Akron natives The Black Keys broke through in a big way with 2011's El Camino, featuring the huge hit "Lonely Boy." Turn Blue, their follow-up, is a crucial moment for the band: should they try and move their sound forward in a new direction, or go to a formula approach and try and re-create their biggest success? On the one hand, I commend them for not creating El Camino 2.0. On the other hand, it's just not as inspired as El Camino was. I really don't have much else to say. Quite simply, I did not enjoy this album.
The Black Keys - Fever
Verdict: I'll keep "Fever," at least provisionally. Sell-back 1. - Snilch
It's here -- day 12. And with 12 blogs! (Yes, I am as surprised as you are. You were correct to take the under.) In case you were living under a rock last year, The Black Keys broke out last year the old fashioned way: with a hit video. (If you have not seen "Lonely Boy," consider yourself out of the loop. And see below.) El Camino is the most accessible album the band has ever produced -- Brian B. is a huge fan and passed along their early stuff, so I've listened to almost everything they've done. Akron, OH's second favorite sons (sorry, you have to take a back seat to Devo, fellas) are normally a litle less slick and a little more bluesy than their latest; also, this album is the most "band-sounding" for the duo. It's slick, sharp, and smart; it's got a killer single and a few other standouts ("Little Black Submarines," "Gold on the Ceiling," and "Mind Eraser"); so why was I not in love with this album right away?
Ironically, even though it's named after a car (and that is NOT an El Camino on the cover, for whatever reason) but it sounds terrible in the car. I've had some serious auto issues recently, so perhaps I'm not listening in the correct environment, as on my 2.1 system on the computer this thing rocks. It was Sell-back 1 in the car, but it's Portable CD Case here. CD Placement Rating: Portable CD Case. Merry Snilchmas. Back to hibernation. - Snilch
The Black Keys - Rubber Factory(2004). Thanks to Brian for recommending these guys. They're a two-man group, ala Local H or The White Stripes. Whereas Local H is more grungy and The White Stripes more crunchy alternative guitar/Jack White's vocals, The Black Keys are more deeply rooted in the blues. (Yes, I know The White Stripes visit the blues neighborhood, but The Black Keys live there.) It's pretty clear that the two musicians play multiple parts; what makes it most interesting is that they still retain the charm of a two-person approach. It's really quite ingenious. Apparently they opened for Sleater-Kinney in 2003, but I must have missed that tour. (Aside: has there ever been a band that has remained as below the radar as S-K that broke so many other acts? The White Stripes, TheGossip, and Yeah Yeah Yeah's immediately come to mind.) These guys are fierce and write amazing songs. Great stuff from Akron, OH. Who knew? CD Placement rating: Portable CD Case.
The Cribs - The Cribs (2004). The Cribs scoreboard stands at 1 up, 1 way way up. Their debut is the worst of their efforts thus far, but it's a Bob Mould scale: their "below average" is a B+ in any other book. There are still some gems here (like "The Lights Went Out," "Direction," and "Another Number"). New one is out now (with Johnny Marr on lead guitar) and I can't wait.
CD Placement rating: Portable CD Case.
Merle Haggard - Country Roads (2007). Thanks to Tim for recommending this. Unfortunately, it appears I really, really don't like country (except for Johnny Cash), even if it's done very well (like it is here). I'll take a couple of tracks and move on.
CD Placement rating: Sell-back Pile 1.
Mayfield - Mayfield (1998).Curt Smith'sHalfway, Pleased was so good, I felt compelled to go back into his back catalog. This album is the product of a brief '90's project, and it does not disappoint. I'm not sure how I (and apparently, everyone else) missed the boat on a truly gifted artist, but I can't help to be continue to be impressed with his work. Unfortunately, (besides Halfway) his two other earlier solo albums and this one are almost impossible to track down. An aside: Curt, please come to Boston.
CD Placement rating: Portable CD Case.
The Proletariat - Voodoo Economics and Other American Tragedies (1998). Thanks to Paul for recommending these long-gone (and mostly forgotten) Boston legends. They sound a bit like an Americanized, slightly more mainstream poppy, slightly more politically pointed version of Gang of Four. At 45 songs, you get pretty much all you'll ever need to hear of these guys; they were definitely ahead of their time and this is a very nice compilation.
CD Placement rating: Portable CD case.
Ride - Going Blank Again (1992).Dan had recommended the band Ride when I reviewed them here. However, I got the actual album he was recommending wrong -- I believe what he was referring to was Going Blank Again. (Well, at least I think it's the right album this time.) This is tremendous shoegazer pop, think a lighter/poppier My Bloody Valentine. The 8+ minute opener ("Leave Them All Behind") does not feel long by any means, which said it all for me right off the bat. Yawning guitars, a strong rhythm section, and lofty vocals on the more shoegazer numbers: all tremendous. Jangly guitars, that same strong rhythm section, echoey but more down-to earth vocals on the more poppy numbers: also tremendous. When they come together (like "Time of Her Time"), it's even better. Eclipsed by MBV at the time, these guys are absolutely fantastic. How did I miss them the first time around?
CD Placement rating: Car CD Changer.
The Waterboys - Fisherman's Blues (1988). Thanks to Scott for this one. The Waterboys are your favorite Irish pub band, just a lot better. A very pleasant, upbeat, melodic Celtic folk-rock disc. At times it's bouncy, others it's tranquil; it's always complexly arranged and very well produced. It's purely speculation on my part, but I could definitely see them being an influence on The Frames.
CD Placement rating: CD Rack.
