Category: Features
The Best Subscription Boxes
The market for subscription boxes has blown up within the past year. Companies like Dollar Shave Club and Birchbox have exploded over commercial TV and Facebook; but for the growing number of those who don’t have cable television, the words “subscription box” might be new or completely foreign.
Subscription boxes are themed boxes that are delivered to your doorstep monthly or quarterly, for a relatively cheap price. Most include samples of lesser-known or expensive products that the average person wouldn’t normally try, so it’s a win/win situation for both the company and the customer.
The majority of boxes are geared toward adult women and the beauty industry, which is great for women, considering the steep prices of quality products.
However, with the popularity of subscription boxes has, naturally, come the growing numbers of options. Sifting out the duds from the gems takes a lot of research and sometimes faith, considering one month’s box could be perfect and the next could be filled with products that will just collect dust. Luckily, some boxes seem to stick out more than others:
At $100 (every three months), this quarterly box is the ultimate splurge. Although you’ll only be receiving four a year, fashion journalist Nina Garcia tends to pick products that aren’t only high-end, but super useful. These boxes tend to value over $400 each, so even though you’ll be taking a risk with your credit card, you’re likely to see a high reward.
For $40 per month, PopSugar will deliver more than just beauty samples to your doorstep- past boxes have included everything from purses to mini exercise balls. The site also offers boxes for men and themed boxes such as a “Bridesmaid Box”. Maybe for the more experienced subscriber or just outright adventurous, PopSugar tends to offer an array of cute products each month.
At $15 per month (plus tax), this box is slightly more of a splurge, but for good reasons. Sample Society is a box put out by Allure Magazine and each month includes five deluxe samples, each reviewed by their editors and sent to you in a mini-mag. Each box also includes a $10 off coupon (on a $50 purchase) on BeautyBar.com. Although they may seem similar, Sample Society tends to have higher quality and more interesting products each month.
Similar to Birchbox, Ipsy is $10 a month, shipping included. After signing up, you’ll take a beauty quiz and mid-month you’ll be sent 4-5 “deluxe” samples or full-sized products, picked by the company. Ipsy also packages each box in a makeup bag, which can become great gifts. Ipsy also works on a points system, but is much more social media based- you can get points for sharing a variety of promotions on Facebook for points. If you’re iffy about sharing, you can also earn points through reviewing products. Each product review is 10 points and 500-1000 points will buy you a full-sized version of something from their website.
For only $10 a month (that includes shipping), subscribers are sent 4-5 beauty and lifestyle samples that they get to pick ahead of time. Most products in this box tend to be high-end and this box works on a points system. You can earn points by giving feedback, referring friends and buying full-sized products (1 point per dollar spent). After 100 points, you get a $10 store credit to the website- not too shabby.
5 Best Christmas Movies on Netflix
December has thus far proved a good one to be a Netflix subscriber, with the arrivals of American Horror Story: Coven, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, and Almost Famous. Sadly, there were a couple of anxiously awaited titles missing from the list, and they all revolve around the most important part of December: the holidays!
No Home Alone, no Christmas Vacation, not even Will Ferrell dressed as an Elf! Disappointment would be an understatement, but never fear, they haven’t completely let us down. From the classics to the wildly inappropriate, the top picks of Netflix’s slim holiday pickings are here:
5. Bad Santa
Billy Bob Thornton becomes drunk Santa to tell the most raunchy Christmas tale of all time. Definitely not one to watch with the family, but this anti-“feel good” film is sure to keep you laughing.
We’ll forgive Netflix this time, but hopefully next holiday season we’ll be seeing The Grinch, a non-computerized Frosty the Snowman, and at the very least, Tim Allen as The Santa Clause.
4. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Holy Jonathan Taylor Thomas! A Disney throwback of epic proportions. What do you get when you combine a cheesy Disney movie with a cheesy Christmas movie mixed? The cheesiest holiday movie ever. Complete with a 1998 Jessica Biel as the love interest, this one is certain to bring back memories you didn’t know you had.
3. Love Actually
Speaking of love story, Love Actually is (actually) a great romcom for the holiday season. With actors like Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, and Keira Knightley, this predictable love story is sure to warm you up inside no matter what the weather is like outside.
2. Nightmare Before Christmas
“Is it a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie?” is one of the first questions asked about this movie, and the answer is that it doubles as both. Who doesn’t love a creepy Tim Burton love story?
1. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
While there’s a good chance you might find this movie just about as interesting as watching laundry dry, this is the most classic Netflix pick and most appropriate to watch with the family. If you want that good, ol’ fashioned Christmas time feeling, this is a great choice. Maybe even bring some notes to get in to the Christmas spirit during finals, or something to keep you entertained.
5 Best Christmas Albums
Since it’s now the time for holiday music to be socially acceptable (after Thanksgiving), it only makes sense to comprise a list of the best albums to bring about that joyful holiday spirit. There have been hundreds of Christmas albums made over the years, so it’s pertinent to weed out the less than satisfactory ones. When listening to these albums, don’t forget the wise words of Will Ferrell “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Not everyone has to have the voice of an angel, just make sure you have good taste in music.
5. A Very She & Him Christmas
A more recent Christmas album is by up-and-coming duo She & Him. They released A Very She & Him Christmas in 2011 and was one of the best-selling albums during the holiday season of that year. Anyone binge-watching New Girl knows Zooey Deschanel has a unique voice, which makes for an interesting take on the usual hits heard during the holiday rush. Combined with a guitar, piano, and even a ukulele at times, the duo recreates the classics with a more simplistic feel, rather than the over-the-top orchestra-fueled powerhouse listeners are more accustomed to.
4. White Christmas
Bing Crosby is the source for many holiday hits. The biggest song of his career was his recording of “White Christmas,” which was originally written by Irving Berlin, and is still the best-selling single of all time. Though it was released in 1945, the songs still filter through the holiday radio stations today. Following Elvis’ album, White Christmas is the second best-selling Christmas album of all time.
3. A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra
The fifties were the prime of music, especially for the holidays. While many have obsessed over Michael Buble’s Christmas album in 2011, some forget where his style originated. Frank Sinatra released his first holiday album A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra in 1957, the same year as Elvis Presley’s album. It serves as a more conservative album for those opposed to the idea of a hip-shaking sex symbol singing about Jesus. The album combines Sinatra’s smooth, confident voice with an orchestra that only amplifies it and tugs at heart strings across the country.
2. Christmas With Johnny Cash
While Johnny Cash recorded the collection of songs between 1962 and 1980, Christmas With Johnny Cash wasn’t released until after his death in 2003, making it all the more powerful. All but one song on the album are covers of traditional Christmas songs. The last song on the album is an original called “Life as We Knew It,” a song about gratitude and growing up poor in rural Arkansas. Be sure to play it around those spoiled brats we all have in our families. You know the ones.
1. Elvis’ Christmas Album
The best-selling Christmas album of all time belongs to none other than Elvis Presley. It goes without saying his career was huge in the ‘50s and still continues to hold influence in music today. The iconic “Blue Christmas” topped the Billboard charts and made it possible for holiday singles to be ranked in the pop charts. Elvis’ Christmas Album reached the No. 1 spot on the U.S. charts and is considered an essential album for the holidays today.
10 Best Soundtracks of All Time
The perfect soundtrack can elevate any movie from average to spectacular. The task of choosing songs is not easy, but it has to be done correctly in order to match the plot and setting of a film. With the recent success of Frozen, it’s apparent that soundtracks aren’t a thing of the past. The success of soundtracks thrived in earlier decades, but they still hold a portion of music sales today. Here are our top 10 favorite soundtracks of all time:
10. 8 Mile
Of all the musician-turned-actors that have appeared over the last couple of decades, Eminem was one of the last expected to participate. In the pseudo-biography 8 Mile, he made his empowering song “Lose Yourself” one of the most popular rap songs of all time. The album sold over 4 million copies in the U.S. alone.
9. Juno
Juno brought one of the best indie soundtracks in more recent years. The soundtrack contains multiple songs by Kimya Dawson of The Moldy Peaches and many others. One of the most notable songs on the album is a cover of “Anyone Else But You” by The Moldy Peaches that features the two main characters of the film, played by Ellen Page and Michael Cera.
8. Dirty Dancing
The soundtrack for Dirty Dancing achieved so much success with its original release that two subsequent albums were released from it in 1988 and 2003. From the iconic “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes to “She’s Like the Wind” by Patrick Swayze, the album appealed to everyone who had a liking for everything from rock to R&B.
7. The Bodyguard
One of the best-selling albums of all time is the soundtrack to the early ‘90s film The Bodyguard. The first half contains songs by Whitney Houston, who assumed the role of executive producer on the album. With this title, she had full reign over the song selections and led the album to worldwide success.
6. Footloose
The original version of Footloose collected some of the best music of the ‘80s. What good is a dance movie without good music? Of the nine songs on the album, six reached the Top 40 the year of its release. The soundtrack was also certified platinum nine times in the U.S.
5. Pretty In Pink
The ‘80s were notorious for great music that still holds influence today, as were movies produced during the decade. Pretty In Pink has been noted by Rolling Stone and The Huffington Post for its stellar soundtrack. Like many other John Hughes films, the soundtrack contains songs from the more pop/new wave aspect of the ‘80s. Every film by the director has placed heavy emphasis on incorporating music into the plot.
4. Garden State
Zach Braff, popular for his acting on the TV show Scrubs and other films, wrote and directed the 2004 groundbreaking film Garden State. Another role of his was choosing the soundtrack. Because the film directly related to his life, selecting the songs was more personal to him. As a result, the album won a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Pictures, Television, or Other Visual Media.
3. Pulp Fiction
What iconic ‘90s movie would be complete without capturing the changing rock genre at the time? Pulp Fiction managed to encapsulate the emerging and returning rock sounds during the early ‘90s, emphasizing the surf rock genre. The soundtrack has sold over two million copies since its release in 1994.
2. Saturday Night Fever
While John Travolta showed off his vocal abilities in Grease, his performance in Saturday Night Fever was purely acting. The true stars of this soundtrack were the Bee Gees, who lifted the album to critical acclaim. The soundtrack is the only disco album to earn a Grammy for Album of the Year.
1. O, Brother, Where Art Thou
The soundtrack to O, Brother, Where Art Thou proved the importance of music’s role in appropriating the setting. The film is set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, and the soundtrack effectively captures the time through the use of folk, country, and bluegrass music. There was so much emphasis placed on the music that the album was compiled before filming even began.
15 Songs Essential to Your Workout Playlist
The perfect song can elevate your mood to a whole new level. There is a reason Zumba and other dance aerobics classes are successful. Music has the effect of reducing how much you think about exercising and the ability to increase your endurance. For those who don’t exactly enjoy making a trip to the gym, music can offer some assistance. While there are different genres better suited for specific exercise methods, this playlist offers a collection suited for anyone. Listen below!
15. Fall Out Boy – “Centuries”
Fall Out Boy’s latest release, “Centuries,” has to be included in any workout. The beat is driving, and the lyrics are inspiring.
14. Bleachers – “I Wanna Get Better”
Newcomers to the alternative scene, Bleachers released one of the best songs of the year called “I Wanna Get Better.” It’s incredibly motivating without being slow or boring.
13. New Politics – “Harlem”
“Harlem” is one of New Politics biggest hits. It must have been made specifically for gym-goers (probably not).
12. The Beastie Boys – “Sabotage”
The Beastie Boys created some of the best rap music of all time. “Sabotage” is one of their most iconic and definite to increase your motivation.
11. M.I.A. – “Paper Planes”
“Paper Planes” by M.I.A. is one of the best hip-hop songs of all time and definitely fun to exercise to. Just be careful not to make the hand signals while working out, as to avoid falling off a machine.
10. The White Stripes – “Icky Thump” and “Seven Nation Army”
The White Stripes are famous for their rocking guitar riffs and thumping drum kicks, so it’s no secret their music is perfect for exercise. I would recommend their entire discography, but ultimately, their hit singles like “Seven Nation Army” and “Icky Thump” are ideal.
9. The Ting Tings – “Shut Up and Let Me Go”
A forgotten gem from years past is “Shut Up and Let Me Go” by The Ting Tings. If listened to one too many times, it can be extremely obnoxious. But just the right amount and you’ll fall in love.
8. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – “Can’t Hold Us”
“Can’t Hold Us” is one of the many hits by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. I would recommend the entire Heist album to exercise to, but if you don’t have the patience, this is the best.
7. Eminem – “Till I Collapse”
Eminem is notorious for his powerful and mostly inspirational lyrics. “’Till I Collapse” is one of many that can be used for motivation.
6. Drake – “0-100”
Although Drake’s latest single “0-100/The Catch-Up” was released in July, it’s now beginning to climb up the charts. The single contains the classic elements of a rap song and offers a less emotional feel, as opposed to many of the artist’s songs.
5. OneRepublic – “Love Runs Out”
OneRepublic is making a comeback with their pop-infused alternative. Their latest release “Love Runs Out” is catchy and fun, providing a nice break from their breakthrough slower hits.
4. Queen – “Don’t Stop Me Now”
Another classic that can’t be forgotten is “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. Really any song by Queen is motivation to exercise, but this hit is perfect for a workout playlist.
3. Bruce Springsteen – “Born to Run”
“Born to Run” is a classic, guaranteed to induce nostalgia and distract from the effort put into your workout. With the heavy instrumentals, the song is incredibly powerful and inspiring.
2. Imagine Dragons – “Radioactive – Grouplove and Captain Cuts Remix”
The remix for Imagine Dragon’s most popular song “Radioactive” offers a change of pace for those tired of the original. The remix features an enthusiastic verse by Kendrick Lamar, which is sure to transform your most likely unenthusiastic attitude.
1. Taylor Swift – “Shake It Off”
“Shake It Off” is essential to a good workout. One of the biggest songs of the year, it contains a sick. beat. that can make anyone get up off the couch and onto the treadmill.
Top 10 Country Covers of Rock Songs
Anyone can recreate a popular song. It takes a courageous artist to take on another’s work, especially an artist in an entirely different genre. Covers aren’t made necessarily to be better than the original, just to take that original to a new level or interpret them in a new way. Country artists are famous for venturing into the rock genre to recreate famous songs in their own image. We’ve compiled a list of our top 10 favorite country covers of rock songs.
10. Johnny Cash – “Hurt”
“Hurt” was a song belonging to Nine Inch Nails until Johnny Cash covered it as one of the last releases before his death in 2003. With the music video consisting of images from Cash’s life, it is one of the most moving and powerful covers of all time.
9. The Dixie Chicks – “Landslide”
The Dixie Chicks’ entire career was built on venturing to new heights country artists rarely visited. “Landslide” was originally performed by Fleetwood Mac, but the country trio took this five-part song and transformed it into something just as powerful with fewer members.
8. Faith Hill – “Piece of My Heart”
It’s not easy to cover a rock legend such as Janis Joplin, but Faith Hill took a swing at “Piece of My Heart.” Her version gives the song a softer, more fun-loving tone.
7. Garth Brooks – “To Make You Feel My Love”
Many artists have covered Bob Dylan songs, but few have been able to capture the raw emotion his songs encapsulate. Garth Brooks covered Dylan’s “To Make You Feel My Love.” Brooks’ emotion is easily heard through the chords of this famous song.
6. Travis Tritt – “Take It Easy”
Travis Tritt took on the Eagles’ “Take It Easy” for a tribute album honoring the band. He released the song as a single, which favored well among the country music charts.
5. Dolly Parton – “Stairway to Heaven”
Led Zeppelin is not a band country artists would regularly cover; even some rock bands shy away from the high standards the band has set. Dolly Parton covered one of the most iconic songs of all time, “Stairway to Heaven.” Parton’s version involves an acoustic take, her voice haunting listeners with each powerful note. Robert Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin, even expressed his praise for her version of the song.
4. Conway Twitty – “Slow Hand”
Conway Twitty is one of the most iconic artists in country music, constantly being referenced even in modern country songs. It is no surprise he would be capable of covering a female song and completely revamping it in order to relate to another gender. The Pointer Sisters made “Slow Hand” famous in 1981. Twitty covered the song a year later and topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles.
3. Tim McGraw- “Tiny Dancer”
It may be difficult to imagine Tim McGraw taking on a song by the infamous Elton John. Upon hearing the beginning of McGraw’s cover of “Tiny Dancer”, it is clear this song is capable of sounding beautiful in any genre, even McGraw’s falsetto at the chorus is spot on.
2. Dwight Yoakam – “Little Sister”
Dwight Yoakam has been making music since the early ‘80s. With his many accomplishments, Yoakam felt brave enough to cover Elvis Presley’s “Little Sister.” While Presley can be appreciated across many genres, Yoakam is usually only associated with country music. Despite him and Presley sharing some of the same dance moves, Yoakam adds his own flair and signature voice.
1. Justin Moore – “Home Sweet Home”
A Mötley Crüe tribute album was created this year, featuring country artists putting their own spin on songs made famous by the band. Justin Moore took on the song “Home Sweet Home” and even released it as a single. With the help of Mötley Crüe’s lead vocalist, Moore recreates the powerful song with his southern twang. The cover works to his advantage, being one of the few on the album to have a considerable number of positive reviews.
Top Five Things Not to Miss at Hulaween 2014
The String Cheese Incident returns to The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park this Halloween weekend to host the second annual Suwannee Hulaween, and it’s pretty hard for us to contain our excitement! In addition to three nights and seven sets of Cheese, this spirited lineup boasts the likes of Thievery Corporation, Big Gigantic, Beats Antique, The New Deal, Shpongle (Simon Posford DJ set), Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Emancipator, Greensky Bluegrass, Dean Ween Group, Conspirator, and more.
With the festival taking place at one of the most beautiful live music venues in the country, the 800 acre playground offers sights and experiences that should not be missed during your stay. From the breathtaking Suwannee River to Spirit Lake, to yoga and flow workshops, to special Halloween sets, the entertainment and activity choices at this festival are endless and incredible. Here are Vinyl’s top picks for what not to miss and partake in while at Hulaween this year.
1. The String Cheese Incident’s Halloween Show:
Cheese’s Halloween show is always a special one. The three-set spectacle is always filled with surprises and, in true Cheese fashion, it is always a party you do not want to miss. Last year’s Halloween extravaganza included a second set full of themed covers backed by the Antibalas horns and vocalists Rhonda Thomas and Tony White. They opened the set with AC/DC’s “Hells Bells,” and other songs that were included were “Voodoo” (Neville Brothers), “Spirits in the Material World” (The Police), and “Voodoo Child” (Jimi Hendrix), among others. Cheese’s costumes were “Voodoo” themed, there were on-stage performers including fire dancers and voodoo dancers, large orange pumpkins were tossed into and bounced about the audience, and the world’s largest cobweb worked its way from the stage all the way to the back of the audience. This year’s performance will play to the theme “The Afterlife,” and we can only imagine the covers that will be heard, the costumes that will be on display, and the visual production that will captivate and enthrall everyone in attendance.
2. Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake has quickly become one of the most anticipated experiences of Hulaween. This year the visual experience returns with an artistic glowing menagerie of multimedia metalwork, paintings, sculptures, light projections, and live performances that morph the prehistoric-looking forest into a vivid dream-like space. This forest area, adorned with Spanish moss-draped oak and cypress trees, sits adjacent to a small lake and naturally fits and plays into the Halloween theme.
Andy Carroll also returns to Hulaween this year as the Art Director of Spirit Lake, and from our chat with him about this year’s visual experience, Spirit Lake will be bigger and better than last year’s. We suggest taking it in and exploring Spirit Lake both during the day and night. Whether catching some shows at the Spirit Lake Stage or just taking some minutes to relax, we guarantee Spirit Lake will become one of your favorite things at Suwannee Hulaween this year.
3. The Suwannee River
The first time we set our eyes on the historic Suwannee River, we had never seen anything like it before. The flowing river water was as dark as coffee and was a sight to be seen. The white sandy banks contrasted with the black water and were lined with trees draped in Spanish moss. Last Hulaween, we took some time one afternoon to ourselves and set up our hammocks on the river bank to take it all in. If this is going to be your first time at The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, we highly suggest taking some time to at least catch a glimpse of the river, and if you’re feeling adventurous, canoe trips down the river are available. While people have gone for a dip in these waters, the Suwannee River is unpredictable, and swimming is at your own risk.
4. Thursday Pre-Party
For the first time, Hulaween will host a Thursday night pre-party featuring Electron (Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein of The Disco Biscuits/Conspirator, Tom Hamilton of Brothers Past/American Babies/JRAD, and Mike Greenfield of Lotus, Particle, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Modern Measure, and MZG. So why not start the weekend a day early? We can’t find a reason not to.
5. Yoga and Flow Workshops
We’re all about raging and restoring while at festivals, and there’s no better way to stay centered and healthy than to partake in some of the yoga offerings these festivals have to offer. This year, Hulaween is providing an extensive schedule of Spirit Lake Yoga and Flow Workshops. From “Inputting and Understanding DANCE for your HoopDANCE” with Lee Jeffries, to AcroYoga, to Vinyasa Yoga, these workshops cover a wide range of interest and seem to almost have something for everyone. Whether a beginner or advanced, take some time for yourself at this year’s Hulaween.
The 10 Best Albums of 2014 (So Far)
This year has brought some of the best, most unique music heard in a while. Across all genres, new and established artists have devoted themselves wholeheartedly to their craft. Many are making a return to music after a break of multiple years. For many artists, it has paid off as 2014 has been a year for some of the best albums of the 2000’s. There have also been many brand new artists who’ve achieved substantial popularity and No. 1 singles with their debut albums
10. Hozier – Hozier
A newcomer to music, Hozier released his debut album this year. His self-titled album is incredibly intimate and personal, filled with emotional depth. The album is everything an artist’s debut could hope to achieve.
9. Conor Oberst – Upside Down Mountain
This year produced some of the best in songwriting, apparent on Conor Oberst’s Upside Down Mountain. The Bright Eyes front man is still fairly new to the solo scene, but has no problem finding his niche, even though his last album was released two years ago.
8. Miranda Lambert – Platinum
Miranda Lambert released the album Platinum this year, titled for her expectation of its success. Containing some of the best songs of her career, the album emphasizes how honest her songs can be. From sassy songs like “Little Red Wagon” to nostalgia-filled “Automatic,” the concepts on her album are vast and relatable.
7. The Black Keys – Turn Blue
Returning from a three-year break between albums, The Black Keys decided to explore their psychedelic side with their eighth album Turn Blue. While the sound of this album strays from their well-established hard rock, bluesy style, the change of pace was generally welcomed among fans. Critics have even noted the album as the duo’s best yet.
6. Mac DeMarco – Salad Days
Mac DeMarco graced us with another album this year, just his second to date. Salad Days favored well among the rock and independent charts, as well as the Billboard 200. The album contains somewhat odd beats and lyrics that are weirdly calming and interesting.
5. Eric Church – The Outsiders
The Outsiders has proved to be Eric Church’s most experimental album to date. The country artist opts for more rock-influenced music, instead of the incessant “hick-hop” that has proven popular over the past year.
4. Jack White – Lazaretto
There is never enough music by Jack White. His second solo album Lazaretto was released earlier this year, nearly two years after his first solo release. Despite his ever-present role in the music industry, his music is just as enthusiastic and creative as when he got his start in 1990.
3. Hurray for the Riff Raff – Small Town Heroes
The trend of simplicity reached the album Small Town Heroes by Hurray for the Riff Raff. The album shows how acoustic sounds can prove beneficial in an age of technology-ridden music. Hurray for Riff Raff sets simple lyrics to simple music and the result is a much more appreciated style of music.
2. Beck – Morning Phase
This year welcomed Beck back with open arms. He released the mystical Morning Phase, his first album since 2008. The lyrics are saturated with truth and simplicity. The album itself is incredibly personal and well worth the wait.
1. St. Vincent – St. Vincent
One of the most talked about albums of the year belongs to St. Vincent. Her self-titled album was her fourth solo album and has topped nearly every chart available in the music industry. Rolling Stone claims her album is “her best set of songs to date, with wry, twisty beats pushing her lovable ornery melodies toward grueling revelations.”
10 Best White Stripes Songs of All Time
The White Stripes was one of the most successful duos of all time. Jack and Meg White were married before their combined musical career took off and stayed together until 2010. The duo attracted listeners of alternative, blues, classic rock, and everything in between. With their mind-blowing instrumental capabilities, they created the music of a multi-person band with only two people. With the addition of their unique lyrics, the songs they created were contagious and are remembered as some of the best songs of all time. Everything they touched was gold until their break-up in 2011. Even though the duo is not currently active in the music industry, the mention of their name can still spark a conversation.
On August 25th, XL Recordings released Pay Close Attention, a compilation album and box set documenting the label’s 25 year history, which features TWS’s hit “Seven Nation Army.” XL has also launched an interactive website with a timeline, photos, videos, and interviews from their archives, including three video interviews of Michel Gondry discussing “Fell In Love With A Girl” and “The Hardest Button to Button.”
In honor of this awesome website that we’ve been stalking, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best White Stripes songs of all time. Enjoy.
1. “Seven Nation Army”
“Seven Nation Army” off of Elephant is an automatic choice for one of the White Stripes best songs. With a Grammy and a spot on Rolling Stone’s Greatest Songs of All Time list, this is the duo’s biggest hit.
2. “The Denial Twist”
The 2005 album Get Behind Me Satan introduced piano melodies to the duo’s music, providing a new take on their previously punk-infused sound. “The Denial Twist” is one of the many notable songs from this album. The song highlights how being unfaithful can go deeper than just outward actions.
3. “Apple Blossom”
De Stijl‘s “Apple Blossom” has been praised for its simplicity, which is especially valid as it was recorded in the lead vocalist’s living room. Jack sings “Lots of girls walk around in tears/But that’s not for you/You’ve been looking all around for years/For someone to tell your troubles to.”
4. “In the Cold, Cold Night”
There are very few White Stripes songs that feature Meg on vocals. “In the Cold, Cold Night” off of 2003’s Elephant is one of these songs, and it’s a wonder why she didn’t sing more often. Her voices tranquility shines through especially in this song while only being accompanied by a guitar.
5. “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground”
“Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” off of 2001’s White Blood Cells offers a raw, garage rock sound that sets the premise for the duo’s third album. This was the first album of theirs which featured all original material and no covers.
6. “The Big Three Killed My Baby”
A lesser known song, “The Big Three Killed My Baby” off of their debut self-titled studio album, is one of the most underrated White Stripes songs and only one of two political songs the duo ever released. In true punk fashion, the song takes a rebellious stance against Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors.
7. “We’re Going to be Friends”
Upon hearing “We’re Going to be Friends” from White Blood Cells, listeners were surprised at the mellow feel of the song that contained no electric guitar. The song has been featured on numerous soundtracks and is one of the duo’s most meaningful.
8. “You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just Do as You’re Told)”
The White Stripes’ final studio album, Icky Thump, offered a return to their heavy rock style. “You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just Do as You’re Told)” was one of the singles released off the album. The song encapsulates the deep meaning of Jack’s authentic lyrics and shows off both members’ musical talents.
9. “Fell in Love With a Girl”
“Fell in Love With a Girl” is one of the duo’s top hits. While the title may lead to the assumption of a romantic ballad, the song itself offers something completely different. Instead of sappy lyrics, Jack chants, “Fell in love with a girl/I fell in love once and almost completely/She’s in love with the world/Sometimes these feelings can be so misleading.”
10. “Icky Thump”
“Icky Thump” was the title track and first single released from their final studio album. This song is the second of the only two political songs the duo released. The song revolves around immigration policy and won a Grammy in 2008 for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The Five Best Musical Collaborations of 2014 (So Far)
Collaborations have dominated the top charts in 2014, proving two (or three) is better than one. Most of these collaborations are made up of women, which offer a change in the traditionally male-dominated music industry.
1. Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX – “Fancy”
The biggest song of the summer was a collaboration from two artists brand new to the mainstream scene. Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX released “Fancy” in February, and it caught fire, climbing to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May. From this collaboration, both artists have become two of the biggest names in the industry. “Fancy” has proved to be one of the most memorable, catchy, and unique top hits of this year.
2. Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj – “Bang Bang”
Three of the driving forces of 2014 came together to create an explosive collaboration. Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj released “Bang Bang” in July and performed the song live at the MTV Video Music Awards. With both Jessie J’s and Grande’s powerful voices, Minaj’s rapping provides a change in the third verse which prevents the song from overwhelming the listener. The chorus really displays the artists’ talents and ability to support one another. With three popular artists, the song could easily have been made into a competition between them. Even in live performances of the song, there is equality among the three.
3. Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert – “Somethin’ Bad”
Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert have been long-time friends, so there is some confusion as to why a duet took so long to come together. The two have dominated the country charts, with Underwood even venturing into the pop charts at times. One would think there would be competition between two of the biggest female acts in the same genre, but they have nothing but support for each other. “Somethin’ Bad” allows a peek into Lambert and Underwood’s relationship, complete with references to Thelma and Louise. Their individual personalities shine through, even though the assumption would be to lump them together. They may both be country blondes, but each has her own style.
4. Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora – “Black Widow”
“Black Widow” has been labeled the “Dark Horse” – as in Katy Perry’s hit song – of 2014. With the beat drop and assistance from another artist, this is slightly true. Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora take the Katy Perry style song to a whole new level. With Azalea’s rapping, “Black Widow” is full of power and dominance. Ora’s chorus provides relief from Azalea’s harsh rap and preps for the next round. The song is just short enough to leave listeners wanting more.
5. Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj – “***Flawless (Remix)”
Beyoncé released her surprise album in December to eager applause. Her empowering song “***Flawless” was among the many immediate hits on the album. In August, a remix of the song was released featuring none other than Nicki Minaj, who may be one of the biggest artists of the year. The remix packs every bit of power the original did, but in a different way. Beyoncé even addresses the controversial elevator incident involving her sister and husband, singing “Of course sometimes shit goes down when there’s a billion dollars on an elevator.” The combination of both singers’ intensity is palpable through the entire length of the song.