lambchops's Full Review: Walking With a Ghost [EP] by The White Stripes
When I think about the White Stripes I feel happy. First of all is the fact that they are from Detroit. There are of course plenty of bands from that musical city, but something about the White Stripes makes them even more special. The second thing I think about in reference to the two-person band is that they rock. That said, their brand of “rock” is organic and sans flourish. Jack White and ex-wife and drumming cohort Meg White are clearly adept at simple pop-oriented melodies and straightforward production.
Jack and Meg’s debut came with their 1999 release. In the years since, the duo has released a series of impeccable albums (2000’s De Stijl, 2001’s breakthrough hit White Blood Cells, 2003’s Elephant, and most recently 2005’s Get Behind Me Satan). I have been impressed by the consistently excellent quality of each of the five albums and can’t imagine a musical world without the White Stripes. Jack is the frontman as both guitarist and vocalist. In addition, he is a multitalented musician who plays piano and is a rather well known producer. Meg handles percussion and the occasional vocal.
In late 2005, the two got together and created a studio recording of Walking with a Ghost. If you’re unfamiliar with the hauntingly gorgeous and incredibly harmonic song, it is unique. Originally released and recorded by Canadian twins Tegan and Sara for their 2004 album So Jealous it was an unlikely choice for the White Stripes. That said since I love both Jack and Meg and Tegan and Sara I thought it must be an interesting song and figured it would be well worth my while to check out the disc. I was mostly right. While I enjoy the original more, I am fascinated by the reworked White Stripes version.
As an added bonus, there are four live tracks that help bolster the brief release. As expected the disc begins with the title cover, Walking with a Ghost. As odd as it sounds, my reason for buying this single is the same reason I find it so disappointing. The thing about the original is that Tegan and Sara have such beautiful, crystalline voices that they drive the melody with little need for instrumental assistance. With Jack on vocals, the song is much harder and much bleaker. The melody is there, but it is definitely buried beneath layers of White Stripes swagger. Fans of the Stripes who are unfamiliar with Tegan and Sara will certainly love the version but people familiar with both bands will come out of this experience perplexed.
Even if I am forced to admit my dissatisfaction with Walking with a Ghost I can’t help but yell at the top of my lungs about just how awesome the remaining four live songs are. One of the really special things about the White Stripes is that their production isn’t complex to start. As such, the songs translate nicely on stage and live. Some of my favorite Stripes songs are included—specifically The Denial Twist (Get Behind Me Satan) and Same Boy You’ve Always Known (White Blood Cells). The acoustic As Ugly as I Seem (Get Behind Me Satan) and bluesy Screwdriver (The White Stripes) are also included though to me they aren’t quite up to par to the two other live cuts.
Same Boy You’ve Always Known is light and acoustic. The fact that Jack’s uniquely nasally and spiky vocals hold the song together is a credit to his talent. The original is faster and cleaner but this version cuts to the chase. It is mid-tempo (at its fastest) and sparks with melody and emotional. On the other end of the spectrum is the upbeat ass kicking The Denial Twist. The duo plugs in and kicks out some seriously killer sound. This is what modern rock and roll is all about. It is the perfect representation of the album track and features Jack having more fun with his vocals. I think that this is the standout of this entire single.
Fans of the White Stripes will certainly love Walking with a Ghost. Completists will find it a necessary addition to their collection. That said, I don’t think this five-track release will win over any new fans. Like I said, Tegan and Sara’s original is clearly the superior version but Jack and Meg do a fine job at reinterpreting the song. If it wasn’t for the additional four live cuts I don’t think even I would be that interested in this EP. As it is, I am reasonably impressed—especially considering how great the band looks based The Denial Twist and Same Boy You’ve Always Known.
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