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Background (The Hype)
Well, not only are these bands not feuding... I think they're actually friends. They toured together not too long ago. Around the year 2000, the mainstream began picking up on a garage-rock revival that was headed by the Strokes and the White Stripes. Their stripped-down back-to-basics approach was just what the doctor ordered, and a slew of similar indie bands rocketed to stardom. Most of these were worthless (The Hives, The Vines, etc.). To date, none of them have the talent or success that the Strokes and the White Stripes have. To be fair though, the Strokes and Stripes are now the media darlings du jour. The sun shines out of their behinds. Everything they touch turns to gold, etc. And I know it drives a lot of people nuts to listen to a band that is, for lack of a better term, too popular. I'm the same way. It was hard to bring myself to actually buy a White Stripes album, believe. But this exception was well worth it.
What's Been Said
"Males are such despicable creatures."
"Every time we play, I feel like kissing everyone in the crowd, and going home, and partying with them."
"I love when the whole world is wrong. It makes me laugh."
In This Corner: The Strokes
The Strokes' debut album, Is This It?, is one of the hands-down best studio albums ever made. They were one of the first on the scene with the garage-rock revival, and that album is fresh and solid, start to finish. The songs are catchy and raw-sounding. But they basically have one song that they rework over and over to get different tracks, and this continues on their follow up, Room On Fire. Now that album is strong too, but ultimately, it's more of that same formula. As far as lyrics go, don't go looking for the meaning of life in a Strokes song, because you won't find it. If you needed anymore proof, just watch the lead singer's apathetic face during one of their performances. Rage? Yes. Rebellion? Of course. Profound symbolism? Passion? Not exactly. It's more the don't-give-a-fuck-about-anything kind of rebellion. Also, in line with your typical indie band, the Strokes have adopted a whole no-hygiene thing. They all have mops of unkept hair that, in my humble opinion, is poorly cut. They also wear vintage skin-tight t-shirts and 70's-era jackets and jeans. Browns and oranges. The indie look is unique, I'll give it that. But it's like urban hippy... somehow... just unclean looking. I'm not a fan.
And In This Corner: The White Stripes
The White Stripes are a couple of unique individuals. All albums, videos, and clothing related to this band is either black or in the red and white peppermint candy motif. Very neat. I wish I'd thought of that. Guitarist and vocalist Jack White is a wild-eyed performer... clearly passionate about his jittery and often clever lyrics... and more passionate about his ecclectic guitar playing (which, among other things, made using a slide hip again). His sister, drummer and vocalist Meg, seems much more reserved, with a simple and straight-forward style of play that matches the music well. Each album has been a great mix of blues, folk, and hard rock with a distinct retro feel as Jack will have nothing to do with modern electronics in their music. While there is certainly originality in the quirky flair that Jack and Meg give to their garage-folk-rock style, there are also clear signs of some major influences, notably Jimi Hendrix (see "Hello Operator" and "Ball And Biscuit"), Led Zeppelin (see their cover of "Stop Breaking Down"), and The Kinks (see "Fell In Love With A Girl"). I understand they get these comparisons a lot and aren't necessarily thrilled about it, citing their key influences as much older folk and blues dinosaurs.
The Tale Of The Tape
|
 |
 |
| Artistic Integrity |
16 / 20 |
18 / 20 |
| Lyrics |
9 / 20 |
12 / 20 |
| Instrumentation |
19 / 20 |
17 / 20 |
| Consistency |
20 / 20 |
18 / 20 |
| Stage Presence |
16 / 20 |
17 / 20 |
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80% |
82% |
Who'd Win In An Actual Fight?
Well, I don't think there's any question who would win this one. Jack White looks like he might be able to fight, but his only teammate is his sister, Meg. And my guess is she can't fight. The Strokes, on the other hand, are five men strong, and while they're all scrawny and dirty looking, I'm quite sure they'd be victorious. Which is too bad... against any five people, the Strokes would probably lose, but in a 5-on-2, their numbers give them the victory. And even though they'd ultimately lose, the White Stripes would look a lot better during the fight... their style is classier, their hygiene is better, and the blood would blend in with all those red clothes they wear. Watch, I'm probably totally wrong. Meg White's probably a 7th-degree blackbelt. Make that a red and white candy-striped belt.
For The History Books
Musically, these are both talented bands with an ear for hooks. The White Stripes edge this one out, and that's mainly due to originality. Now, both of the Strokes' albums have been rock-solid, but the songs seem to run together. The lyrics and vocals lack the personality, passion, and quirkiness that is so central for the White Stripes. The White Stripes, while lacking the almost robotic consistency of the Strokes, do manage to fuse some styles that, at the very least, haven't been mainstream in a long while. Jack White is a great guitar player and his brand of punchy rock/blues and warm folk keep the variety up on every Stripes album. As you can see, this was a very close match. Both of these bands are a breath of fresh air in a time when the airwaves are clogged with boy bands, anonymous rap, and unintelligible psuedo-metal. They both produce some of the best music to have come out in the last 5-10 years.
Disputes From The Insolent
Here is what some of my readers have had to say about what they've seen here. Keep in mind that their opinions do not necessarily reflect mine and, in that respect, are probably wrong.
Laura, B.M.
Professional Musician
enchanté string quartet |
"The White Stripes is basically one guy... JACK. The Strokes are five extremely talented, put-together, tight musicians. Oh, and they are cuter too! Neither one are truly original, but yes, all the guys except the rhythm guitarist are gorgeous! Jack is cute, but too frail and thin and ghostlike. I'm sure the White Stripes haven't even hit their element yet, so maybe in their next albums they can change my mind. Right now, they are sounding a lot like The Doors, and Meg sucks on drums. And her voice is grotesque. Why even put her on there? She really lames out the group. And one more thing... the sophomore album of the Strokes (Room On Fire) is better than the first one... TRACK 3, Man! I rest my case. It speaks volumes that I didn't hesitate selling Elephant to Rasputin's for a few bucks... I would never ever ever in a million years consider getting rid of the Strokes, though. I don't like albums where you have to push the next button to compensate for lame-ass musicianship, i.e. Meg." |
| Benzilla responds... |
Like I said, it's close... but I give it to the White Stripes because they have something going on other than essentially the same song 11 times on two albums. Albeit a GREAT song. I think that Jack is much more versatile and a more accomplished musician than any one of the Strokes. Don't get me wrong, I love the Strokes. But they are a one-trick pony, at least as I've seen demonstrated so far. Meg's drumming is weak, but I think that actually helps the sense of loose urgency in their music. Her singing... well... no comment. One point I do have to really argue though. The Strokes are cuter? Are you kidding me? Jack is hot. Meg is hot. The Strokes are dirty and hideous. Look at these bums. You can almost smell that picture. Want 'em? You can have 'em! |
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