Summer Strums & Garage Drums
The modernization of garage and blues rock – a revival success with the help of Jack White
Summer 2024 has blessed us with a plethora of releases that knocked us off our feet and Jack White’s most recent album, No Name, can undoubtedly be added to that list. What if the raucous energy of White's ‘No Name’ could be bottled and shared with the world? "Summer Strums & Guitar Drums" is the answer. Inspired by ‘No Name’, the playlist is a sonic journey through the gritty world of garage, alternative rock, and blues.
This carefully curated playlist is a tribute to the iconic sounds shaping rock this generation. From the driving rhythms of garage rock to the introspective melodies of alternative rock and the soulful blues harmonica, each track on this playlist captures the essence of a bygone era while remaining undeniably fresh and relevant.
We have highlighted some stand-out tracks in this playlist that you will not want to miss.
“Old Scratch Blues” by Jack White
It is only fitting for us to start with the first track off Jack White’s album, No Name. “Old Scratch Blues” serves as a powerful opening track, immediately captivating listeners with its AC/DC-inspired guitar riff. In contrast to his recent solo albums, which often felt encumbered by studio effects and technical experimentation, “Old Scratch Blues” is characterized by its raw energy and primal intensity. Despite his preference for vintage recording techniques, the track possesses a remarkably modern feel. This serves as a poignant reminder that the narrative of Jack White losing his touch is unfounded. While he may have experimented with various techniques, he has always maintained a firm grasp of his artistic vision. The raw beauty and elegance of “Old Scratch Blues” exemplify his enduring talent.
“Field of Vision” by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
“Field of Vision” was the third and final preview of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s highly-anticipated 26th studio album, Flight b741, which was released earlier this August. Gizzard’s gritty, 70s Southern rock-inspired sound comes to the forefront, fueled by a scorching lead guitar and the rhythmic pulse of a tambourine. This energetic foundation propels the track forward, culminating in a powerful bridge featuring passionate vocals, wailing harmonica, and soaring harmonies.
"Field of Vision" is a catchy and energetic track that captures the essence of King Gizzard's live performances. It is a testament to their enduring passion for music and ability to create timeless rock anthems. A standout feature is the Brian May-esque harmonized guitar solo, showcasing their technical prowess.
“Figure It Out” by Royal Blood
"Figure It Out" is a dynamic track from the English rock duo Royal Blood's second studio album, Typhoons. It showcases their signature sound, characterized by heavy basslines, driving drums, and Mike Kerr's distinctive vocals.
The song is built around a pounding bassline that provides a solid foundation for the rest of the instrumentation. The drums add a relentless energy to the track with Tom Cowan's powerful drumming style complementing Kerr's bass playing. Overall, "Figure It Out" is a standout track that showcases Royal Blood's talent for creating powerful and memorable rock music.
“Lo/Hi” by The Black Keys
"Lo/Hi" is a lively and passionate track from The Black Keys' fifth studio album, Brothers. It displays their iconic sound characterized by heavy blues-rock riffs, Dan Auerbach's distinctive vocals, and Patrick Carney's driving drumming. The song is built around a heavy, blues-rock riff providing support for the rest of the instrumentation.
While the lyrics of "Lo/Hi" are relatively straightforward, they can be interpreted as a reflection on the challenges of maintaining a healthy balance in life. The "lo" and "hi" in the title represent the ups and downs of life, and the song could be seen as a call to embrace both the highs and lows. The chorus delves into the emotional turmoil every one of us experiences, capturing the intense highs and lows that mirror the internal struggles. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of that emotional rollercoaster, from the depths of despair (“low like a valley”) to the soaring heights of euphoria (“high like a bird in the sky”).
“Ball and Biscuit” by The White Stripes
"Ball and Biscuit" is a high-energy, blues-rock anthem from The White Stripes' third studio album, De Stijl. It is a prime example of their sound, characterized by Jack White's raw vocals, Meg White's driving drumming, and their minimalist approach to instrumentation. "Ball and Biscuit" was widely acclaimed upon its release, earning praise for its raw energy, intensity, and minimalist approach. It is often cited as one of The White Stripes’ best songs and a classic of the garage rock genre.
The chorus, “Let's have a ball and a biscuit, sugar, and take our sweet little time about it,” extends an invitation to savor life's pleasures without haste. It urges listeners to let go of inhibitions and indulge in the joy of the moment, embracing the carefree spirit embodied by the phrase “ball and biscuit.” As the song progresses, we are presented with a powerful and punching guitar solo. There is something about this song that you can not help but make a stank face. Overall, Jack White’s extraordinary talent and timeless sound extends from The White Stripes to his solo projects, it is clear as day that rock is here to stay.
Whether you are looking for a new soundtrack for your adventures or simply want to rediscover the timeless appeal of garage, alternative rock, and blues, “Summer Strums & Guitar Drums” is the perfect playlist for you. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!
