An era ends for ‘White Stripes,’ ‘LCD’ music fans
Saying goodbye is truly the hardest.
As every day passes, it creates another opportunity to say
goodbye to something we love or need to have. It’s a never-ending
cycle and it is always rough.
An era ends for ‘White Stripes,’ ‘LCD’ music fans
Saying goodbye is truly the hardest.
As every day passes, it creates another opportunity to say goodbye to something we love or need to have. It’s a never-ending cycle and it is always rough.
For me, this past week has been tough.
I didn’t say goodbye to any loved ones – thankfully – but I was forced to wave goodbye to two things that have helped turn me into the person I am today.
For me, the first week of February 2011 will always be the week that The White Stripes called it quits on Feb. 2 and a couple of days later the end of LCD Soundsystem was confirmed. Both bands are two of the most distinctive bands of the past 10 years, and two of the biggest influences in the way I see myself in this world.
More than 10 years ago, the red, white and black colored The White Stripes were hailed as the savior of rock. They exploded onto the national stage with electrifying guitar riffs, a verbose, wild attitude and sleazy rhythm.
The music was simple. Jack White’s guitar flowed through each song, his voice screamed through the speakers. And Meg White kept everything together with her child-like groove of her drums.
They were supposed to kick-start the revitalization of classic rock ‘n’ roll, contrasting with the popular culture’s love for rap and pop. But the reality was the duo had no chance.
Despite never fully revitalizing the idea of rock – just look at today’s Billboard chart, it’s still full of rap and pop – the band did create an everlasting sound.
Yes, through 13 years and six full-length albums, the band continued to grow despite their obvious constraints. Their sound became louder, more intense and more diverse. But they were only two musicians – one really with an amateur playing drums.
And in 2002, they were my introduction to good music.
The idea of “good music” is absolutely subjective to each person, but for me, The White Stripes were something completely different. They introduced not only me but also the world’s new generation to guitar rock.
Through them I started searching for new sounds to listen to. I threw away my Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit and Blink 182 CDs and searched for something more.
The White Stripes introduced me to Led Zeppelin. They paved the path to the more rock-centered Rolling Stones. Somehow the Pixies showed up on my computer. Nirvana was quick to follow.
And suddenly, after spending the first 13 years of my life with no music – other than my dad’s car playlist of Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Simon & Garfunkel – I discovered a whole new world.
With the aide of Modest Mouse – who I discovered a year earlier – The White Stripes’ “White Blood Cells” was the beginning of my musical journey.
Since then it’s taken me to places I would have never imagined. My 120 GB iPod is full to the brink, and I am constantly discovering something new every day.
And one of those bands that came from the stream of discoveries was the wonderful disco-punk band LCD Soundsystem.
Fronted by the enigma that is James Murphy, LCD was a combination of David Bowie’s funk and the Ramones’ pure punk. They could either be playful or they could be angry – but they were always full of energy.
Because of those qualities, they put on the best live show.
My favorite memory stems from last year when I saw them in a crowded, sweaty Fillmore in San Francisco. Wearing all white, Murphy walked across the stage with forceful energy.
He screamed, he yelled, he sang soulfully.
It is a memory I will never forget. Their final show is set for April 2 in New York at the giant arena Madison Square Garden. For that one last night it will be the biggest dance party in the world – and hopefully I will somehow get a chance to enjoy it.
And that first Saturday in April will be a sad day for the music world.
Saying goodbye may be the hardest, but luckily we can always keep the music that affects us around and with us for as long as we want.
