[the black keys]
It is ironic that one of the most impressive bands on the American music charts is comprised of only two men. Often, it is the diversity and the synthesized talent that many artists find when they come together that is what most helps them to be successful. From their first album released only one decade ago, they have made a statement and impression that some bands don’t make in twice that time.
Television shows like Hung, Eastbound & Down, Big Love, Lie To Me, and Friday Night Lights have featured their music. Many movies, including I Love You Man, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, School of Rock, Cloverfield, Black Snake Moan, and Zombieland have included various songs on their soundtracks. Their smooth but edgy sound has been heard on commercials ranging from Sony Ericsson to Victoria’s Secret, and has helped us live out our wildest fantasies on video games like NHL 11, NASCAR 09, and Grand Theft Auto IV.
A consideration of the demographics represented in all of these broad and varied cultural examples will tell us that this band sounds pretty good to a whole lot of people. The fact that their newest album Brothers sold over 73,000 copies in its first week, making it the #3 ranked on the Billboard Albums chart and that the single Tighten Up reached the number one spot on the US alternative charts, tells us that this band is only gaining fans and climbing the charts. They also helped judge the 9th annual Independent Music Awards, which also tells us that the music community actually cares what they think- no small feat for a ten year old rock band from Akron, Ohio.
With guitar riffs that melt slow but cut like a new razor, and understated but irresistible beats on the drums, this band does not claim a brand new sound, but it seems to have nearly perfected the sound it is trying to capture.
Perhaps it is the irony in and of itself that helps us to better appreciate the complexity and intricacy of this group. Their talent speaks for itself, not only as performers and musicians, but as producers as well. The fact that they can produce such a sound argues that contrary to modern ideas of ‘quantity to prove quality’, the talent, desire, and pursuit of a certain type of music is what it actually needed to produce that music well.
If ‘Booker T & the MGs’ and ‘Blue Cheer’ had donated their talent to future rock groups, it would have been used for ‘The Black Keys’. Their veins are full of soulful, bluesy guitar riffs and percussion that Phil Rudd just might want back one day. Their lyrics of dusky, dusty life and all its complications are relatable to (either in fantasy or reality) nearly everyone who could listen. Heavy does not begin to describe them.
This rock duo will undoubtedly keep us happy for some time, giving Rock-lovers everywhere a reason to crank the volume.
All info courtesy of wikipedia.com.
