Journal: News & Comment

Two questions for discussion

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1. If you simply listen to the White Stripes' latest album, Elephant (or their previous three)—as I've been enjoying doing for the past couple of days—it's clear that they're a classic-rock band. A very good one. "Ball and Biscuit," for instance, channels Led Zeppelin heavy blues circa 1970. Any number of their other tunes show influences from the Kinks ("Fell in Love With a Girl") and sixties garage bands through Black Sabbath ("Black Math"). Jack White's many guitar solos are steeped in Jimmy Page and David Gilmour, just like any number of classic-rock-inspired acts from the Black Crowes to Big Sugar. So, my question: why exactly is it that the White Stripes are considered an "alternative" band?
   
   
2. On a typical website that uses Flash animation, do you think that Skip Intro gets clicked more than all other links combined?

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