As you probably already know, the new documentary It Might Get Loud featuring legendary electric guitar players Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), The Edge (U2), and Jack White (White Stripes, The Raconteurs, Dead Weather) opens this Friday (Aug 14) in NY and LA. The film, helmed by director Davis Guggenheim (executive producer of An Inconvenient Truth), focuses on the three guitarists and their individual relationships with the instrument.

Tonight I had a chance to screen the film, and I’m pleased to report that fans of rock ‘n’ roll have nothing to fear–the movie is a joyous celebration of all things axmen. Even if you go into the theater without being a fan of any of the featured guitarists, by the end of the film you’ll have a newfound respect and reverence for all of them. In fact, if you’re anything like me, you’ll end up running home and spinning all your old Zeppelin, U2, and White Stripes albums and finding yourself listening to them with a whole new set of ears.

Guggenheim is careful not to put the three men on a pedestal, rather he paints a picture of these men as regular guys with extraordinary talents. However, he does allow for their individual personalities shine through: Page comes across as an extremely likable, sweet old man, The Edge is a soft-spoken, yet passionate presence, and White is the fiery, opinionated youngster of the bunch. In fact, White displays some of his love of the odd by conducting a portion of his interviews with a identically dressed 9-year-old boy portraying a younger version of the musician.

The film is comprised of thematic vignettes of all three musicians together chatting about their guitars with individual visits with each to childhood hometowns and rehearsal spaces in their current geographical bases. While the individual interviews are essential to understanding who each of these men are, the scenes of the three guitar titans are the most riveting of the film. Watching as they learn each other’s songs and jam together will bring a smile to your face.

Music fans will be smitten with this film and the opportunity to get the inside scoop on the learnings/thoughts/philosophies of three generations of iconic guitarists.

Part of the film features footage of Jack White writing and recording the song “Fly Farm Blues” on the spot. The track was released on Third Man Records via iTunes today.

From the official White Stripes mailing list:

“Fly Farm Blues” is a song that was written on the spot by Jack White at the request of film director Davis Guggenheim while filming the incredible new guitar documentary It Might Get Loud which features in depth looks at Mr. White, The Edge, and Jimmy Page’s relationships with the six stringed instrument. Jack also recorded the song immediately to two-track, all while being filmed for the documentary in the attic of the Fly Farm. Some may remember the room this scene was filmed in from the first video for The Raconteurs single “Steady, As She Goes”, which was directed by Jim Jarmusch. “Fly Farm Blues” is released on a special one sided 45 RPM vinyl by Third Man Records and on iTunes today.

Trailer below:

Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Check out the video for Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons‘ new song, “Born Again” featuring Brendan Benson and Patrick Keeler of The Raconteurs. Cory’s debut full-length Death Won’t Send a Letter comes out on September 29, 2009

This just in: Jack White’s Third Man Records has announced their very own social network and subscription service. The basic jist is this- it’s called The Vault and it’s a two tiered subscription service: Premium service is $7 a month and the Platinum membership is $20 a month, both with a minimum of a 3 month signup. Members will have access to presales and exclusive content and merchandise for bands that are on the label (including The White Stripes, The Dead Weather, and The Raconteurs).

Explains Jack in a blog post, “The community we are building here will be like no other you’ve been a part of in regards to music. We hope to have a place where positivity and beauty in music and art can be shared together as a community. A place that has content that you can only see if you truly want to explore the deepest depths of the third man records vault.”

Platinum subscribers who sign up between July 3rd and July 21st will receive a double album of The White Stripes LP Icky Thump. This will be an exclusive never before heard MONO mix of the album on 180 Gram Vinyl, with customized artwork in a gatefold sleeve. In addition to that behemoth, you’ll also receive a 45 of The Dead Weather performing two covers, Pentagrams Forever My Queen and The Downliner Sect’s Outside. This 45 will come with special labels and sleeves that you will only get through the Vault. Last but not least, you’ll get a Third Man Records T-shirt, with a new design that AGAIN you can only get through The Vault service.

There’s a lot of info on the site, so check it out now.

Press release after the jump.

In their latest groundbreaking initiative, Jack White’s Third Man Records announces the July 3rd opening of The Vault at 3:33 p.m. CST. The Vault is a social networking and subscription service that provides exclusive offerings from the label’s artists. Subscribers will have access to online content and physical products from Third Man artists including The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, all of which will ONLY be available to Vault subscribers.

The Vault is a two-tiered service, providing a forum for all subscribers to create member profiles and usersites, post comments and interact with other members. For the $7-a-month Premium Service (three month minimum), subscribers will get unlimited access to all online Vault services, including exclusive pre-sale concert tickets, streaming video, video messages, official chat rooms, photos, artist updates and pay per view live concerts. The $20-a-month Platinum Service (three month minimum) includes all online content as well as quarterly Third Man 12″ LPs, extremely limited 7″ records and t-shirts These products will only be available through The Vault and will not be distributed to shops or available from Third Man’s online mail order service.

Platinum subscribers who sign up between July 3rd and July 21st will receive a double album of The White Stripes’ LP Icky Thump featuring an exclusive MONO mix, 180 Gram Vinyl and customized artwork, as well as a Third Man Records exclusive T-shirt and a 45 of The Dead Weather performing two covers, “Forever My Queen” and “Outside,” with special dedicated labels and sleeves exclusive to The Vault. While the Premium subscription is available at all times, Platinum subscribers who miss the July 21st deadline must wait until the following registration period for the next set of Third Man products.

For more information on The Vault, check out

http://thirdmanrecords.com/vault.html

According to the official White Stripes website, this weekend White Stripes drummer Meg White and her fiance Jackson Smith officially tied the knot as part of a double wedding staged in Jack White‘s backyard in Nashville, TN. Smith is the son of rockers Patti Smith and Fred (Sonic) Smith (MC5) and was the guitarist in the recently disbanded Detroit group Back in Spades.

The May 22nd wedding also served as a ceremony to Raconteurs and Dead Weather bassist Jack “Little Jack” Lawrence to his girlfriend Jo McCaughey.

The couples were wed by former Soledad Brothers‘ drummer, and long time White Stripes friend, Benjamin (Ben) Swank.

Congratulations to the happy couples!

FUN FACT: Ben Swank was the inspiration behind the Von Bondies song “Been Swank.”

RELATED LINKS: Meg White to Get Married

It’s only fitting that it was gloomy and rainy on the night of the first ever public performance by music supergroup The Dead Weather. And while the cold clammy weather was bummer for those hovering by the entrance of the Bowery Ballroom in hopes of snagging an extra ticket to the sold out gig, for the lucky folks who made it inside the outlook was positive.

Tonight The Dead Weather showcased a collection of songs that made it apparent that they are all about straight on rock ‘n’ roll–plenty of electric guitar, big resonating bass lines, and thumping drum beats to go around. Layered on top of that were Alison Mosshart‘s snarled vocals, producing a dirty (but somehow not grungy) sound that somehow comes off as being sexy, not sleazy. With seasoned vets Dean Fertita from Queens of the Stone Age on guitar/keyboards, Little Jack Lawrence of The Raconteurs and The Greenhorns plucking away on bass, and of course Jack White on drums, guitar, and occasional vocals, it’s not hard to understand how they were able to full off such a feat.

Judging from the pre-show audience chatter it seemed as though the major draw of the night was to see Jack White strut his stuff with his new side project, but as soon as the band came out on stage and started in on the first rock-fueled tune, all eyes were on frontwoman Alison Mosshart.

Known as the female half of the rock duo The Kills, Mosshart is familiar with being in the (shared) spotlight. But where The Kills’s energy comes from the push and pull between Mosshart and her bandmate Jamie Hince, the dynamic of the Dead Weather is hinged upon Mosshart’s role as the ferocious, fearless leader and the rest of the band acting as her dutiful, capable soldiers.

With three outfit changes (skin-tight black leather jacket on; jacket off, revealing a perfectly hanging black tee with the word “SEX” printed on the back paired with pencil-thin black jeans; shrunken blazer with sequins in circle shapes thrown over the shirt), an onstage swagger, and a brazen disregard for the smoking laws in New York City, Mosshart was clearly the star of the evening.

If someone asked you to describe Mosshart’s performance tonight as “smoldering” you wouldn’t be doing her justice. If you described it as “mesmerizing” that would also be an inappropriate response. However, if you simply melted into a puddle at the mere mention of her name, you’d be closer to being on the right track. With cold hard eyes glaring behind a mess of black hair and startling moves previously only seen on a sidewinder, Mosshart epitomized the idea of crazy/sexy/cool–causing the girls in the audience to sigh lustfully and the boys to clam up if they happened to catch her eye.

For those of you wanting to put this newest band in context of the sound and approach of all other bands that can claim Jack White as a founding member let me put it this way: If The White Stripes are youthful, unrefined, and raucous, and The Raconteurs are subtle, subdued, and a bit crunchy, The Dead Weather are sharp, sly, and dangerous.

Although The Dead Weather have a bold sound, it has definitely been carefully refined and restrained for the benefit of the listener–kinda like how the owners of an attack dog will keep him on a leash, not because they’re afraid the dog couldn’t defend himself against you, but more because you probably couldn’t defend yourself against the dog. I would fear for my life if I ever got a chance to hear the practice sessions of The Dead Weather–too much rock for my little brain to process! My head would surely explode.

But of course Jack White did eventually emerge from behind his drum kit for a few choice songs (with Little Jack filling in on the kit) in which he dueted with Mosshart. In one steamy number Jack and Alison shared a microphone as they crooned song lyrics within a centimeter of their lips touching. In general, the songs in which Jack contributed vocals had a softer edge to them, and in his duets with Mosshart, he played the musical straight man to her wild, growling tones.

Brooklyn-based openers Crystal Stilts put on a fine performance with their brand of upbeat tunes tinged with vocal stylings reminiscent of Ian Curtis. Over the course of their set they revealed that they did not have any merchandise to sell because their van got towed, however according to the band if you want to turn up at the impound lot in Rego Park tomorrow around 3pm, you can get a $.25 cent discount off their latest single.

All in all I have to say I was completely blown away with the show–I thought the songs were tremendous and I love the true rock ‘n’ roll sound of this group. I definitely urge you to go see this band live when they start their full tour in June, if tonight’s performance was any indication, you’ll be in for a fantastic night of music.

Take a look at this video of their performance of “Hang You From the Heavens”:

Setlist according to Product Shop NYC (not necessarily in this order):

60 Feet Tall / Hang You from the Heavens / So Far from Your Weapon / Rocking Horse / New Pony / Will There Be Enough Water? / Bone House / I Cut Like a Buffalo / Treat Me Like Your Mother / No Hassle Night / Three Birds

More over at Brooklyn Vegan, Rolling Stone, Village Voice, Consequence of Sound, Product Shop NYC, Stereogum, Spin, New York Times

Jack White‘s newest supergroup, The Dead Weather, will play their FIRST EVER public show next week at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom.

Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, April 8th, at 10 am EST on Ticketmaster. There is a 2 ticket limit per person.

As previously revealed, The Dead Weather is fronted by The Kill’s Alison Mosshart, and includes The Raconteurs‘ Jack Lawrence on bass, Dean Fertita from Queens Of The Stone Age on guitar and Jack White on drums and vocals.

Wishing everyone luck!!

UPDATE: Read my review of the show!

Gotta run off to see Twilight right now, but this press release just came in:

THE RACONTEUR HITS A HOME SHOPPING NETWORK NEAR YOU! INNOVATIVE RACONTEUR ACTION PACK AVAILABLE AT FROMOLDTOGOLD.COM NOW FEATURED AT SPECIAL LIST PRICE OF $18.98

Nashville, TN- Leading multimedia retailers and home shopping networks across the globe have unveiled The Raconteur Action Pack, available now where all top products are sold. Listed at the special price of $18.98, The Raconteur Action Pack is the finest sound machine on the market, and finally puts the power of The Raconteur into your very own hands.

Based on an original Raconteur, a sound making machine from the last century, The Raconteur Action Pack provides consumers with the ability to generate their very own melodies using three unique controllers. With multiple settings via easy to push buttons, The Raconteur produces the finest in Rock ‘n’ Roll and Blues sounds.
…
Available in egg-shell white for a limited time only, The Raconteur Action Pack is a must-have for budding musicians and music-lovers across the country. Call 877-5-on-the-5 or visit www.fromoldtogold.com while supplies last.

Here’s the very campy infomercial video they put together for it:

Who knows if and when The Raconteurs will actually sell something on the site, but man, if this thing actually existed, I would definitely buy it!!!

Call 877-5-on-the-5 (that’s 877-566-8435) and leave a message for…Old to Gold. If you get put on hold, enjoy a selection of Raconteurs songs which will play until you are transferred to the voicemail.

Full press release below:

THE RACONTEUR HITS A HOME SHOPPING NETWORK NEAR YOU!
INNOVATIVE RACONTEUR ACTION PACK AVAILABLE AT FROMOLDTOGOLD.COM NOW FEATURED AT SPECIAL LIST PRICE OF $18.98

Nashville, TN- Leading multimedia retailers and home shopping networks across the globe have unveiled The Raconteur Action Pack, available now where all top products are sold. Listed at the special price of $18.98, The Raconteur Action Pack is the finest sound machine on the market, and finally puts the power of The Raconteur into your very own hands.

Based on an original Raconteur, a sound making machine from the last century, The Raconteur Action Pack provides consumers with the ability to generate their very own melodies using three unique controllers. With multiple settings via easy to push buttons, The Raconteur produces the finest in Rock ‘n’ Roll and Blues sounds.

“Our customers are our first priority, and to be able to provide them with a product of this quality is something of which we’re proud,” said online retailer Vice President Anna Samson.

“The Raconteur in its original form is rare and hard to find, a real gem of a sound source,” said From Old to Gold host Jim Reynolds, who recently featured an original Raconteur on his acclaimed antiquing show. “To know that a new-and-improved version of this incredible artifact, in the form of The Raconteur Action Pack, is available to home shopping viewers across the globe is truly a thrill.”

Available in egg-shell white for a limited time only, The Raconteur Action Pack is a must-have for budding musicians and music-lovers across the country. Call 877-5-on-the-5 or visit www.fromoldtogold.com while supplies last.

# # #

For more information about The Raconteur Action Pack, please contact:

Flobart Johnson Wright – fromoldtogold@gmail.com

And visit http://www.youtube.com/oldtogold

From the Detroit Free Press:

Frustrated by a sense that his thoughts about Detroit have been misrepresented since his departure two years ago, White offered to the Free Press a poem that he hopes will express “my feelings about the city itself, and how strong I believe it to be,” as he says by way of introduction.

….

Citing the inspirational Detroit forces that have fueled creators from Albert Kahn to Iggy Pop, he sets the scene: “The following poem is the Detroit from my mind. The Detroit that is in my heart. The home that encapsulates and envelops those who are truly blessed with the experience of living within its boundaries.”

Poem after the jump

‘Courageous Dream’s Concern,’ by Jack White

I have driven slow,
three miles an hour or so,
through Highland Park, Heidelberg, and the
Cass Corridor.
I’ve hopped on the Michigan,
and transferred to the Woodward,
and heard the good word blaring from an
a.m. radio.
I love the worn-through tracks of trolley
trains breaking through their
concrete vaults,
As I ride the Fort Street or the Baker,
just making my way home.

I sneak through an iron gate, and fish
rock bass out of the strait,
watching the mail boat with
its tugboat gait,
hauling words I’ll never know.
The water letter carrier,
bringing prose to lonely sailors,
treading the big lakes with their trailers,
floats in blue green chopping waters,
above long-lost sunken failures,
awaiting exhumation iron whalers,
holding gold we’ll never know.

I’ve slid on Belle Isle,
and rowed inside of it for miles.
Seeing white deer running alongside
While I glide, in a canoe.
I’ve walked down Caniff holding a glass
Atlas root beer bottle in my hands
And I’ve entered closets of coney islands
early in the morning too.
I’ve taken malt from Stroh’s and Sanders,
felt the black powder of abandoned
embers,
And smelled the sawdust from wood cut
to rehabilitate the fallen edifice.
I’ve walked to the rhythm of mariachis,
down junctions and back alleys,
Breathing fresh-baked fumes of culture
nurtured of the Latin and the
Middle East.
I’ve fallen down on public ice,
and skated in my own delight,
and slid again on metal crutches
into trafficked avenues.

Three motors moved us forward,
Leaving smaller engines to wither,
the aluminum, and torpedo,
Monuments to unclaimed dreaming.
Foundry’s piston tempest captured,
Forward pushing workers raptured,
Frescoed families strife fractured,
Encased by factory’s glass ceiling.

Detroit, you hold what one’s been seeking,
Holding off the coward-armies weakling,
Always rising from the ashes
not returning to the earth.

I so love your heart that burns
That in your people’s body yearns
To perpetuate,
and permeate,
the lonely dream that does encapsulate,
Your spirit, that God insulates,
With courageous dream’s concern.

This photo of Amy Winehouse, Jack White (HELLO CASPER), and Beyonce Knowles watching Jay-Z’s set during Glastonbury 2008 IS THE MOST AMAZING PHOTO OF OUR TIME.

Words cannot describe, but you can give it a try.

This photo is also hysterical–Jack cannot see what’s going on because Amy Winehouse’s arm is in the way. Someone give Jack White some room!

BONUS: Who would win in a fight: Amy Winehouse, Jack White, or Beyonce?

This just in from my friend at Abeano Music–Jack White stepped out to play a few bars during The Last Shadow Puppets’ set at Glastonbury. What did he guest on? A cover of Billy Fury’s “Wondrous Place.”

Video:

Notice how Jack just casual (and quietly) slumps off stage…like he was never there at all.

Writes NME.com, “Miles Kane explained they had simply bumped into White backstage: “We just asked him and he said yes.”

Picys over at NME.com

More over at Youtube, Abeano Music, NME.com

Although Jack playing is quite exciting, it’s not nearly as exciting as this video of Amy Winehouse punching someone in the middle of her Glasto set. Appropriately enough, it was during “Rehab.” Hysterical…especially b/c the guy who got punched was not hurt: