White Stripes: Sweethearts of the Blues

by Denise Sullivan

This engrossing book tells the tale of the Detroit duo who shook up the music world with their “candy-colored, gothic-coated world of melody, rhythm and storytelling.” These unlikely-looking saviors reinvigorated the blues and blues-rock for a new generation. Writer Denise Sullivan relates The White Stripes' story with a keen eye for detail, a music lover's ear for influences and references, a fan's appreciation of the layers and subtleties, and a journalist's nose for a good story, with all its twists and curves, half-truths, and elaborate theories. Includes dozens of rare photographs, a full discography, and a song concordance. 7-1/4 x 9-1/4, 176 pages

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

178 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2004

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve heard of the White Stripes but really didn’t know much about them. They were making their mark at the time I was raising my kids so didn’t have time to listen and find new music. I really got interested in them about a year ago when I found out that Jack White had paid $165,000 in back taxes so the Masonic Temple in Detroit wasn’t taken over by the city of Detroit. Reading up on him on Wikipedia found out he was the youngest of ten kids and his parents had worked for the Archdiocese of Detroit. I could sense a spiritual tone to some of his songs and I thought he had something to say. High energy music and clean lyrics. Not always a combination that’s easy to find. Got this book and confirmed what I thought but also great insight into the philosophy of his music and how he created rules for themselves to inspire creativity. If you like music and have an interest in songwriting you’d enjoy this book I believe.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reads like a high schooler's fansite devoted to The White Stripes. There isn't much critical thinking here, as Sullivan makes sweeping generalizations and chooses to gloss over some of the possibly troubling aspects of Jack White's life, lyrics, and music. Claims of misogyny, the issues of race and authenticity, and even White's fistfight with Von Bondies frontman Stollsteimer are dismissed with a casual shrug. Hey, I like The White Stripes, otherwise I wouldn't have read this book, but I don't think you have to justify every action or lyric to be able to enjoy the music.

[Nileena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her writing style is a little repetitive and too reverential but this book gives a good overview of the blues influences and the early beginnings of this awesome band. :) And it doesn't delve too much into stuff I think the WS wouldn't be happy to talk about.