In 2005 - Nigel Godrich began a web series called From the Basement - featuring band performances.  The show went on to feature Radiohead, The Shins, Fleet Foxes, PJ Harvey, and many more.  But the show's first episode featured The White Stripes - fresh off the release of Get Behind Me Satan. 

 

 

And now - for our pleasure - Godrich has begun uploading the performances, including Jack and Meg's, to his YouTube channel.  You can stream the performance that Jack claims is 'beautifully filmed and the sound quality makes a performance on a regular TV show sound like a wax cylinder recording'  below.  

 

The  set is heavy on  tracks from Get Behind Me Satan, including “Blue Orchid,” “Forever for Her (Is Over for Me),” “As Ugly As I Seem,” Little Ghost,” and “Red Rain”. There's  also a pretty sweet cover of Captain Beefheart’s “Party of Special Things to Do.”

 

Nigel Godrich had this to say about the episode: 

“The dream of From the Basement is to capture great performances with the most direct and beautiful coverage possible, both sonically and visually  ... We were so fortunate early on to have the support of Jack and Meg who instinctively understood the concept of the show and so came to be part of it. As a result, we have this amazing snapshot of their fantastic energy and style. It’s an intimate and direct performance, something magic, powerful and special. A day I will not forget."

 

Director Sophie Muller recalls: 

“Everything fell into place very quickly, and because of Meg and Jack’s ease and natural chemistry with each other I could just shoot what I saw.  Whatever it was between them made it very simple, but so, so special and it was an honor to be there. I just love this electrifying performance.”

 

The White Stripes - From the Basement (Official Performance)

 

Check out more sets From the Basement HERE