Random Theories and Rantings

As I grow older, I've come to realize more and more about the world. Mostly its the little things that jump out at me, small bits of disillusionment that make me pause, shake my head, sigh, and then continue on my way. One of the things that's done that lately has been the inability of most people to write either an album or concert review. Its either a history lesson or gushing over crap.

I discovered this recently after seeing the White Stripes play here in Raleigh, North Carolina. A writer from our local rag, the N&O, wrote two articles regarding this show and they both totally sucked! That was all the media coverage for this show (thanks a lot Independent, our supposed "Alternative News Source").

First off, let me say, I'm not even sure if this writer was at the show all that long. Most of what us readers learned was what I'd call White Stripes press release history. Wow, such insight all from press materials, USA Today articles, etc. The two facts mentioned (and they were correct) were that they played at the "Disco Rodeo" and the song "Fell in Love with a Girl" was absent from the set list. The following was totally absent.

The White Stripes came to Raleigh on June 16th, 2003 and blew this town away. Playing to what I heard was a sold-out Disco Rodeo, Jack and Meg filled the room with more energy, sound, and charisma than I ever could have expected. Going to the show I wondered: how many people will show up, and what will they sound like live? I was so pleasantly surprised in both areas.

The crowd at this show (while largely teen-agers and one of their parents - both wearing earplugs) were surprisingly well-versed in the White Stripes catalog and present. After weeks of no airplay on our local "rock" station, and relatively no promotion, the joint was packed. Our local "rock" station plastered its name all over hell and creation but still managed to be totally absent. The all-ages crown had a lot of energy, knew how to react to the band, and was wonderfully devoid of 21 year olds, which made buying beer almost too easy.

As for the show, Jack White is the greatest thing to happen to rock music since Bob Dylan went electri. He doesn't fit into the long line of rock saviors such as Springsteen, Petty, and Nirvana. He's one of the few prophets. He's innovative, knows his influences, and is my new personal guitar hero!

The set, which lasted over one and a half hours, was full of favorites (Hotel Yorba, Dead Leaves/Dirty Ground) and plain great songs that haven't seen the light of day. Jack tore threw "I Fought Pirhannas" and "The Big 3 Killed my Baby," in a way that I hoped for, but never realistically expected. They also played great versions of "The Union Forever," "Sugar Never tasted So Good," and "Suzy Lee." The only song I missed and was hoping they'd play was Jolene.

That being said, Jack White bounced around that stage, playing guitar (and occasionally organ) like none I've seen before in my life. He had the raw energy of Henry Rollins with the artistic guile and freedom of Bob Dylan. This was easily the show of the year and makes me wonder how mediocre commercial bands like Metallica are able to sell ANY tickets at all. For shame!