When the White Stripes played the Bowery Ballroom, one of New York City's better rock venues, on June 16, 2001, I went on assignment from “Blender” magazine to review the show — with the proviso that I include some quotes from the duo. Jack and Meg White were touring in anticipation of the release of their breakthrough third studio album, “White Blood Cells.” So though they were popular enough to pack a good-sized club, they were not yet stars with a million-selling record.