**Let’s Shake Hands**
**Definition**
„Let’s Shake Hands” is the debut single by the American rock band The White Stripes, released in 1998. The song marked the beginning of the band’s influential career in the garage rock revival movement.
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## Let’s Shake Hands
„Let’s Shake Hands” is the first single released by The White Stripes, an American rock duo consisting of Jack White and Meg White. Issued in 1998, the track introduced the band’s raw, minimalist sound that would come to define their style and influence the garage rock revival of the early 2000s. The single was released on the independent label Italy Records and is notable for its energetic, blues-infused rock style and lo-fi production.
### Background and Formation of The White Stripes
The White Stripes formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1997. The band consisted of Jack White (vocals, guitar, piano) and Meg White (drums, vocals). Their music was characterized by a stripped-down approach, combining elements of punk, blues, and garage rock. Prior to „Let’s Shake Hands,” the duo had been performing locally, developing a distinctive sound that emphasized simplicity and raw emotion.
Jack White, who was the primary songwriter and guitarist, drew inspiration from blues legends and punk rock bands, while Meg White’s drumming style was noted for its minimalism and steady rhythm. The band’s aesthetic was also distinctive, often featuring a red, white, and black color scheme in their clothing and album art.
### Release and Production
„Let’s Shake Hands” was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in 1998 by Italy Records, a small independent label based in Detroit. The single featured „Let’s Shake Hands” as the A-side and „Look Me Over” as the B-side. The release was limited, making original copies a collector’s item among fans.
The recording of „Let’s Shake Hands” was done with a lo-fi approach, capturing the raw energy of the band’s live performances. The production was minimal, with an emphasis on Jack White’s distorted guitar riffs and Meg White’s straightforward drumming. The song’s sound was intentionally unpolished, reflecting the band’s DIY ethos and their desire to revive the spirit of early garage rock.
### Musical Style and Composition
„Let’s Shake Hands” is a fast-paced, energetic track that blends garage rock with blues influences. The song features a driving guitar riff, simple but effective drum patterns, and Jack White’s distinctive vocal delivery. The lyrics are brief and repetitive, focusing on the titular phrase as a form of greeting and connection.
Musically, the song is built around a raw, distorted guitar tone and a steady rhythm section. The structure is straightforward, with verses and choruses that emphasize rhythm and mood over complex arrangements. This simplicity became a hallmark of The White Stripes’ early work and contributed to their appeal among fans of garage and punk rock.
### Reception and Legacy
Although „Let’s Shake Hands” did not achieve commercial success upon its initial release, it was well received within the underground music scene and helped establish The White Stripes as a promising new act. The single’s raw sound and energetic performance caught the attention of critics and fans who were seeking a return to the basics of rock music.
The song is often cited as an important early example of the garage rock revival that gained momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The White Stripes would go on to achieve widespread acclaim and commercial success with subsequent albums, but „Let’s Shake Hands” remains a significant part of their history as their first official release.
### Influence on Garage Rock Revival
The release of „Let’s Shake Hands” coincided with a broader resurgence of interest in garage rock and lo-fi music. Bands like The Strokes, The Hives, and The Vines would soon follow, bringing a renewed energy to rock music that emphasized rawness and authenticity over polished production.
The White Stripes, with their minimalist setup and blues-inspired sound, were at the forefront of this movement. „Let’s Shake Hands” exemplified the qualities that would define the genre: simplicity, energy, and a connection to rock’s roots. The song’s influence can be seen in the work of many bands that emerged in the early 2000s.
### Subsequent Releases and Career Development
Following „Let’s Shake Hands,” The White Stripes released their self-titled debut album in 1999, which included re-recorded versions of some early songs. The band continued to develop their sound, incorporating more diverse influences while maintaining their core aesthetic.
Over the next decade, The White Stripes released several critically acclaimed albums, including „De Stijl” (2000), „White Blood Cells” (2001), and „Elephant” (2003). Their success helped bring garage rock and blues-influenced rock back into the mainstream.
Jack White’s songwriting and guitar work, combined with Meg White’s distinctive drumming, created a unique sound that influenced a generation of musicians. The band’s minimalist approach and emphasis on raw performance can be traced back to the energy and style of „Let’s Shake Hands.”
### Collectibility and Reissues
Due to its limited initial release, the original „Let’s Shake Hands” single is considered a collector’s item. It is sought after by fans and vinyl enthusiasts for its rarity and historical significance.
Over the years, the song has been included in various compilations and reissues, allowing new audiences to experience the track. Despite its early status, „Let’s Shake Hands” remains a key part of The White Stripes’ discography and a symbol of their beginnings.
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## Track Listing
**7-inch single (Italy Records, 1998)**
1. „Let’s Shake Hands”
2. „Look Me Over”
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## Personnel
– **Jack White** – vocals, guitar
– **Meg White** – drums
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## Summary
„Let’s Shake Hands” stands as the inaugural single of The White Stripes, encapsulating the raw, energetic sound that would define the band’s influential role in the garage rock revival. Released in 1998 on Italy Records, the track’s minimalist production and blues-infused rock style laid the groundwork for the duo’s subsequent success and enduring legacy in modern rock music.
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**Meta Description:**
„Let’s Shake Hands” is the debut single by The White Stripes, released in 1998. The track introduced the band’s raw garage rock sound and played a key role in the early garage rock revival movement.