in mentioning The White Stripes today...

"Under Great White Northern Lights" Trailer
I went to the screening of this documentary and since I haven't been able to stop thinking about The White Stripes.  While their singles are overplayed (try "Ball and Biscuit"?), half their songs don't even sound like that.  Try listening to "This Protector" or "As Ugly as I Seem".  Jack White is so extremely talented.  (Just look at the Raconteurs, the "Cold Mountain" soundtrack, etc.)

In the documentary, he talks about why they decide to only ever use black, white, and red.  If you have the entire rainbow, it all becomes cluttered.  Too many choices.  Sometimes you need restrictions.  A deadline can provide you with some of your best work.

It also shows some of the improvisation that comes with being an artist like that.  He mentioned set lists, "Back when we used to have set lists..." because now they just play.  Off each other.  Live.  You can hear some of that on this album, and how they seem to improvise on nearly every song.

Anyway... check it out if ya can.  It's also a pretty sweet film in itself.

And I apologize for looking entirely too shitty this week.  My THIRD anti-seizure medication gave me a wicked rash on my face.  Damnit.