By: Tony Wilson
Well, hello again, Buffalo. It’s been a little while since I’ve had a chance to inform the good people of this city of the upcoming, can’t-miss music talent that will be venturing this way. That’s not to say that August didn’t have any good shows. Think of it more as a respite from my shenanigans. Why the need for the self-imposed break? Well, probably cause my articles are a little goofballish–borderline obnoxious, even.
But even more importantly, Buffalo, it was to prepare you. To rest your wearied ears and eyes from the past summer’s eclectic slate, and to prepare you for the barrage of shows in September that are going to rock your socks off.
First on my list of entertainment alerts are Akron, Ohio blues rock duo, The Black Keys, who play Town Ballroom on September 2nd. Judging from the swift nature in which this show sold out (same day tickets went on sale) it might not be necessary to ‘inform’ you all. It seems as though you already knew how special this show was going to be. So, congratulate yourself, go buy a slushy. Then get ready to get your blues rock face melted off.
For those of you unfamiliar with the group let me do my best to explain.
The Black Keys, as mentioned before, are a duo, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach, and drummer Patrick Carney. The group has been together for almost a decade and sport seven full length LPs.
The earlier records consisted of stripped down classic blues rock riffs, powerful and effective drum rhythms, and Auerbach’s growly soulful vocals. Their style adhered closely to their bluesy roots, while never being afraid to drop a classic rock solo. And, while the duo failed to break into mainstream the way some of their counterparts (White Stripes?) did, their consistently edgy albums led to the formation of a die hard fanbase.
In 2006, after releasing their fifth (in five years) LP, Magic Potion, the band went on a break to gain some perspective. After a veritable lifetime for this super prolific group they returned in 2008 with a new LP named Attack and Release. A&R was a stylistic jump for the group. They had enlisted the help of producer heavyweight Danger Mouse to help them develop some new twists on their sound, and as hoped, those twists were delivered. Accompanying the typical riffs and rolls were additions of new avenues to express their bluesy sound. Keyboards and flutes and various other instruments were infused into their work, and the result was the most well-rounded album the group had produced to date.
Following an extensive tour for the album, the group decided to take another well-deserved break. Apparently ‘a break’ just meant more time to work on personal projects. Auerbach released a solo album in 2009 called Keep It Hid, which reverted back to the classic stripped down Keys sound. Any fan of the Keys surely counts this as part of their collection. Carney also formed a group–appropriately named Drummer–and released an album in 2009. If all of that wasn’t enough, the two rejoined forces and enlisted a number of hip hop and R&B artists to collaborate on a rap rock album titled Blakroc.
When their <cough> break ended. They managed to record their latest LP, Brothers. Brothers once again finds Danger Mouse at the helm as producer. As one would expect, DM helps the guys push their Black Keys sound even further. Again the group employs a wide array of new instrumentation like organs and slide guitars and other various accompaniments to stretch their sound. But even more interesting is the liberation of Auerbach’s vocal range as he carries a falsetto tune now and again, and works to show that he’s not a one trick pony. It’s an exciting album and a good example of how a band doesn’t need to throw out their original concept to maintain a creative edge.
Then there’s the show. Why is the show special? Well, as I mentioned earlier, the Keys have a very loyal fanbase that allows them to play main stages at rock festivals, and not as the first or second show, but as main attractions. And trust me, after seeing them at Lollapalooza and earlier this summer with the Flaming Lips, these guys know how to make their sound fill festival-sized venues. How they’re playing at Town Ballroom baffles me. It’s about as intimate a show as you’re going to get, and not because of what is sure to be a shoulder-to-shoulder cramped event. If you were one of the lucky ones to score a ticket you’re in for a real treat. These guys ooze cool, and it’s sure to flood the ballroom that night.
As for me, I sadly underestimated your recognition of the radness of this event. For shame. I will be outside pandering the crowd for sparezies…see you then, Buffalo.
Here are some good’ns to give you an idea. But, if you do your own search, you pretty much can’t go wrong…
Next Girl
I Got Mine
Elevator
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Tony Wilson is a freelance music journalist. When asked about his experience he says “I’m just a guy who likes music”. Follow his musings at xsonicanarchyx.blogspot.com or email him at xsonicanarchyx@gmail.com.