Friend of Threedonia and purveyor of all things film for the New York Post, Kyle Smith, touches on Jack White of the White Stripes. You know him as the guy who made that Seven Nation Something song a few years back. I know him as the most overrated guitarist in history. Floyd thinks I’m wrong. Smith thinks I’m right.
Where is Jack White’s one great song, let alone his admissions ticket to the halls of the gods? Jack White’s entire “career” has been a masterpiece of attitude and presentation. His earsplitting falsetto singing and band-saw-cutting-through-rusty-scrap-metal guitar playing, combined with his fussy little affectations (floppy bow tie and a mini-me he carries through the movie claiming it is himself at age eight) make him one of the most irritating twerps to ever call himself a rocker.
I could accept White for who he is, but not for what he gets credit for, which is for who he isn’t. His garbage disposal rock isn’t even original. It was done much better by Sonic Youth. As a guitarist, he’s hardly skilled. Sure, any fool with enough feedback can make noise, doing something with it tangible is entirely something different. Tom Morello may be a communist, but the guy has chops and is inventiveness outweighs White’s heavily.
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I’m half in your mindset, FN, though I am looking forward to seeing It Might Get Loud, with White, Edge and Jimmy Page. Buddy of mine saw it at the LA Film Fest and can’t stop talking about it, mentioning White’s playing is nothing like the White Stripes albums, much, much bluesier playing than would have expected. Though he’s on drums, comes across in White’s latest project, Dead Weather, too. Listening to their debut as I type (putting off actually getting to a Better Late… for another night) and am pleasantly surprised.
What can I say? I like what I like. His work with Loretta Lynne was good too and the Raconteurs is great stuff also. I never got into Sonic Youth.
Blaming him for the credit he gets is like Hating the Cowboys because many people think they’re America’s team — as if it’s his fault. He takes advantage of the credit he gets…. so he’s not Clapton or Vaughn or even Van Halen — who is? Would you turn down all the opportunities he gets? Besides The Edge and Jimmy Page know a little more about all this than all of us and if they’re willing to put their names up there with him then that’s good enough to get me to rent the film (or go see it) — even if he’s not their equal in technique or creativity much less influence.
He’s not my favorite by a long shot, but I do admire the interesting simplicity of what he’s doing. I like that he’s basically playing with blocks and still able to come up with something interesting most of the time, whereas most guitarists these days are attempting to build these intricate soundscapes and they’re boring as hell. So: not my hero, but I am glad he’s around, though I might just be in a pissy mood because things with my band (“Republibot 3.0 and the Republibot 3.0 Orchestra featuring Republibot 3.0:) didn’t go so well at practice last night. I do agree, of course, that Sonic Youth did it better.
Republibot: I have to agree. I myself have a grudging respect for any musician who subscribes to the “Keep It Simple, Stupid” philosophy.
Jack White produces interesting and enjoyable songs, but he is no Jimmy Page or David Evans. To be fair, David Evans is no Jimmy Page either.
True that… Edge and White are examples of making use of limited technical skills, though Edge is a lot more creative. I even heard Joe Satriani call “I Will Follow” as “genius” — and then explained the genius of the simplicity… who knew?
Well hot damn would I love to know Joe’s take on Johnny Ramone. Satch’s playing on the Chickenfoot album keeps getting better to the ear with every listen, too. Gotta dig up his blues album from the 90s ’cause it really reminds me of that.
I was not a huge fan until I saw him play on an awards show (Grammys maybe). He was awesome – very bluesy. His work with on with Loretta Lynn on her album Van Lear Rose is a must for the record/CD/iTunes collection. Although it was all her talent, she made him come on stage when she received her Grammy and attributed the success to his vision.
This reminds me of the debate I was having with some friends about the craptacularness of Def Lep’s guitarrists..in comparison to the lead ax slingers of DIO, Black Sabbath, Motley Crue, Judas Priest, of course Slash from GnR. etc. etc. Can’t forget Randy Rhodes either. Anyway it was kinda funny. I take it the dude defending Lep, a band I like btw, would also put CC DeVille into the category of great lead guitar metal virtuoso? ARGGHH!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve Clark was no KK, Randy or Mick Mars, but the way he played sloppy rock and roll still makes me smile.
Oh yeah. I liked his stuff but when you are talking technical genius…urg. And don’t even bring up CC heh. Fun music but come on Hair Band bubble gum.
I’m convinced anyone (well, maybe not I) can learn technical genius with enough practice. You can’t learn “feel” or “groove.”
Yeah Eric… I know two guys who are the best guitarists I’ve ever heard or seen — faster and cleaner than Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, got all Stevie’s licks, etc., but they are basically glorified parrots (and I say that will all appropriate respect — I could not do that) — their original stuff is just not inspired in the least. It’s like having Willie Mays’ talent and hating baseball.