Fell in Love with a Band: The Story of The White Stripes (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Jack White took a step away from the microphone and a slight smile crept across his face, eventually giving way to a Cheshire grin..." (more)
Key Phrases: sugar never tasted, electric six, debut record, Von Bondies, Gold Dollar, Southwest Detroit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 2002, a year in which the charts were dominated by the likes of Nelly and Nickelback, the White Stripes’ third full-length album, White Blood Cells, was hailed as an instant classic. A noisy salvo that would prompt legions of critics to search for synonyms for "stripped-down" and "bluesy garage rock," it also propelled the White Stripes from the clubs of Detroit into the homes of MTV viewers. Now, two short years later, comes this reverent biography, thick with stories told by Detroit regulars who observed the Stripes’ development firsthand. True devotees will enjoy Handyside’s recounting of Jack White’s boyhood, Meg White’s high school years, the duo’s early married life, divorce and subsequent sibling mythology. At times, however, the book’s forced back-porch tone grates, as do its detours into rock critic caricature ("pub rock choogle" for example). So much of the book is narrated by the Stripes’ friends, co-workers and former bandmates that the absence of Meg and Jack’s firsthand voices becomes noticeable. Still, for those with a serious interest in the White Stripes and their burgeoning legend, this volume will be part of the true completist’s collection.
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Product Description

With only two members and no bass player the White Stripes certainly seemed like the ultimate makeshift band. So how is it that this enigmatic couple-who publicize themselves as brother and sister though official documents say they're ex-husband-and-wife-became a multi-platinum musical sensation? From their early days as the darlings of Detroit rock scene to their current status as MTV celebs, they've defied expectations every step of the way. How did it happen that the simple idea of staying true to a lo-fi, blues-based sound become a revolutionary idea in the age digital conformity and complex studio production?

Fell In Love With a Band: The Story of the White Stripes is the first biography by a Detroit journalist who has followed their career since the groups inception in 1997. From Meg White's novice attempts at banging the drums to their current incarnation as the face of indie rock. With never before seen photos and exclusive interviews, Fell In Love With a Band gets to the heart of this enigmatic rock band and for the first time tells the real story of their rise to fame and the power behind their sound.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (August 12, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312336187
• ISBN-13: 978-0312336189
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 2.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #427,267 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fell In Love With the Book as well, April 21, 2005

By	Rubee Raspberry "Rubee" (Shreveport, LA) - See all my reviews

For any fan of the White Stripes this book should be a got-to-have item. Handyside is a wonderful storyteller of sorts, keeping the history of the White Stripes both in fairytale, and nonfiction at the same time. Not all secrets are revealed but any true fan of this band knows that their mystery is part of the attraction. But the parts that are revealed are just as good to know as to not know the hidden sections of their past. Very wonderful read. 5/5

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The White Stripes become colorful., May 22, 2005

By	NeuronPetkowski (Lake Orion, MI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I knew nothing of the Stripes. Never heard a note. But I was fortunate to get "turned on" and tuned in. Given Jack's controlling nature, "Fell In Love with the Band" is a great primer of their birth and existence. Author Chris Handyside is "there" and writes with enthusiasm and realism of the Detroit rock scene that made me feel as if I were in the small, makeshift recording studio the Stripes had set up in their home, setting up a mic stand. I've fallen in love with the Stripes and this book made it unconditional...

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Weak Writing, July 9, 2008

By	Derek "DropIn" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This author means well (I think), but his writing is weak and awkward. He actually uses the word, "er," as if he were speaking to the reader, instead of writing to the reader. I think he might idolize Jack White (which is fine for a fan, but this feels a little too weird for me). You might like this book if you like this style, but it's just not for me. I really did try to like it and there are some neat facts to learn, but I just couldn't get past the poor syntax. I returned it and got another book, which I like better.