Staff Reviews

The White Stripes - Under Great White Northern Lights

Review by Andrzej Lukowski

Though it looks likely that a new record will happen, Under Great White Northern Lights would be a funny postscript. It in no way intimates that the band was about to go into hiatus, and for all its merits, it does have the air of a slightly dotty side indulgence. Really, it serves, more than anything else, as a reminder of just how singularly odd the White Stripes are, and how boring things are without them around.»

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in the summer of 2007, the white stripes embarked on a cross-country canadian tour to accomplish their goal of performing in every province and territory across the expansive northern nation. now, the enigmatic duo release their first-ever official live album, featuring 16 songs on both vinyl and cd, as well as the emmett malloy-directed documentary film, 'under great white northern lights'. these two incredible pieces are a unique documentation of that journey, providing a fascinating look into the on and off stage lives of one of the world's most enigmatic bands. having first premiered at the toronto film festival in september 2009, 'under great white northern lights' documents the band playing to crowds in towns of all sizes across the great white north - from traditional venues to matinee gigs at unusual locations such as a bowling alley, a boat and even on a city bus - culminating in a momentous 10th anniversary show at the historic savoy theatre in glace bay, nova scotia. a captivating mix of striking live footage and poignant off-stage moments, this visually stirring and emotive feature length film celebrates the band's 10 year history, bringing the band full circle in their career to a place reminiscent of how they first started out; shows where no one knew who they were, and where they were left to make a first impression with their music. the live album continues that celebration and is a perfect companion piece to the film, featuring 16 songs recorded at various shows throughout the canadian tour - a collection that captures all the aural intensity and spontaneity that the white stripes have become known for. a compelling reflection of the band's career, both the live album and the documentary allows fans to reminisce about where they were when they first heard the white stripes, while also adding extraordinary pieces of work to their already stunning artistic cannon.
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