The White Stripes: Sweethearts of the Blues (Paperback)

~ Denise Sullivan (Author) "Just west of downtown, past Old Tiger Stadium to the right, the Detroit River on the left, the street numbers start to go up; into..." (more)
Key Phrases: garage rockers, white stripes, White Blood Cells, Blind Willie, Bob Dylan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The White Stripes are Jack and Meg White, a minimalist rock duo from Detroit at the forefront of the early 21st century's "new garage" movement. Grounded in punk and blues, they combine vivid storytelling with a primitive, garage-based rock sound. Committed to a two-person line-up, old-fashioned gear, and analog recording techniques - as well as a red-and-white color scheme - they have been embraced by critics, fans, and fellow artists such as Loretta Lynn, Bob Dylan, Beck, and Ryan Adams. This engrossing biography of the White Stripes explores all aspects of the band's career, utilizing first-hand interviews to tell their story from inception to present. Tracing the duo's evolution from DIY innovators to major label stars, the book examines how they navigate commercial success and critical acceptance without compromising their sound or street credibility. With color and black and white photos throughout, this informative and absorbing account will satisfy fans new and old.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Backbeat Books (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879308052
• ISBN-13: 978-0879308056
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #70,778 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Detroit Rock City, June 11, 2004

By	Lisa Gee "mnnskid" (Van Nuys, CA United States) - See all my reviews

As a native Detroiter, now living in Los Angeles, I was happy to stumble upon this great book about the White Stripes. Though I've never been a fan of the duo myself, as a Detroiter I felt I needed to understand what it was about them that everyone was so hyped up about. I'm usually very "Go Team" about any music that comes out of my fair city, but was never able to fall in love with them the way I was with Seger, Nugent and - to a degree - Eminem. So I went out and bought two CDs and this book. I must say that this book did more to endear them to me than their CDs did. It was informative, well-written and easy to follow. Buy this book, it's a good read. If you're a fan, you'll learn a lot that you didn't know. And if you're a casual observer as I was, it's a great introduction to this colorful act. I can only hope that Denise Sullivan will soon pen a book about Detroit's other favorite son - Kid Rock!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A book for fans by a fan..., June 11, 2004

By	S. Pemberton "scarlett_echo" (Belle River, Ontario) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I read this book right through in a handful of hours over a two night span. This is the second book about the White Stripes I've read and I enjoyed this book immensely. Being from a suburb of Windsor, right across from Detroit all my life one would think I'd have a clear understanding of the music there and how being from Detroit impacts local artists. After reading Sweethearts of the Blues, I realized that I should have, could have and would have to delve more deeply into the music that impacted Jack and Meg White. I was quite surprised to find myself learning even more about the big city I can see from my window...
The book is a heartfelt tribute to the band, especially to Jack and a very entertaining read. I'm in my 30s with four children that all love the White Stripes and this is on my teen's "to-read" list also. The author approached her subject with warmth and heart and put many pieces of the Stripes puzzle together in a fast-paced joyful manner.
There is a strong coherent understanding of the power of the White Stripes' magic in this book. The undercurrent of appreciation for Jack and Meg shines through and it is a respectful, happy read.
It's a must for the Stripes' collectors and those who have a soft spot for Jack and Meg's work.
I recommend this book most especially to fans who have just been turned on the the White Stripes and want to know more.
My thanks to Ms. Sullivan for putting together a book that reveals a love for the music and the magic of Jack and Meg.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great rock biography, August 15, 2005

By	W. Forbes (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book because I didn't know much about the White Stripes and wanted to know more (including, to some extent, what the big deal is). I got a lot more than I was looking for, and am very glad I read it. In addition to the expected details of their biography, I had the unexpected pleasure of discovering our shared love of their influences. I have to say that understanding the links to their predecessors really helped me develop a lot more respect and understanding for the White Stripes. The book also provides an intimate history of Meg and Jack as well and the "scene" they matured in. Unlike many rock biographies, this book doesn't feel like an attempt to cash in on a band's popularity or shore up their celebrity mythology. Instead it is an honest analysis of individuals and their music by someone who clearly loves them - but is still capable of being objective when necessary.