I was driving really late one clear summer night in my pimpin' minivan listening to The Black Keys' "Act Nice & Gentle." It was my favorite song of theirs at the time and, incidentally, the only song I really knew. The full moon lit up dingy barns, and no one shared the road with me -- a perfect night for the blues. Before I could switch to another song, the rest of the album started playing. My minivan instantly transformed itself into a midnight-blue Cadillac. I wasn't driving in Madison County anymore. I was on an endless road to nowhere. Thankfully, The Black Keys' new album, Attack & Release, feeds my wanderlust in the blues world, and it promises to awake any new listener's dormant desire for the sweet, sweet blues.
The Black Keys are the kick-ass duo from Akron, Ohio -- Dan Auerbach (guitar and vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums). Known for their experimental effects, such as leaving background noise on some of their tracks, The Black Keys project an anything-but-ordinary sound. They are still relatively under the radar, but the band has been getting more attention lately with musical appearances in School of Rock, Black Snake Moan and on some late-night talk shows. Teaming up with Danger Mouse, who produced Gorillaz' hit single "DARE" and Gnarls Barkley' debut St. Elsewhere, The Black Keys have unmistakably hit their stride with Attack & Release.
I've been singing along and playing air guitar to this album ever since its release April 1. It opens with "All You Ever Wanted," an easygoing song that is reminiscent of my forever favorite, "Act Nice and Gentle" on their older album, Rubber Factory. The rest of the album is an ecstasy-inducing blur of sultry guitar licks and infectious beats -- it's just some good soul medicine.
Having a drab day? Take a dip in "Oceans & Streams," and bring a bit of a swagger on your walk to class. Feeling a little love sick? Find your remedy in "So He Won't Break" or "Lies," and let those chords begin the healing process. Finally, with summer vacation drawing near, Attack & Release is an ideal buy for those lazy days spent by the pool. Relax with songs like "Things Ain't Like They Used to Be," and let the rest of the album sink in like those oh-so-healthy UV rays.
My only complaint is that this album is far too short. With only 12 songs and 45 minutes of continuous play, I feel like writing my own blues song about how The Black Keys did me wrong. For new listeners, though, it's the perfect length for a quick stroll into the glamorous world of The Black Keys.
This album complements the rest of the duo's previous releases. It's refreshing, alluring and just plain good. On my endless road in the blues world, obstacles crop up on the way. I get a flat tire, I run out of gas. I can't remember the last time I chowed down in a decent diner. Sometimes I find myself singin' the blues on the side of the road itchin' for someone to give me a ride back to where I belong. Attack & Release is that spare tire, that full tank of gas and that super-size burger and fries that keeps me going. Put simply, my midnight-blue Caddy and I wouldn't be complete without it. In the words of the album's song titles, during these "Strange Times" this album is "All [You] Ever Wanted." It ain't the "Same Old Thing," so "I Got Mine." Where's yours? 3
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