Things Aint Like They Used to Be, for the Black Keys.
I've spent a lot of time sorting out my mixed feelings about this album, and I'm not sure if I've sorted them all out yet but I figured I'd give it a try. In many ways it is too smooth, it lacks the grit, inconsistencies and heavy rifts that gave them a sound that was so intoxicating. You could take any song, grab onto their brilliant rifts and let them take you for a ride that beat any roller coaster. These are the type of songs that Patrick Carney produces so brilliantly, so I was hesitant when I heard Danger Mouse was producing. While he does some good, even great stuff, a nice riff certainly isn't his thing. I haven't changed my thinking. Danger Mouse never let the riffs take over, he never gave them enough room to breathe. "I Got Mine" is probably the biggest offender, since it seemed to aspire to be a song from a previous Keys album, but falling well short. On Remember When (Side B) probably comes closest to mastering the rifts, but as good of as song it is, I feel Patrick would have handled it better.
On the other hand, there are some truly great songs on this album. "Psychotic Girl" sounds far more like a Danger Mouse song than a TBK song, but I find it hard to deny its brilliance. "Ocean and Streams" and "So He Won't Break" definitely have the Danger Mouse fingerprints, but manage to maintain much of the TBK spirit, leaving us with some really good songs.
The song I've found to be my favorite is "Things Ain't Like They Used to Be." From the opening record player crackle I knew I was getting something a little more raw than the rest of the album, and was rewarded with the kind of brilliant, pull at your heart strings ballad that many attempt, but only the greatest can pull off.
Overall I think I really like this album. However, as someone that has heard every song The Black Keys have ever released (trust me, they don't make it easy for you to find everything), I'd put this towards the bottom of their pantheon. I know they wanted to try to expand their sound, and I think they did so far more brilliantly with "Rubber Factory." This album may have been better served with Danger Mouse and Patrick splitting producing duties, Pat on some of the more riff focused songs with DM taking over on the others. I hope Patrick goes back to producing for the Keys after this, since he's proven to be the only one to fully harness the raw power and the energy that is The Black Keys.
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Dull and UNfunky
When I think about The Black Keys I think about Hendrix inspired funky guitar riffs and soulful beats. This album has none of that. From start to finish, every song consistently disappoints with each dull rhythm and overly simplistic lyrics. There is just nothing to get exciting about when you listen to this album. If you are looking for a slow depressing album full of pseudo soul, this is for you.
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No Thickfreakness
As a fan of TBK and owner of everything they have ever produced I bought this album even knowing the potential pitfalls.
Yes, it is better than what a lot of bands are putting out, which makes it good.
However it is not to the standards we expect from TBK.
This doesn't even come close to the dirt and grit of Thickfreakness or Rubber Factory.
The chunky riffs are apparent on maybe half the songs on this album.
Bottom line? Too slick.
That being said, I just saw the boys live here in Seattle and it was all raw!!!!
In this day and age with so many side projects from bands they should have grabbed a vocalist and released this under a different name.
Consider this Danger Mouse thing a failed experiment.
I will be anxiously awaiting your next album.
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