Thickfreak This

The Black Keys: sounds of the past, for the future 

Every time I turn on the radio or my television, I am suddenly struck with panic: is this music? Do we call this art, or even creativity? How many versions of the same band must there be—yes, I’m looking at you mall punk, nu metal, “rap,” and even “indie” rock. When I ponder these questions I become utterly depressed by the sheer vapidity of the popular music scene, and the “people” who sincerely like it. But it only takes one band like The Black Keys to restore my faith in creative forces and ingenuity in music.

The Black Keys are like nothing you’ve ever heard; at least not in your lifetime. Armed with only a drum set and a guitar, the Black Keys are a duo with more energy and inspiration then most four or three piece bands, and are impressive upon juxtaposition. The critical acclaim they’ve received from magazines, like Spin or Rolling Stone, and peers – like the Olympia based indie rock band Sleater-Kinney, who took them on tour in 2003 - is enough to turn your head. But it’s not enough for most readers or bystanders to seek the band out and give them a serious listen.

This is your cue to start listening.

There’s almost nothing you can lose, and I would wager my musical reputation on them. The band couldn’t be more accessible; they borrow from guitar legends like Hendrix but manage to maintain equilibrium through simplicity, rooted largely in traditional blues rock. There is nothing pretentious or ostentatious here. Their latest full length release, Rubber Factory, will set you back a mere twelve dollars in most record stores – even monolithic corporate chains like Virgin Megastore. Tickets to their show were only twelve dollars, and I can tell you one thing; that is arguably the best twelve dollars I have ever spent.

If you really appreciate music and consider bands to be artists, not products, then you will feel your dulled senses snap back to reality once you hear a Black Keys track. You will suddenly realize why you like music in the first place, and why artists like this deserve every penny they get, and why they can never be compared to the drivel on television. These two guys have more heart and soul then any band I have ever seen, and it is your duty as a human being to give them the credit they deserve.

Catch a show or buy a record, support talent. Trade in that Snow Patrol CD – or if you want to do the entire world a favor destroy them in the best way you see fit – find some money somewhere (the couch is often a treasure trove of loose change) and buy just one record or EP. It’s time to reject the radio and MTV; yes, some of you are entering uncharted waters, but the possibility that you just might find something worthwhile in that bleak sea of sound is worth the effort. Even if you don’t find something you like at least you were making the choice, instead of trying to keep your head above water.