One of the advantages to Indie is that it is so general and all-encompassing that there is a lot of diversity within the tag. This is none more evident than with The Black Keys, a duo of drums and guitar that have come to be referred to as Garage-Blues.
While Dan Auerbach and Pat Carney have been releasing albums since they formed the band in 2001, they seemed relegated to the shadows of the White Stripes and the unavoidable comparison to the other guitar/ drum duo on the scene. It wasn’t until the 2008 album Attack and Release that they started to emerge from that shadow and now with their newest release Brothers they assert their significance, practically demanding a place on Pop radio.
The Black Keys are a soulful mix of Rock and Blues. Distorted guitar mix with distorted vocals and mingle with pounding drums giving the tracks a worn-in vibe, reminiscent of your favorite pair of jeans. While they have often been compared to that other guitar/ drum duo, I would argue that their newest album finds The Black Keys with songs that are catchier, crisper, earthier and less regimented than the Stripes ever were.
Who are some of your Blues favorites? Can you see them easily moving into the world of Indie?
If you like: The White Stripes, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton
Check out: The Black Keys (start with singles from Brothers: “Next Girl,” “Tighten Up,” and “Never Gonna Give You Up,” progress to Attack and Release, graduate to Rubber Factory)
Feeling brave: The Raconteurs, The HeavyAI level: Beginner
Brothers is such a great album – it’s great to see them get some main stream support and blow their old sales records out of the water. I think my favorite part though, are the videos with the stuffed T-rex. Genius.
The Black Keys are one of my favorites. I head about them last summer when I visited VA. A friend out there got me hooked. Their sound is like a delicious and warm cup of coffee to me. Glad they are Approachable approved.
Pingback: Top albums of 2010: 5-1 | Approachable Indie