02 February 2011

Catch Hell Blues

White Stripes Disband.



I still remember the first time I heard them. I was in Jimbo's basement and probably just finished watching a good 'ol fashion movie brain melt trifecta of requiem for a dream, pi, and happiness. It's interesting now finding myself in a stage in my life where I can say that I have pretty well followed a band from it's conception to it's passing. And it's actually a calming sort of feeling. Especially the way they did it.

You can read the entire letter to the fans on their website.

"The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful." - Meg & Jack White

It's refreshing and such a feeling of calm and completion that they have decided to disband in this way. They went out because it was time. Not because they were no longer relevant and getting by through taco bell ads and appearances on dances with stars. This is one of the select few bands that you can listen to their entire catalog in full and never become bored or disappointed.

Thank you Jim for introducing me to the White Stripes in high school. Thank you White Stripes for making incredible music and being the soundtrack to so many memories. And thanks also for giving the White Stripes to "us". I am contented knowing that we have not heard the last of Jack White and that he will continue to make his mark and, in doing so, make all of our ear-holes happy.

4 comments:

Louie Van Patten said...

I think you managed to find the absolute best photo of the White Stripes. I hope Jack White does a Desert Session with Josh Homme - really like Dead Weather, but I find the Raconteurs to be pretty hit or miss.

Michael Neff said...

that would be amazing. josh did say in an interview at one point that jack white was his favorite guitarist so hopefully it's inevitable. (i think i got that interview recording from you so it's not like you don't already know that). i have to agree on raconteurs.

Carter said...

I thought they had broken up long ago. Hasn't Jack moved on to other projects already?

Michael Neff said...

no sir. i think there may have been some half-hearted talk about it back in the day, but i think that was mostly rumors. this one is the real deal...