RIP, White Stripes

The White Stripes broke up last week. In a statement on their website, Jack and Meg announced the dissolution of their prolific band, explaining, “The reason is not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues as both Meg and Jack are feeling fine and in good health. It’s for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way.” The once-married duo has not recorded an album since 2007’s Icky Thump. Jack has been keeping busy with his bands The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather in addition to his label Third Man Records. He recently finished up work on Wanda Jackson's latest album 'Party Ain't Over', a collection of cover songs, which White produced. Meg, arguably the most intriguing woman in rock and roll, married musician Jackson Smith in 2009 at a ceremony held in Jack White’s backyard. The drummer has otherwise kept a low profile and maintained her customary silence. The White Stripes canceled their 2007 Icky Thump tour due to Meg’s “acute anxiety.”

Their breakup statement continues, saying “The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.” Take a moment of silence now to honor the end of a red and white era, then turn the volume all the way up on your computer and reminisce with these White Stripes favorites.

1. Seven Nation Army: This red and white kaleidoscopic trip out of a video is for the first single from the Stripes’ 2003 album Elephant. The song’s title is a reference to what Jack White called the Salvation Army as a child.

2. Jolene: This pleading tale of heartbreak and desire was written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1974. The Stripes gave it new life when they covered it on their 2004 live album Under Blackpool Lights.

3. Fell in Love With a Girl: The video for this hit from 2002’s White Blood Cells was directed by legendary music video auteur Michael Gondry. The band had to buy loads of Legos to create the piece, as the toy company refused to give them a wholesale deal.

4. Icky Thump: The video for this 2007 jam is set in Mexico but was shot in Nashville, where Jack currently lives and runs his Third Man Records out of. The song won the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals.

5. We’re Going to Be Friends: We’ll leave you with this pretty little love song from 2002’s White Blood Cells. Jack was right, we were going to be friends, and we are going to miss them.