I mention this because I noticed today how frequently I've been listening to bands consisting of primarily just two people. Strangely, there aren't a lot of two-man bands in the annals of rock (I'm not counting you, Hall and Oates!) but recently, they seem to be all the rage. I could make a whole playlist with nothing but Viva Voce, Matt and Kim, Quasi, the Fiery Furnaces, She and Him... the list goes on and on, it seems. Here's what I'm talkin' about:
The White Stripes = Jack White + Meg White
This whole blog entry is probably due to the fact that I'm sad that The White Stripes are breaking up and have been listening to their last three albums relentlessly. This is undoubtedly my favorite all-time Stripes song and, like most of theirs, it is driven along by a blues inspired riff during the verse then builds up to a shredding chorus. I couldn't find a proper video but this song doesn't need one - the improv lyrics are a total hoot: "It's like a mansion!" and "Now Meg, don't be rude..."
The Spinanes = Rebecca Gates + Scott Plouf
This is probably the first two piece band I ever heard (you know, besides like Simon and Garfunkel). They were a brief but beautiful flash on the Portland 90's DIY scene. They had three albums of jangly indie-pop together and then Scott went on to play with Built to Spill and Becky moved to Chicago and did a lame solo album. Here's a gem from back in the day:
The Black Keys = Dan Auerbach + Patrick Carney
The first time I saw this band live, I couldn't believe the sound was coming from just two dudes. I am so glad that they are getting some respect and popularity - they've totally earned it. Their latest album, Brothers is all the way tight, all the way through. Plus, you gotta love this video:
3 comments:
I go back and forth on the white stripes. Sometimes I love their stuff, sometimes I'm like "Meh". A lot like how I am with Radiohead. However, my favorite White Stripes song is far and away "Rag and Bones" as well. I just love the riff and the loony lyrics.
I forgot about the spinanes! My brother was a huge fan, I never heard much of their stuff.
Even though the latest Black Keys album has more than just the two of them, that doesn't make me like it less. I still love their raw sound but I'm also really enjoying them having a more rounded out sound.
The Black Keys video is hilarious. Man, if it weren't for you, I would never know about anything. You know what's sad about music - the way I hear it? - I don't even notice how many people are involved in making it! 1 person or a band of 8, I just hear it and say, "I like it" or "That's crap." Music appreciation is totally lost on me.
Healy - I can't believe you let me forget Boom Chick! I out that CD in my car and it has been in there ever since.
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