The 500 - #390 - Elephant - The White Stripes

I was inspired by a podcast called The 500 hosted by Los Angeles-based comedian Josh Adam Meyers. His goal, and mine, is to explore Rolling Stone's 2012 edition of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. 

Album # 390

Album Title: Elephant
Artist: The White Stripes
Genre:  Garage Rock, Revival Blues Rock, Punk Blues
Recorded: Toe Rag & Maida Vale Studios, London, England
Released: April, 2003
My age at release: 37
How familiar was I with it before this week: Somewhat
Song I am putting on my Spotify Mix: Ball and Biscuit

Elephant is the fourth studio album by Detroit garage-rock duo The White Stripes -- aka: Jack and Meg White. Acclaimed by critics and fans, it has multiple platinum sales certifications. It also received the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album and now, nearly two decades later, its release is still hailed as "one of the defining events" in the 2000s garage rock revival.

Jack and Meg White - Grammy Awards Ceremony (2004)

Elephant is the second record by The White Stripes to appear on The 500 list. The first, White Blood Cells, appears at #497. For this blog, I reviewed what I had previously written. It wasn't awful, but it would benefit from some additional editing. 

White Blood Cells Album Cover (2002)

The Japanese use the term Kaizen to describe the notion of perpetual growth. Developed shortly after World War II, the philosophy is credited with transitioning fledgling companies, like Toyota, into industrial juggernauts. At its core is the acceptance that change is good and necessary for growth, prosperity and happiness. Additionally, it postulates that all things must contribute to growth; it does not occur in isolation. Change should not be dictated through a "top-down" approach governed by upper management.

Much of an educator's time is spent promoting improvement. The recognition of advancement, no matter how small, is essential to motivation and progress. Indeed, phrases such as "has shown improvement" or "is learning to" are staples 

on student report cards. 

Unfortunately, we are often reluctant to extend that courtesy to ourselves. Rather than dwelling on the negative while re-reading my first White Stripes post, I put on my metaphorical educator's cap, and reflected on my personal growth. 

My later posts became tighter, better edited and, I feel, more seamlessly blended my love of music with my experiences. Thus, my blog is in a constant state of change.  

Similarly, Jack White has grown and matured as an artist. Last October, he was a surprise musical guest on Saturday Night Live. The scheduled guest, country singer Morgan Wallen, was nixed from the program due to a violation of the network's Covid-19 protocols. (A remorseful Wallen was invited to return two months later).

Morgan Wallen (December 12 SNL Appearance Promotional Shot)

So it was that, on October 2, Jack White dominated the famous stage at Studio 8H, Rockefeller Center. He fronted a power-trio with bassist Dominic John Davis and Daru Jones, whose drum-kit was tilted forward at a such an improbable angle that seemed to defy gravity.

Jack White and drummer Daru Jones on SNL (October, 2020)

In the spirit of Kaizan, White opened with a remixed version of Ball and Biscuit from the album Elephant (2003). This blistering mash-up began with Don't Hurt Yourself, a song he co-wrote with Beyonce (2016). He transitioned beautifully into Ball and Biscuit, which was retooled to incorporate lyrics from the Blind Willie Johnson blues-standard Jesus Is Coming Soon (1927).

White's second offering was Lazaretto from his 2014 solo release of the same name. The guitar he played was designed for him by virtuoso Eddie Van Halen, who had died a few days earlier. Just before the three-minute mark in this performance, White presented a brief, finger-tapping solo on the guitar. Clearly, this was a tribute to Eddie, who developed that playing technique in the 1970s. It was a subtle, personal nod to one of the greatest guitar players of all time and one of White's heroes. It can be seen here.

Jack White is an artist that embraces music as a force in perpetual motion. He celebrates Beyonce, Blind Willie Johnson, The White Stripes and Eddie Van Halen (1927-2020) in two powerhouse performances. A moment that, if it were not for Morgan Wallen's ill-advised transgression, might never have been seen. A flash of Kaizan created amid the chaos of a global pandemic. At least that is how I like to frame it. 

Post-Script Coincidences

• The guest on the third episode of The 500 Podcast was comedian and actor Bill Burr. He and host Josh Adam Meyers discussed The White Stripes' album White Blood Cells.
• The host on the October 2, 2020 Saturday Night Live episode, featuring Jack White...was Bill Burr.
• The first time I learned about the The 500 Podcast was when Josh Adam Meyers was a guest on Bill Burr's Monday Morning Podcast. Thus began my blogging journey.

Bill Burr (left) and Jack White backstage
at Saturday Night Live (October, 2020)