Two days ago the Black Keys released a new album called Brothers. Clearly they've shown growth with Attack and Release, which this album isn't quite as evident of, but there are some subtle, creditable additions. I am loving Everlasting Light, a falsetto track which is obvs a risk for them, and the female voice samples on some other tracks. Tighten Up, which some may remember from Rites of Spring, was produced by Danger Mouse (the Gorillaz guy... in case you were wondering... which btdubs, Plastic Beach is incredible, no matter how much i hate to admit...) and is the poppiest and catchiest track in my opinion. It degrades itself within its first 20 seconds with an "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" intro, but it makes up for it once that's over. Surely it will make the next single, though not my personal fave of Brothers. As always, some tracks are outstanding and conspicuous among a handful that blend in with the rest of the Black Keys not-so-popular songs. Overall, it's exactly what you would expect from the Black Keys at this point, and that doesn't mean that it's not an excellent album. It's definitely worth checking out, and I have a feeling it is one that will grow on me in no time.
Interview for those with the time...
http://www.interviewmagazine.com/blogs/music/2010-05-17/black-keys-brothers/
Track for those who should make the time...
On a slightly more exciting note (no offense to the black keys)...
June 29 is a date to mark in your calendars if you appreciate music at all. Wolf Parade, my favorite Canadian band of. all. time. is releasing an album on this date, 19 days after I will (hopefully) be seeing them at Pitchfork Music Fest in Chicago. The two songs streaming on pitchfork left me even more excited for the show than i was before (if that is even possible). so. get pumped and check out this recordddd (slash their last few if you haven't already... for shame!).
Wolf Parade - What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Had To Go This Way)
Wolf Parade - Ghost Pressure
Lastly, Sea of Cowards is everything I wanted and more from The Dead Weather. Who would have thought it could get better than Horehound? Not to mention their live show will blow you away. Even the album artwork and music video direction are absolutely incredible... fyi, history of the mask Alison is wearing in this photo: despite popular belief it is not just a mardi gras mask design. In the medieval ages, doctors wore these around patients with the black plague, and would stuff lavender and such into the tip of the nose so as to avoid contagion. It was the last sight of many of those on their deathbed. creepy, huh? The Dead Weather would. Where Karen O's wild rumpus ended, Alison Mosshart's just started:
The Dead Weather - I'm Mad (Studio Version)
Flora Sigismondi, director of Runaways (amazing movie if you haven't seen it yet, and still in theatres), did this video for the single off of the album. makes sense, it's amazing.
