The White Stripes

Utilizing just two band members and their incredible ability to play just about whatever instrument they pick up (though they mainly use drums and guitar), the White Stripes have pioneered a new style of music and shaken up the alternative rock world since 1997. As their Wikipedia article shows, they don't fit one genre entirely. They're listed as 'garage rock', 'blues rock', and 'indie rock', showing that nobody can truly place them in one category other than 'original'.

The band's only two members, Jack White and Meg White, hail from Detroit, Michigan. Nobody knows for sure, but the rumor is that they aren't related nor are they married. A copy of a divorce paper was circulated on the internet showing that they are a divorced couple and this is the theory fans have stuck with ever since. Relations aside, they released their debut album in 1999. Their second release, De Stijl, was released soon after in 2000.

At last in 2001 the White Stripes made their major label debut with White Blood Cells. The album won them fame and critical acclaim. One of the album's singles, Fell In Love With A Girl, went on to win
numerous awards for its Lego-themed music video.

Following the success of White Blood Cells, the band released their next album Elephant to not only more critical acclaim but also to adoring fans whose purchases helped the album to reach the top ten on the American charts. The single Seven Nation Army of Elephant at last won the group a Grammy for Best Rock Song as well as Best Alternative Rock Album.

With such incredible reviews from music critics and lovers alike, the release of their next album, Get Behind Me Satan was huge news. It reached the front pages of CNN.com. An article in Rolling Stone added yet another credit to their list of successes with this quote: "If you happen to be a rock band, and you don't happen to be either of the White Stripes, it so sucks to be you right now." The three singles released from this album, Blue Orchid, My Doorbell, and Denial Twist found their ways on to the airwaves of both FM and satellite radios.

Despite rumors that the band had split thanks to Jack White's new band The Raconteurs, the band is slated to release its new album Icky Thump later this month. Fans and critics alike are anxiously awaiting this newest release.

Though the band's obsessions with red, white, and black and the number three, along with rumors abounding about Jack and Meg's relationship to each other, their music is accessible and enjoyable to a wide audience. Their unique style, utilizing ancient recording technology and instruments dating back to the 1950s, along with their incredible musical abilities, have helped to skyrocket the White Stripes to the top of the charts and into the hearts of alternative and garage rock lovers around the world.