Cover artwork for “Elephant” by The White Stripes
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2003 was a good time for the CD, hardly anyone was still thinking in vinyl, and certainly not in the format of a double LP – except for Jack White. “elephant”the follow-up to the breakthrough album “White Blood Cells”, came out on two discs, and promo copies were also available on vinyl only. The White Stripes were no longer a small garage band, and suddenly the world took interest in the fact that they are divorced and yet not siblings.
They didn’t spend much to produce their fourth album: around 9000 dollars. Meg and Jack White traveled to London for the recording and they recorded the record – with the exception of two songs – in just under two weeks, produced with old equipment, without expensive frills or computers, which Jack White says would destroy creativity .
But there is at least one effect that makes the guitar sound like a bass on “Seven Nation Army”. The record’s opening track was Jack’s attempt to write a song without a chorus that still grabs people’s attention. Thousands of people roaring in football stadiums who probably don’t even know the Detroit band prove that he succeeded – and a Grammy for best rock song (and best alternative album).
Meg sings for the first time (“In the Cold, Cold Night”), Kate Moss lounges on a cover of Burt Bacharach’s “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself,” and “The Hardest Button To Button” delivers them an appearance on The Simpsons.
Who would have thought back then that the band, which had become a black, white and red brand, with “elephant” already reached the last half of their discography?
The White Stripes will release “Elephant” on a limited edition colored vinyl version (April 21) for their 20th anniversary. A digital deluxe edition with 27 bonus tracks will be released on Friday (March 31).
More highlights
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