The Black Keys (Links, Music, Videos, Tour Dates, and so much more!)

(image courtesy of Nonesuch Records)

Akron, Ohio's favorite blues-rock duo (and for that matter, my favorite blues-rock duo), the Black Keys, have accomplished the unthinkable. The accomplishment they passively claim in the release of their tremendous new record 'Magic Potion' (out on Nonesuch) is not an occurrence that many enjoy despite long and lucrative careers. What is this illustrious accomplishment? I'm glad you asked. The Black Keys have managed to stay true to a personal formula while remaining as engaging as they are interesting.

I have loved the Black Keys since the release of their awe-inducing second record 'thickfreakness,' allegedly recorded in a 14-hour session on an 8-track. The blistering riffs were a delight to my palate as I prepared to go on to bigger and better things after the conclusion of high school. A year went by as I all but forgot the Keys until I moved to Portland and saw that they were playing an in-store close to my home. The Keys tore through 5 or 6 songs from their then upcoming 'Rubber Factory' album and I was nothing short of floored. That half hour has remained in my mind as one of the sweetest live performances I've been privileged enough to enjoy over the years not solely due to the simplistic beauty of drums and electric guitar through vintage equipment (though these are some of my favorite things). It was the raw power and emotion of two individuals grinding out these awesome tracks that while creating not the most innovative sound in popular music, they were nailing everything. They were just flawlessly throwing down some of the best and most energetic rock music out there.

Now here we are, two years older, and the Black Keys have moved to a new label. For that new label, the band has produced their most cohesive record to date in 'Magic Potion.' And you, fair reader, can hear the whole thing prior to your inevitable purchase here. And while you're at it, do yourself a favor and catch the band on tour.

The Black Keys Live Tour Dates

The Black Keys Links:
The Black Keys' Label Blog with videos
The Black Keys 'Your Touch' featured on NPR's Song of the Day
Sony commercial featuring The Black Keys' 'Girl is On My Mind'
The Black Keys live videos and music videos

cheers, baby