he does it simultaneously live. It’s nuts.

[@Hangar402]

I was going to ask did anyone tell her it's not a bass guitar

[@bghammock]

@@Hangar402 Was scrolling for the same :)

[@BlueJeiVA]

That's part of why you get that "strike" sound on the string, giving it the secondary note that she thought she could hear: it's from using a pick. It's so subtle, but it really does give it such a distinct resonance. I appreciate her analyzing Jack's voice, but his skills as a musician are heavily underrated.

[@Laugh1ngboy]

I think he made a guitar our of scrap wood and a pickup on his youtube channel a few months ago. My bad it was more like 12 years ago.

[@WalkerStalker]

Wow..

[@richardbeaton7324]

He comes from a blues background and sings purely by feeling, And he actually likes the imperfections in a persons voice because that's what adds character and individuality. Something that's real and that is one of the things i like about him.

[@lz4005]

The bass: Yep, it's a guitar signal split into two paths, sent through distortion, other effects and a pitch shifter that doubles it an octave lower. Jack and Meg said they were siblings because they thought people would take a brother/sister band more seriously than a band made of a divorced couple. Jack liked having a fictional backstory to the character he was playing on stage to give it a more interesting narrative. He was also very into the graphic design and colors of the band as part of their identity. Everything they did was black, white and red.

[@TheOriginalHairyDave]

And then Mike Kerr of Royal Blood does something similar but in reverse to make his bass sound a lot higher.

[@Relyx]

I can see them thinking a husband and wife duo might get treated as a bit of a novelty act, and maybe a little corny like Sonny and Cher. I could see people just being like "aww they're a couple, that's so cute" and it being belittling.

[@tyger389]

I've heard that the guy who didn't play bass in The White Stripes also didn't play bass in The Doors.

[@ianhewitson2738]

50 years of gig going and the White Stripes are quite possibly the best live band I've ever seen. Just the two of them but my god, what energy, what chemistry, what charisma and what an incredible noise they made.

[@MusiCatsKing]

I presume you didn't see Queen then - clearly the best of all time.

[@ianhewitson2738]

@@MusiCatsKing Yes, I have seen Queen live, in a football stadium on the Kind of Magic tour along with about about 40,000 others. They were good but past their best musically and huge stadium shows rarely match the intensity of smaller venues. If only I'd seen them 10 years earlier around the time the teenage me heard them for the first time.

[@davidkillion7775]

@@ianhewitson2738 I'm with you to a point but give me the early Black Keys every day if you want a 2-piece that rocks. The raw power of a huge, unprocessed kit and a Marshall at 10 just does something to me. 😁

[@ariesred777]

I saw them in '76 before they went totally mainstream@@ianhewitson2738

[@BrianBlackley]

I always thought the three guys in Rush sounded like a six piece. Considering that Rush has (quite literally) 50 percent more members than the White Stripes, it makes the noise the Stripes make even than more impressive.

[@Keebs84]

Their live cover of Jolene by Dolly Parton is incredible

[@84SuperBeast]

I was coming down to the comments to mention that. So good and I think not known well enough

[@yssanne24601]

And also Jack's rendition of U2's Love is blindness, amazing (and so different from the original).

[@uffe.damgaard.pedersen]

Even Dolly Parton loves that cover

[@anniecox650]

It's my fav!

[@M0torsagmannen]

yes! pure, raw emotion. love that cover

[@theknave69]

I always liked Jack's quote as a guitarist, “I Always Look at Playing Guitar as an Attack. It Has to Be a Fight." His reason for buying cheap crappy guitars and making them sing through force of will. His vocal choice was very deliberate in this song. Other Jack White songs have a pretty different vocal technique.

[@markmartin01]

Meg's drumming feels primal because it is. She's not a particularly technical drummer. What she does so well though was filter all that Jack was putting off. Completely clued into his writing and performances. Watch them live, she watches him and plays along to his lead, many times changing the music slightly as it grows. Incredible duo unmatched in their togetherness in music.

[@seanemery6019]

I love Meg's drumming. She drums organic and raw in a way that drives and completes the composition. Just great.

[@oldeskul]

She also uses such a minimalist drumset, a 4 or 5-piece set, where other bands will use something like an 8, 9, 12 or 15-piece set. That gives her drumming style and feel such a stripped down sound, almost like Local H.

[@pmenzel86]

I won't argue that she's a technically skilful drummer, but she's massively underrated. Her lines may be simple, but she always knows *which* simple line to play

[@markmartin01]

@@pmenzel86 agree completely. Without Meg, the thump of ickythump never happened.

[@philgallagher1]

It has to be said, she's not really a drummer at all. That's not a criticism... Her style is "primal and minimal" because that's what she is. She can play a limited number of licks and fills, but she does them very well! She is also a very intuitive performer who works particularly well live.

[@joshs8685]

Jack White is one of the rarified top-tier level talents you've reviewed on this channel - both as a guitar player and a songwriter.

[@Paul_Halicki]

I've only recently started to realize this. I think the light bulb went off a year or two ago when I realized the Raconteurs was another one of his projects. He his the master of the guitar lick.

[@Idolikethis]

and drummer. mind you

[@amirularif7867]

agree..

[@doug4036]

A lot of people ask who is the best American rock band today and my answer is always the same; whichever band Jack White is playing with today.

[@damongray8530]

And producer

[@foggyblues13]

On the topic of Jack & Meg being related and married..... Jack was born as John Anthony Gillis and when he married Meg, he took on her name. Because they had the same last name, the fans always wondered it they were married or brother and sister. Jack often referred to Meg as his sister sort how men will refer to a friend as a brother in a soulful kind of way. Jack purposely let everyone be confused and never corrected anyone either way. This went on for a long time until the two divorced which ended the mystery. lol

[@philforsythmusic]

I found them in maybe 2000 or 2001 and seem to remember that yea, it was all very cloak and dagger behind the scenes until the divorce paper trail revealed all. That also, in my memory, is the first time anyone went "WHY WOULD THEY DO THIS?" That their peak creative and successful rock god years are the post-divorce years is fascinating. Akin to "Rumors" era Fleetwood Mac. Maybe more bands should get divorced.

[@MrAyla]

I’ve divorced all my band mates at least once. But we’re still together making music. More than a decade on. 😁

[@MrAyla]

Gotta love each other enough to disagree

[@terrymartin5839]

I read somewhere that they purposely said they were related and not married to prevent being pigeonholed into a specific prejudiced genre, or not booked because of it.

[@skibum415]

​@@terrymartin5839what prejudiced genre exists 🤔 for those bands with musicians that happened to have members who have fallen in love while spending time enjoying and developing a mutual interest? It seems odd not to book a band because a civil ceremony took place involving two of it's members. Isn't that the foundation for virtually all relationships, to a certain extent?

[@RuthlessMojo]

You can hear the influence of those old timey Blues artists in both Jack’s playing and his voice. He has this soft rasp that is sultry and emotive when he’s restrained and it’s piercing and expressive when he winds it up. Musically his songs are relatively simple but it’s the way he balances tone and attack that makes him formidable. I have a lot of respect for Jack. I’ll guarantee there’s no modern pop or mumble rap playing on his turntable.

[@nekoti.8-2]

Megtronome!!! She kept it basic because the song was linear. Not expansive through the verses. So she played to a symbiotic duet on drums as to how Jack was delivering the vocal. Jack was delivering the vocal in a punk minimalist way. The decision to be Megtronome is pretty damn brilliant. The video to me shows the creator of it keyed in on that linear mininalist feel and rode it beginning to end.

[@johndef5075]

He fills all the musical space she provides.

[@craigvincent8344]

I've seen a lot of misplaced criticism of Meg White over the years. To me, perhaps the best comparison is to Mo Tucker, another drummer who kept it simple and by doing so laid a solid foundation for fantastic music. Not every drummer has to be showy to get the job done 😍

[@CineSoar]

@@craigvincent8344 Jack preferred Meg's less sophisticated drumming, especially when she was a complete beginner, because it matched his musical aesthetic. He has said about his favorite song 'Grinning in Your Face' "It doesn't matter that he's clapping out of time" (clapping, or slapping something, is the only 'instrument' on the track). Inevitably, Meg started to improve with practice, and in a sense, Jack mourned the loss of her early 'primitive' playing.

[@nekoti.8-2]

@@craigvincent8344 I think if it works...it works. Being too over the top is far worse than simply keeping it steady and simple. She gave the song what it needed and to do more would have not fit the song. That's the sign of a good musician and punk rock. Kelley Deal played one note all the way through The Breeders Guided By Voices cover of Shocker In Gloom Town. She played the heck out that one note and famously said...there can't be anything more punk rock than playing one note all the way through a song, lol. She's right. So Meg's playing fit WS's garage punk. Deal herself didn't even know how to play guitar when joing The Breeders with her twin sister Kim Deal (which mirrored Kim not really knowing bass when she joined The Pixies). Kelley did have experience on drums but didn't consider herself a pro drummer. But in true Deal ballsy (and kind of a little crazy) fashion Kim was like ok. But you have to learn it. So essentially Kelley learned to play what she needed to to be on stage in those early days. Only The Breeders songs. But it worked because it lent something to their sound that gave it a bit of a punkier sound and you can't beat the sound of the Deal's voices together.

[@nekoti.8-2]

@@johndef5075 agree.

[@hvbarata]

Another fun fact was that when he wrote 7 Nations Army, he never intended to release it in a record. This was like his dream song if he ever got asked to write a song for a Bond Movie. But as the years went by, he felt he would never get asked to write a song for the Bond movie, so he released "7 Nations Army" in the 2003 White Strips album "Elephant". Who knew that just 5 years later he would premier his own Bond Song. How know if that would even have happened if he keep saving 7 Nations Armies for a Bond Movie

[@Ennui.]

Their cover of "Jolene" is incredible... Specifically the "Under Blackpool lights" live performance. Dolly Parton herself said it's one of her favourite covers of the song!

[@chancliconaway7517]

One of my favorites!! So good!!

[@Cadinho93]

Seven Nation Army has become a sports anthem, commonly appearing in audience chants in which a series of "oh" sounds or the name of an athlete is sung to the tune of the song's riff. It has also served as a theme song for sports teams, personalities and events, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The song has grown in popularity due to its usage in sports and its riff has been described as "ubiquitous". Also, Jack White is one of the most underrated musical geniuses of his generation. Watching him man handle a guitar live is an unforgettable experience.

[@spooky_basil202]

“Oh Michael Van Gerwen!

[@Llodah]

EEEEEL CHUCKY LOZAAAAAANO!

[@remowilliams564]

It's a modern day folk song.

[@MarcosElMalo2]

It’s way overplayed. I totally agree with you about his genius. Have you seen the documentary with him and Jimmy Page (and The Edge for some reason)? It’s really a must see if you like wither guitarist.

[@acme3drevit]

Conan recently interviewed jack white and he said that they went to a dodgers game together and they played it at the game. they talked about what it's like to have a song he wrote that's now a global anthem that's played in stadiums everywhere. it was pretty interesting, i had always wondered what he thought about it.

[@maisiesummers42]

Meg does sing, occasionally. On the Elephant album she sang lead on "In the Cold, Cold Night" and it's pretty good. This song, as with all of the Elephant album, was recorded on antiquated 1960s equipment, including using an 8-track machine from the era. That's part of the reason it sounds so good.

[@theSuperdave501]

He sings into a harmonica mic, a vintage one. Makes it so edgy. He had a tv blub where he showed his studio etc and talked about it.

[@arndnaj]

LOVE THAT TUNE!

[@laurieemme1534]

I just heard Icky Thump on the radio yesterday and was wondering "What would Elizabeth think of the White Stripes?" Excited to find out tomorrow! PS - You should also check out Jack White's "Taking Me Back". This guy definitely creates unique sounds you don't hear every day!

[@johndef5075]

That break in the song sounds so Yes. Always loved that in the middle of such a gritty rock song.

[@Emilaria]

Jack did a couple songs with Loretta Lynn that are really good. They're called "Portland Oregon" and "Miss Being Mrs" I believe. I performed with the Wichita Grand Opera. It was amazing. I was able to meet Samuel Ramey. His voice is like thunderous dark chocolate.

[@johnwoolard4599]

I think you may enjoy the documentary called "It Might Get Loud" with Jack White, Jimmy Page, and The Edge together talking about music, guitar, and different styles and thoughts on music production from raw to highly digitized. Throughout they play together each others' famous songs including this one.

[@rayd554]

That was an amazing watch. I loved seeing them all grin at Page doing Kashmir.

[@vincentdickens939]

"I Fought Piranhas" is one of my favorite discoveries, ever!

[@BrewKnowURSA]

It's a beautiful documentary.

[@PunkJr]

Seriously, one of my favorite things about watching your videos is that EVERY TIME I come away with a new way to listen to songs I've heard a million times. I'm only 2 minutes in, but listening to the opening notes for that transit across my headphones is WILD, and I love it.

[@Martin.Christopher]

You really need to check out some of his live stuff. Try his cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" from* Under the Blackpool Lights. Heart-wrenching emotion!

[@sober667]

Jolene cover is indeed hunting

[@sgtdevildogdavethesilentwars]

Thank for another great analysis Elizabeth. I was a late-comer to White Stripes. I started listening to them after I heard a song they had in the film Napoleon Dynamite, "We're Going To Be Friends". That is how I discovered the created their huge hit Seven Nation Army. Their music was sooo creative, original and fresh. I like them a lot. Thank for the channel and all your effort.

[@JuanNunez2023]

"Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" and "We're going to be friends" are White Stripes songs that are worth analyzing. I think they have Jack White's best vocals and they are very different tracks from Seven Nation Army, specially Friends.

[@horkusone]

Definitely agree. And those just happen to be my favorites. 😊

[@bigskyneal784]

We Are Going to Be Friends is such a touching song and does show off Jack’s vocals. It would be a great choice if she hits the White Stripes again.

[@Ellie_lefay]

Yes, these two as well as their cover of Jolene!

[@CC_Babblecock]

Don’t forget Jolene live! But x 2 for the others 👏 Dead Leaves is a must.

[@CC_Babblecock]

@@bigskyneal784 Agree, only reason I didn’t list this in my comment is because it’s only Jack, no drums. Elizabeth should check out the *Under Great Northern Lights* performances for this (Friends) and Meg singing In the Cold, Cold Night. Just that whole show 😂 Just EVERYTHING! 😅

[@danholmesfilm]

Best Vocal Tracks for more Jack White Analysis would be: We're Going to be Friends The Denial Twist I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet) Icky Thump

[@Ennui.]

Jack is an actual genius... He pretty much did everything for The White Stripes. Composed the music and wrote the lyrics. Even though he's one of the best guitarists of the 21st century, he's probably an even better drummer since that was the first instrument he ever picked up as a kid. He sat Meg behind the kit and taught her the basics, and then he just wrote all of the songs to be as "simple" as possible, so that Meg could keep it all in time (and she did... sometimes too well). He also eliminated the need for a bass player by tuning his guitar really low, essentially playing both bass and lead guitar at the same time. To top it all off, he played with the cheapest, difficult, old and overall worst guitar possible on purpose... All because of the raw and disgusting (in a good way) sound those guitars produced. You can really see that in live performances because it's just him fighting with feedback and guitar screeching for half of the show.

[@surpriseitsus9622]

Great comment ✨

[@johnsaltzohuigin6660]

No he did not write the lyrics. He got them off the Manson forums about 1997. And if he said he did he's flat out fvkn lying.

[@Johannicus]

The White stripes is a minimal and contained experience live, yet its also truly magical and different. They play all instruments them self, no extra musicians. Its simple and awesome at the same time.

[@jmeck1381]

Thank you for appreciating Meg White for what she is. She gets a lot of hate amongst the rock community that she doesn't deserve. She is amazing in her own unique way. Her beats are so solid.

[@jmeck1381]

And Jack wrote most of the guitar and vocals after Meg layed down her her funky beats.

[@TennSeven]

I agree. She's a solid drummer and her style fits perfectly with the music she and Jack were creating. I guarantee that if Dave Grohl (who happily tells a story about how a producer once made him use a click track because he wasn't keeping the right time with one of Nirvana's songs) was in Meg White's position and laying down the exact same beats, 99% of the people who give Meg White hate wouldn't be saying a damn thing.

[@Kerfuffledj]

Hell yeah, exactly. You all get it. I've sat many a times in front of a drum set over my years... Everytime It takes me awhile to correct my internal BPM. And also, just to add. You don't need flashy and complicated drums in every song. Sometimes simple is the best addition to make a killer track... And choosing the right sound it needs is another challenge.

[@leomahmet7555]

She's solid alright, she still broke that project apart eventually. So hate isn't unnecessary, it's just what comes for fucking up a cool band.

[@alanfulcher460]

@@leomahmet7555I mean, can you really blame her for getting tired of spending all her time with Jack White?

[@liamr4775]

Any of Jack Whites solo tracks would be a great break down. Like "Love interruption" or "Blunderbuss". Great unique vocals.

[@Mr_Boyer]

At the beginning of Verse 3, as he sings "I'm going to Wichita, far from this opera forever more." You see Jack raise his one hand and point to a spot on his palm below the thumb. This handsign is used to represent Detroit's location on the hand-shaped state of Michigan. Detroit being where the pair got their start. A lot of the lyrical content of the song is about the gossip surrounding Jack and Meg and their growing fame as the band became more successful.

[@donaldwheatoniii1809]

THIS!

[@milesparker557]

Other people have said it, but you have to listen to their cover of Jolene live at Blackpool Lights. His voice really shines during live performances. Edit: You could also watch Ball and a Biscuit from the same concert. It's a great showcase of his guitar playing. Though, I'm not quite sure if you're ready to hear his solo on that song...

[@leemajors61]

Ball and Biscuit is such an AMAZING piece of just... guitar.

[@paradoxi2649]

For live Jack White performance, my standout is The Dead Weather - Will there be enough water? I was lucky to see him live on Lazaretto tour.

[@zaklinabrajanoski2476]

I would love to see Elisabeth doing analysis of Jolene cover by W S

[@devildog4life99]

I love how excited you get about the simple musical elements that combine to make this song so awesome.

[@aliciafreeman734]

YES! More White Stripes reactions would be amazing. Also, if you’re in this genre, I’d recommend listening to The Strokes too. Reptilia is a sweet song with epic guitar melodies.

[@ceebee491]

Good choice, I was listening to reptillia earlier today. Great guitar lines

[@aTofuJunkie]

Under Cover of Darkness is imo a better Strokes song.

[@hotdoghoagie1646]

To be honest anything off the new abnormal by the strokes would be great to do a vocal analysis of. Julian really showcases the highs and lows of his vocal range on that album

[@lolololololbot]

YES! More White Stripes or The Strokes!

[@oozeman23]

Yes ! The Strokes ' singer Julian Casablancas has a very interesting voice and vocal approach... Perfect for TCV !

[@ElonWilkerson]

I love how you give every different band and song a chance.

[@milomidnight]

For the best experience of Jack's voice, you have to check out the live cover of Dolly Parton's Jolene (Blackpool Lights gig version) which is extraordinary. Also The Raconteurs 'Carolina Drama' is one of his great vocal performances. Side note: I highly recommend the documentary It Might Get Loud as Jack, Led Zep's Jimmy Page, and U2's The Edge sit round, talk music and show each other how to play various of their riffs, this one included.

[@Fireshadow1987]

The "Opera" was a reference to Detroit, you can see him point to his hand as he says it. Using you hand as a map in Michigan is a common occurrence / quirk of being from Michigan. So he was getting away from Detroit and all his drama there or "Opera" once and for all.

[@johnplaysgames3120]

Given Jack White's musical interests - which often run old school and many of which can be quirky - and how much thought he put into the neo-throwback look of the band (red, white, and black ONLY, after Meg's favored candy, peppermints), I always assumed they did the "brother and sister" thing to give the vibe of some of those quirky old family bands like the Shaggs, or family bands with an interesting backstory, like Kings of Leon. And that's SORT OF true, as Jack later revealed the actual reason they did it: They chose to pretend to be siblings because he didn't think music fans and critics would take a former husband and wife duo seriously. He told Rolling Stone magazine: "It's funny that people think me and Meg sit up late at night, in front of a gas lamp, and come up with these intricate lies to trick people. If we had presented ourselves in another fashion… how would we have been perceived, right off the bat? When you see a band that is two pieces, husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, you think, 'Oh, I see…' When they're brother and sister, you go: 'Oh, that's interesting.' You care more about the music, not the relationship."

[@Hankthespank]

Id love to see you make a video of Jack White - Love Is Blindness. That entire song and incredible guitar solo always blow my mind.

[@GrimrDirge]

Meg has been a polarizing drummer. I suspect that her sound is a function of her limitations, and many have panned her drumming. But constraints can foster innovation too, and her sparing, primal thumping is part of what makes the white stripes unique.

[@tristramcoffin926]

I don't know of a drummer who comes off more savage and (as you said) primal than Meg White since John Bonham. It really does fill that Bam Bam cliche of sound but that minimalism perfectly suits the band.

[@TroublesomeOwl]

The amazing thing is, i've heard Jack playing white stripes songs with more "proficient" drummers than Meg.. and the songs sound.. stale - boring.. bad even. She was unique in her style and it was necessary for the sound

[@eatenhogg]

I wish people would stop comparing Meg to Neil Peart or Cozy Powell or some other fantastic drummer. Her job is to be the drummer for the White Stripes, not to be her own entity and that's what she did. I hope to see some reviews of the Raconteurs, one of Jack's other bands.

[@chriswhinery925]

Yeah she's not a "good" drummer in any kind of technical sense. But as you say, limitations lead to innovative ways around those limitations, and what she does is perfect for the style the band landed on.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

As always,, Really enjoyed your reaction/review/analysis..Being so different & hard hitting is what made it such a big hit..Not to mention it's constant use in sports.

[@josefodium8888]

Personally, I think of the White Stripes as “close enough” incarnate. Meg’s thing is that every strike is close enough to the previous one to hold the rhythm, but is always a bit different. It may be an inch away on the drum surface or varying in strength, or even a slightest bit off in timing. This makes even the simplest line sound far more interesting and alive. And most probably why this one (“Seven Nation Army”) feels so primal. With Jack playing around the pitch. And keeping as far away from classical music techniques and consistency make them feel so raw, alive and honest even in a studio recording.

[@mcnater]

Great point

[@spencerwesseling3795]

Very well put

[@Jake9066]

The White Stripes is the kind of thing that inspires a thousand garage bands. Not knocking on Jack's compositional skills (which are amazing), or Meg's drumming (yeah, it's basic, but it works and that's what matters), but their music is simultaneously catchy, well-produced, and "reproduceable". You listen to this with your friends and go "shit yeah, we could do this!"

[@ponfed]

I always have a Velvet Underground on Heroin vibe from Meg. Far from technically perfect.. but it has feel and drives the songs forward... I don't know if you get what I'm feeling.

[@surpriseitsus9622]

Brilliant comment ❤

[@MajorHattery]

Never really paid attention to the technicalities of his vocals in this song, so this was a very interesting reaction. Also, there's so many rock/metal bands with similar names that it's a miracle we as fans don't get them mixed up more often (example, it took me a few months to realize that Sleep Token and Sleep Theory were different bands). As I'm sure others have said, that's not a bass it's a downtuned guitar being "doubled" (not sure the technical term) so that he's basically playing both guitar and bass at the same time. The band Royal Blood (who you should definitely check out at some point) does basically the same thing.

[@sheldorleconcher8870]

Saw/heard Jack playing with The Raconteurs. He's very "charismatic" on stage and phenomenally talented. I noticed that he often faded back from the spotlight to showcase the remaining band members and didn't hog the stage even though he was definitely the draw for most. Very cool.

[@42Mrgreenman]

Damn, forgot that was Jack...when they hit with "Steady as She Goes" I listened to it constantly...good times...

[@jarkkokorpua9330]

Raconteurs is/was a great band. I still think Jack White at his best. Many Shades of Black!

[@hotdoghoagie1646]

YES! I just left a comment saying she should check out many shades of black. Brendan Benson's vocals on that song are so good that Adele even did a cover of it as well.

[@Dreyno]

⁠@@hotdoghoagie1646Brendan Benson and the singer from Phoenix sound incredibly similar to my ears. Not that anyone was asking but I don’t see Brendan Benson mentioned very often and it came to mind.

[@leonardchilcoat3266]

@@hotdoghoagie1646Thanks for sharing the Adele cover. Adding that version to my library. So thankful I’ve been able to see the Raconteurs live four times. Hope to see the Dead Weather live one day if they make another album and tour together.

[@ponfed]

I really like that, with all you rigourous musical training, you can appreciate music that doesn't really *fit* in formal musical theory. AND that even then, you are able to use your knowledge to still analyse these outlier sounds in a way that makes sense. All over your channel btw... love it.

[@alex.k.7027]

Elizabeth, thank you so much for this reaction. Jack White is a national treasure, his work with The Dead Weather is astonishing.

[@VesselXVII]

And .. Raconteurs! Love when Javknhets blusey

[@YourScaryMother]

@@VesselXVII I put Jack right up there with big names such as Jimmy Page, Graham Nash, the Beatles, etc. He's put a ton of new takes and techniques into the music sphere over the last 20 years, similar to those other big names. He's been the driving force of three great bands (so far) as well as solo stuff

[@LastInLine13]

I ❤️ how aloof E is to music and how humble and unassuming her approach to vocals and presentation far below her skill level is.. so refreshing and a constant reminder to enjoy the genuine nature of creativity.. brilliant, thank you!

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

The genius of this song is managing to turn something so simple into one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable songs of the past 20 years . That and managing to do it without a bass guitar in sight 😉

[@olgae_6545]

Please listen and analyze more Jack White, he's amazing! it would be cool to hear your further comments

[@johnjohn37371]

Jack has left a massive mark on music with his collabs alone... Alicia Keys, Bob Dylan, Loretta Lynn, Wanda Jackson, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Page and The Edge, and tons more. They all wanted to work with Jack. His unique pop ear and desire to make different tones and sounds, more or less, fit, kept him in high demand during the turn of the millennium right into the first decade...

[@Aeolos67]

I am still trying to find the album he created with Loretta Lynn. I should have bought it years ago, but can't find it now.

[@paulravenaudio]

@@UncleErnie71google it - it’s happening

[@stevewalters6853]

@@Aeolos67 Van Lear Rose is the album title I bought it as soon as it was released.

[@antx24]

They definitely did,20 years ago at a Bob Dylan show at Detroit State Theater. The song is Ball and Biscuit. Jack is releasing the original recording from that show.@@UncleErnie71

[@matthewh.9544]

Not as good as whitesnake on any level. Especially on the chick front 😅😊

[@iammine8117]

Meg sounds primal on the drums because she is! She didn't know how to play but Jack talked her into playing with him when his band broke up and when he heard her primal drumming, he loved it and made sure that she never got lesson or anything that might change this. Also, another way to differentiate the stripes and snake is to think of the stripes as a duo, Jack White and Meg White making it plural. Also, male and female is a stripe plus their gimmick limits them to the colors white, red and black with Meg's kick drum colored as a peppermint candy with red and white stripes. FYI the three colors is meant to mirror the three parts of the band, guitar, drums and vocals.

[@RaistlanCE]

I fell in love with Meg's playing when these albums came out. To me, she had that great drummer quality of knowing when not to play, and it was always used to great effect.

[@aaronpage3841]

I agree. Her primitive style of playing (to be honest I think that’s the only way she knows how to play) just works for a 2 piece band. I think anything more in the drums would just kill the vibe

[@control_issues]

I've seen people say that she's not a great drummer because she doesn't seem to do a lot of fancy stuff. But that's part of the genius of her drumming. She's not doing a lot of extra fills or anything. She plays what needs to be played. It's somewhat spartan or minimalist, but it does exactly what it needs to do and does it perfectly. The space that she's talking about between notes is in large part due to Meg's drumming.

[@Turamwdd]

@@control_issues The minimalist nature of it is because she had no training on drums before the band. Basically, she couldn't do anything complicated because she didn't know how. The music was written to play to her "strength."

[@PaleHorseShabuShabu]

@@control_issuesShe isn’t, or at least wasn’t, a great drummer, but you don’t need to be great at your instrument to play great parts.

[@rosadelosvientossur]

@@Turamwdd my theory is that the drums are originally played by Jack in a way that fits her skills in case of a live session, clearly she isn't/wasn't a drummer, you can tell by her moves

[@brucedillinger9448]

Check out Portland Oregon by Loretta Lynn...with Jack White. ✌

[@stevedahlberg8680]

He is heavily influenced by Black Francis (Frank Black) from the Pixies. A fantastic band that you should absolutely check out.

[@0okamino]

It is kind of funny that Jack _White’s_ vocals have that connection to Frank _Black’s._

[@Demystificator]

About the drums ; some people would say she didn't really know how to drum so they kept it minimal. In my personal opinion, they decided to keep simple for this one song so the drum sound like a military march. You could almost hear "left, right" on the drum. With the creeping up effect on the guitar, it does feel like some primal fear always coming back irresistibly. There are so other songs like Black Maths or Blue Orchid where you can hear her style is minimal but she knows how to build the song and it really made the White Stripes sound so unique. But this band was so insane and fresh, showing all you can do with only 2 intruments/people. For some it might sound "simple" but to me, most of their songs feel direct, raw but efficient and on top of all, unforgettable.

[@PopeJohnBeatoIV]

You have unlocked one of the most talented artists out there. A friend introduced me to him and his live concerts are unreal! A suggestion from one of his other bands is 'Carolina Drama' from The Raconteurs. Reading the reviews I'm obviously not the only one recognizing his talent. Keep it up!

[@SupaDupaFli79]

Essence of Mosquito sounds like a potion you'd pickup in an RPG and sell right away cause you'd never actually use it.

[@Gforceracing20]

The White Stripes have so many great tunes: Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground, Fell in Love with a Girl, Black Math, Hardest Button to Button, Hotel Yorba, The Denial Twist, As Ugly as I Seem, Ball and a Biscuit, We're going to be Friends, I just don't know what to do with myself, Girl You have no Faith in Medicine...

[@MAWLER04]

it will be so sad if she only reviews this one stripes song...

[@MarcosElMalo2]

@@MAWLER04Yeah, it’s so overplayed. All those songs would be 1000% better.

[@Phylonyous]

Ball and a Biscuit is my all time fav of theirs.

[@peterworth9403]

@@Phylonyous same. i love that one.

[@AlexWorrell]

@@Phylonyous that and "I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)".

[@matthewhead1465]

I’m surprised you didn’t choose a live version of this song. The one from Conan is very clean, the Bonnaroo performance has much more distortion on the guitar. It’s literally just Jack on guitar and Meg on drums. The simplicity of this song is what makes it so great. Knowing that the whole thing is done with two instruments and that both Jack and Meg both know how to effectively use the lack of notes, the “emptiness” as well as they do the actual notes is phenomenal.

[@namenamename111]

As a massive white stripes fan, I have long maintained that jacks voice is the secret weapon and very underrated. Jolene live performance, I don’t know what to do with myself, party of special things to do, black math or hardest button to button live from black pool lights are standout examples. Also, danger high voltage from electric six and broken boy soldier from raconteurs

[@johnplaysgames3120]

"Broken Boy Soldier" gave me a Led Zep vibe the first time I heard it, as did a few of Jack's vocal lines on "Jimmy the Exploder" (particularly the "Green apples / On the tree and growin' now / Green apples / Are gonna be explodin' now" bit). Either way, you're right, Jack's voice is def one of the main ingredients of the magic sauce. Of course, there's really only three ingredients in the sauce so, y'know, I imagine it would feel slightly off if you changed any of the elements. Still, Jack's voice is wild, sometimes feels unstable, but always brings that electricity.

[@brandonhall5615]

I love coming across folks like you. You/they keep me humble by reminding me of how much flies passed my head everyday that I don't even know to think about.

[@BenLapke]

You can’t find a more stripped down music group, but still make fantastic music.

[@ChuckFickens1972]

Royal blood? (who are pretty much the opposite in that the only guitar used is a bass)

[@NandR]

The Black Keys started really stripped down. Just guitar and drums.

[@Galerina666]

Morphine

[@bradhariegle2475]

One of my favorite bands of all time...simple but complex and intriguing.

[@faketheo3432]

I'd like to request Elliott Smith for a future analysis. I don't think I've seen any vocal analysis of him on on KZbin. His singing is very soft and delicate. It feels like he is singing to himself or a loved one and we're just fotrunate eavesdroppers. My song-suggestions are: Piseleh, Angeles, Between The Bars, Miss Misery, Needle In The Hay, A Fond Farewell I've requested him before, he is criminally underrated. I hope I can catch your attention this time!

[@LolTollhurst]

What he is, is unknown in the same way that the white stripes was 20 years ago, or the pixies 35. He'll remain there. He'll never grow old. But he's as influential too, and still. Everyone who makes music knows him. He'll never grow old.

[@B.R.C.Aggron]

Definitely! I've been waiting for someone to do a vocal analysis of such an influential and talented artist. Sweet Adeline is my own recommendation for this list.

[@redboxpix]

Maybe "I didn't understand" ..an a capella track?

[@HaloFerret117]

Like others have stated, the bass is actually his guitar put through a pedal that brings the octave down :) also everything by The White Stripes is recorded on analog tapes!

[@Gernboes]

I would really love you reacting to portishead! It would be a genre you never reacted to before, as far as i know, but i can imagine it being right up your alley with a bit of classical influence and a stunning vocal performance! I would recommend glory box or roads from their live performance at roseland nyc - although you could pick any song from that concert and couldnt do wrong 😅

[@ismiregalichkochdasjetztso3232]

This. So much this. I realize it will take a while until you get around doing it, my best wishes!

[@m4hkn0]

Also... Beth Gibbons as solo artist... "Funny Time Year"

[@m4hkn0]

If you do Portishead... Live from NYC Roseland versions are amazing. Glory Box! If you do delve into Portishead... consider Massive Attack next... Mezzanine album "Teardrop"

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

+1 for Portishead, or for Beth Gibbons’ “Central Reservation”. Of course, if you’re in that neighborhood, Stereolab must be mentioned. I think Elizabeth would totally love “Rainbo Conversation”.

[@shelleylloyd5396]

Jack produced Loretta Lynn's album Van Lear Rose and is featured in her song "Portland Oregon." Both the album and the single are worth a listen for sure! As is, of course, all of the White Stripes discography and Jack's solo work (and his two other bands, The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs).

[@tickbox_]

Definitely a band to check out live footage of. Something that does not get talked about enough with Jack and Meg is how ridiculously in tune they are with each other musically. Famously they very rarely wrote down set-lists in advance, or at least not very detailed ones, choosing instead to organically go to whichever song they felt like in the moment and very often completely changing the sound and structure of songs on the fly. Meg became the butt of the "bad drummer" joke for a long time due to her very simplistic style, but what she provided was the most solid of starting points for the band to go absolutely wild. When you watch them live really pay attention to how they play off each other, usually with non-verbal communication, improvising new sections off the cuff and changing things up. Truly one of the purest live acts to ever do it. And to be clear, no Meg is not the most technically gifted drummer in the world. Far from it. But take literally any other drummer in the world and it's a completely different band and sound. For me personally, you could replace a lot of the worlds most technically incredible metal drummers out there from their bands and the vast majority of people would never notice. You couldn't do that with Meg. (Also the siblings thing was basically a joke because people kept mistaking them for brother and sister, so they just leant into it)

[@zahir12344]

especially his live cover of Dolly's Jolene.

[@tjm6983]

I thought he said he told people they were siblings because they didn't want people to talk about them being in a relationship (at the time), and didn't want the band to be made into a thing about that

[@tickbox_]

@@tjm6983 As far as I know it was a combination of things, but they certainly kept it going as a joke for a long time after. Even introduced Meg as his sister on stage. But yes, I believe that is also correct.

[@animistchannel]

1) That baseline is so catchy because that's John Paul Jones' baseline from "Achilles Last Stand" (Led Zeppelin), and JPJ is freaking genius. It evokes rolling waves and surging surf of the journey to an ancient mythological sort of armageddon. Here, it's played half-speed to expand on the punkish emptiness/futility of things, to dwell in the sense of fateful determination or defiance, perhaps. There is also some thematic similarity between this song and Achilles. I mean, this is called Seven Nation Army... like the union of greek city states drawn by honor bonds to undertake a great task from which maybe none of them will return, blessed and cursed by gods and monsters... and yet they will go in any case, for it is their fate. 2) The drums sound so primal because they left so much space for you to hear the full acoustics of each part of the kit, almost like she is playing it outside in Nature, but you are sitting close to it, and the harmonics flow past you into the distance, maybe off to the void itself, without crowding or echoing back in on you. Furthermore, this is basically the shamanic eagle/journey beat done half-speed as well and just left exposed, which is inherently hypnogogic. A brilliant communion of choices for the tempo and effect, and she is even using the symbols appropriately for the traditional rattle/bell fills. [To hear a straightforward organic example of the journey beat, check out "Shaman's Journey" on the 'Do You Speak Drum' channel. In fact, even the guitar chugs in this song are dead on tempo with Michael Harner's shamanic journey drumming.] Combining the rolling waves of reverberations between the two main musical parts, it is literally, almost inevitably, constructed to soak in past your consciousness into your visionary soul, to draw you with them along this pathway. Personally, I think they knew what they were doing, where they were drawing from their sources and how to adapt and employ the elements of it for their own purposes. I think it is wrought too well to be an accident, and that makes it mighty.

[@Just-W]

The bass sound is an acoustic guitar being run through an Octave pedal If I remember right - I think he used one of his old Kays to play this song in concert for both the bass and guitar parts.

[@lnhartduo1850]

The reason the drums sound "primal"to you, might be because she's not just playing the Tam. She's hitting the Bass Drum simultaneously to achieve a very big sound with minimal effort. I love her drumming, she's so tight.

[@Treasacello]

You're not alone. Back when Coverdale and Whitesnake were golden, there was also White Lion, White Tiger, and White Zombie... none of which sounds like each other.

[@paulv7454]

A White Lion reaction could be interesting. Tesla, Mr Big. Lol

[@BigDave423]

Don't forget about Great White. RIP to the 100. 🙏😢

[@PedroTorres-cm3wt]

Now whats next? I'd have to say RAMONES!! Or Glória by Patti Smith! Or perhaps Amália Rodrigues or António Variações, for something completely different!!

[@TheOneAndOnlyFloridaMan]

Honestly The White Stripes are one of the most underrated bands of the 21st century (aside from their big hit). They do garage rock, blues, indie rock, alternative, folk, and at times border on punk, and do it all so well and cohesively. Definitely check out more of them, maybe Ball and Biscuit next.

[@xxslicendicexx]

They were one of the most acclaimed rock bands from their era, not underrated at all lmao

[@ewiken5529]

Maybe under-appreciated if anything, definitely not underrated.

[@ianhewitson2738]

Underrated? You've got to be kidding. When they were active they were, justifiably, massively popular and massively critically acclaimed. They are one of the defining rock bands of the noughties.

[@andreweburgos4977]

I love that Elizabeth immediately tuned into how close the sound is. The Detroit garage rock scene really broke open with this band and that was key to their sound. It was in your face, both aggressively but also passionately. Sometime simultaneously or separately.

[@rhkips]

The drumline is a variation of the Baby Beat, one of the most simple rhythms inso named because all normally-developed infants, including in the womb, respond to it. It's a rhythm that speaks to us on a very primal level.

[@smavtmb2196]

I really enjoyed both reactions, and I'm positive you'll never confuse White Snake and White Stripes again. I hope you'll do more of both. White Stripes Blue Orchid is rather trippy. Elizabeth random request You probably heard Journey before. Either way it be interesting if you would do an analysis of Journey/ Steve Perry's vocals. He is amazing live. So many fantastic songs you could choose. Such as Faithfully and Separate Ways. Both very different from each other yet amazing.

[@frmrchristian8488]

Many of us have come of age while constantly absorbing music and band names over the years. Until watching your channel I never considered how difficult it could be to try to learn the names as an adult, in a relatively short timeframe, without getting confused over similar band names. Musically, I've never even considered Whitesnake & White Stripes in my brain at the same time. But I get it. If it was new to me, I'd probably be confused as hell.

[@philforsythmusic]

As a teen in the 90s, I once confused Rage Against the Machine with Limp Bizkit. I can never forgive myself.

[@jsh6952]

Add White Zombie to the confusion.....

[@MitchellSepaugh]

White Lion, Great White...

[@beforethunder4987]

Love this song! Crank it up every time it comes on the radio. Bobbing my head and singing along as I cruise down the street, leading me on.

[@vitorfrota940]

White Stripes for me is the quintessential garage band. They don't have a bass player (yes, this famous "bass" line contains no bass) and Jack White always told this story about how Meg didn't know how to play drums and just started hitting the thing like a little kid, and still they've made many memorable things, especially Seven Nation Army.

[@pluck8913]

The simplistic beauty of the beat and mello make it primal. Her drum beats are super easy to play but that's part of the charm. It's intense, easy to play yet very impactful. I would reccomend this to anyone beginning on the drums as it gives an easy intro into the instrument. Yet it sounds really good.

[@metalmark1214]

Seems to be a white band name day, Whitesnake, now The White Stripes. Great White,White Zombie, White Lion, Motionless in White, Barry White, White Wolf next😆

[@NeinFeline]

🎉

[@amnesiacalibis]

Great to see the White Stripes getting new exposure and some love even though they've broken up. I saw them on their last Canadian tour and they were absolutely phenomenal, would give a lot to see them play again sometime.

[@Roh_Echt]

My two favorites by them are 'Icky Thump' and 'Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground.' Hope to see you react to more. The two people with the last name of White are actually Meg (Megan) White and John Gillis; a.k.a. Jack White. I believe he changed his name when they married.

[@Unholee1]

Icky thump... yesss

[@paradoxi2649]

So much goodness in White Stripes... and the White thing always reminds me of The bloodhound Gang lyric "I'm not black like Barry White, no, I am white like Frank Black is."

[@philforsythmusic]

Yes, Jack took her name. Because Jack.

[@pooki903]

My 2 faves too

[@rgractor]

I saw the White Stripes live in a converted auto garage in Moscow in 2005 (was there for a graduate school study abroad), and it will forever be the most insane rock experience of my life. It is unreal to see those two pour out so much music!

[@rodentnolastname6612]

I think the drums feel primal because she plays them very simple, stripped down. No big flourishes on the toms, she's not showing off. Also, she uses the snare drum very sparingly.

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

She's actually an amazing drummer. Cool you caught all that. I'm not as musically adept as some people but the way you break down what gives it that more primal sound it makes total sense.

[@jeffcummins8639]

Funny. I just said basically the same thing before scrolling down and seeing your post.

[@BiLLz66614]

Jack said before he liked the simple feeling basically her drumming would give. It had a unique sound because she wasnt exactly always drumming on the right timing and such. But still could rip at the same time.

[@morganmcallister2001]

Opera means to work? Huh... So opera and operate probably come from the same root then. Fascinating. That is something I never would have expected.

[@jakenordstrum3210]

I love Jack White. Highly recommend a live version of Jolene, Death Letter, or their SNL performance of Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground. I've seen him live twice now and he's better live than on the recordings in my opinion.

[@dsgp7835]

Was lucky to see the White Stripes live, it was amazing. So much music from two people. The Black Poole Lights live concert video is a must. Elizabeth, a conversation between you and Jack would be a KZbin hit. He's a fascinating musician and human.

[@gregmarr2169]

100 percent agree with this comment. The White Stripes are/were an incredible duo, and Jack White is one of the most interesting people in music of all time. The White Stripes catalogue is absolutely worth listening to, and their live recordings will blow your socks off. He loves talking music, you should reach out for a chat.

[@Johnboy33545]

Watching your reactions is a delightful experience. Never stop.

[@ChintzMusic]

I think the bass string notes are just Jack White's normal guitar EDIT: Jack Black and Jack White did a song together and called the project Jack Grey!

[@324cmac]

Jack White strikes me as a very confident, eccentric, creative person. He has a great sense of humor and lots of sex appeal. And he's one heck of a guitar player!

[@pressonc]

Jack White is an extraordinarily talented music producer. In studio, he used very subtle delay and compression on his live vocals for this track and did very minimal editing in post. That’s why he has that “squeezed” and “doubled” impressions in the track.

[@helenzenon1733]

So loving how you are loving all these Ren is my current favourite- total genius

[@davidriddick82]

It’s not a bass, it’s a GUITAR!! He is using a guitar to play both bass and guitar parts, and seeing it live is even more IMPRESSIVE #MADTALENT GREATEST 2 piece band IMO Very underrated, great song choice

[@Trinity-Waters]

You mentioned the bass layering so I switched to my beyerdynamics and wow! I continue to be grateful to you, Elizabeth, for introducing me to these headphones. Anybody out here looking for true excellence, try 'em. I use their wireless Amiron Copper model, too, and they sound perfect, a real achievement for a bluetooth-based device. Cheers! And, so happy for your channel success; we're having big fun!

[@t.b.m.b.]

Please review any Mudvayne song. "Dig", Death Blooms", Happy?", "Forget to Remember". It's incredible with Chad Gray's spectacular vocals.

[@James-ch8qm]

I can’t believe you haven’t covered “i was only 19” by red gum, is the most emotional Australian song

[@catsandcrafts171]

This is such an anthem, there are cruise ships that play it on their horns! No joke! My all time favourite version is by Hailey Reinhart on Post Modern Jukebox. It absolutely melts my soul!

[@MR-backup]

I hated hearing this song growing up, because it was too short.

[@adamcurrey6685]

Two votes for the PMJ version!

[@Ninang363]

At the time the "Married vs. Brother and Sister" thing was a way to keep a lot of press interested. It generated exposure. They were asked more about that than their music. But it always came back to the music.

[@simontemplar3359]

Jack White is a solid player and a solid human. I always felt like the no bass player thing was a nod to The Cramps (who are well worth checking out). He manages to produce a bassline with a tuned-down guitar and an octave shifter! I love how a lot of his sound is a call back to vintage sounds and styles without copying. I suggest checking out the Black Keys for the same reason. They have tunes that will remind you a little of classic 60s tunes but they aren't a rip. They sound like a tune that could have been on the album. Little Black Submarines could have been done by Blind Faith. they're THAT good!

[@sober667]

And skilled carpenter

[@theuincolour]

Jack White, my all time favourite musician. Does this mean we’ll get more White Stripes, plus The Dead Weather, The Raconteur’s, and his solo work? 🥺👉🏻👈🏻

[@aaronpage3841]

Would definitely be worth watching the live shows others have suggested. It always seems to be that Jack leads the tempo of the song and Meg on drums is always on catch up to the beat which gives them such a unique sound. This is more obvious when seeing the live versions

[@rexeverything1163]

Live at Blackpool Lights