Amazon.com Akron, Ohio's Black Keys offer crunchy, riff-heavy blues-rock that is remarkably rich and textured, particularly when one considers that they are merely a duo. Continuing in the vein of their 2002 debut, The Big Come Up, this sophomore CD leavens their garage blues with enough innovation to keep things interesting, taking full advantage of Dan Auerbach's full-throated growl. Particularly appealing are "Hard Row," which lurks somewhere between Cream and punk rock, the strong stomp of "Everywhere I Go," and the irresistible guitar riff that graces "If You See Me." The Black Keys might be covering familiar territory, but they do it so well--and with so much invention--that one is inclined to yield it to them and see what they do with it. --Genevieve Williams
Customer Reviews:
Where has this band been all my life???July 11, 2008 MinnesotaCatz(Minnesota USA) I'm a bit slow at discovering the Black Keys but I LOVE THEM since I did discover them! This is the best band to come along since Nirvana. Magic Potion was my first Keys purchase and I didn't think I could possibly love anything better by this band but man, I WAS WRONG! This CD ROCKS! Not a bad song on here!
WowMay 6, 2007 Thomas M. Gardner 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a super offering by the Black Keys. I like their latest, "Magic Potion" a little better, but both are so good that you should own them if you are a fan of blues guitar.
I'm digging this heavy hard R & B revival!September 27, 2006 Timothy C. Knudson(Tacoma, WA USA) A buddy/coworker threw this disk at me and told me I had to listen to it. Being a huge White Stripes fan, both for their adherence to blues licks and for their "medium-fi" level of sound and performance quality, he figured I'd dig it, and in fact, I did. It seemed that although Jack & Meg White often pay homage to Page and Plant, Auerbach and Carney seem to salute Clapton and Baker. Man! Heavy hard licks, gritty "just rolling into Chicago on Highway 61"-style blues. Got the newest on order to see if the Keys have developed some more distinctive riffs (the hardest task in Rock n' Roll!). The Black Keys have it down!
This has a dangerous groove!!August 16, 2006 P.J. Le Faucheur(Canada (ex- U.K. resident)) 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This appears to be a new direction for the Blues. Any young fans seeing this duo live may not really comprehend that their sound is vintage. These young guys must've listened hard to their parents Blues records and they've put together a funky combo that reminds me of everybody from Fred McDowell to Canned Heat. Obviously the Jr. Kimbrough/RL Burnside influence is strong on all of their CD's. Their sound is a fitting tribute to all the Blues legends. Simple but effective riffs to their songs.Some of the songs also will remind you of Hendrix, JL Hooker or Blind Willie Johnson. "Set You Free" recalls the raw punkiness of 60's bands like the Sir Douglas Quintet or The Kingsmens "Louie, Louie". The title track has that dirty, swamp feel of some of CCR's hits. Whatever their influences they've made the sound their own and they are a fiiting addition to the inspirational Fat Possum label. It's all wonderfully raw!! I think this is the way Blues should be played.. stripped down with no over production. The lead singer, Dan Auerbach, sounds at times like a distorted Bob Hite, other times like Lowell George...his voice is stunning, reminiscent of Mississipi Hill musicians and belies his young age. Every one of their CD's is worth purchasing as there are great tracks on all of them. For just the two of them they make a BIG sound. A great example of what can happen when youngsters go "backwards' to vintage blues in order to go forward with a re-packaged sound for the 21st century.
AmazedJune 5, 2006 Paul Carenen(Orland Hills, IL United States) 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
A friend of mine got me hooked on this Band. At 1st I was hesitant at 1st,,, I had a mixed reaction. I listened to The Black Keys 1st disc and was amazed by the blend of music they had. I was just a little upset that the songs were so short. I receieved the other 2 for my birthday and am totally hooked. All the music is addicting and seems like you need to repeat it over and over. I think I need to get a multi-disc player for my truck.
