There is a chance that if you’ve never heard of The Black Keys, you’ve probably had no access to movies, TV, or radio. The duo (often compared to The White Stripes) are a band that serves up heavy blues, rock, and funk in a quirky, carefree package. You can hear little pieces of other artists in their songs…grungy guitar riffs that are Lenny Kravitz-esque. Snippets of Rolling Stones. Flashes of B.B. King. The list really does go on and on. But I’m not so certain this is a bad thing.
Where most people would probably consider this blatant plagiarism, I can’t help but wonder if these guys haven’t been onto something for years. Successfully blending your favorite influences into a style that stands out amongst other mainstream bands is no easy feat. Somehow I fathom that this is no accident.The Black Keys sound old and new at the same time, which is perhaps why mainstream advertisement loves them so. I’ve grown quite fond of their music within a short period of time. Having absorbed their entire catalog of material, I deem these ten Black Keys songs, the best of all time.
Which ones are your favorites?
“Thickfreakness” (Thickfreakness, 2003)
I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. That scratchy, old sound captured my ear immediately. The fact that I had no idea what he was really saying prior to looking at the lyrics somehow made it that much cooler. The song just rocks.
“Psychotic Girl” – (Attack & Release, 2008)
It figures I’d love a song called “Psychotic Girl.” The opening notes sound really creepy, and so do the background vocals. The underlying banjo between the lines in the verses brings to mind a cool, rainy Saturday night at a Southern honky-tonk. I didn’t realize that Danger Mouse had produced this album. No wonder I like it.
“Heavy Soul” (The Big Come Up, 2002)
I had to add this song to the list for no other reason than the fact that they found a way to make guitar feedback a living, breathing, part of the song a few seconds past the 1 ½ minute mark.
“When the Lights Go Out” (Rubber Factory, 2004)
I can’t figure out whether I like this song because it was in the indie film, “Black Snake Moan,” or because of that booming, twangy percussion. Or maybe it’s both. This song makes you want to take a bath…in a good way.
“She Said, She Said” (The Big Come Up, 2002)
The Black Keys covered this Beatles song on their debut album. They took the English band’s tightly knit song and loosened it, increasing the tempo and adding their trademark dirty guitar. A really refreshing interpretation..
“So He Won’t Break” – (Attack & Release, 2008)
The tempo sounds a lot like many classic rock songs favorites of mine. But I enjoy the more pulled together sound of this song. The drum breakdown in the middle is very Stone Temple Pilot-esque, but not too much. Kinda has the same energy as the cult classic hit “Spooky.”
“I’ll Be Your Man” (The Big Come Up, 2002)
It’s funny how we associate our favorite music with the media for which it’s been used. But as the theme song for HBO show, “Hung” (cue Thomas Jane’s walking strip tease), the perfectly raspy joint is jangly and tinged with bravado.
“Tighten Up” (Brothers, 2010)
When I first heard this song in a Subaru commercial, I immediately recognized The Black Keys’ charm. Completely infectious.
“Too Afraid to Love You” (Brothers, 2010)
The opening chords come stumbling in, like the beginning of a really good, bad exploitation flick. And for a moment, you feel as if Beth Gibbons’ Portishead-perfect vocals will come riding over the percussion (not necessarily a bad thing). But then Dan Auerbach begins to sing and all is right with the world.
“Lonely Boy” (El Camino, 2011)
There is a reason this is the lead single from The Black Keys’ 7th studio album. It is vintage convertible-worthy and just made for mainstream radio. Critics are slurping up this album like a bowl of Ramen noodles. Suffice it to say, the album’s opening single warrants being on the list.
SOURCES:
www.youtube.com
www.theblackkeys.com
