We here at FreshScouts appreciate rock as much as the next person. You might even say that we “rock out” on occassion. We also appreciate the blues and sometimes, even have the blues. But where am I going with this poorly constructed introduction? I’m glad you asked. What we love more than anything are blues and rock combined. It’s like a supergroup of genres that we just can’t get enough of. Blues-rock. That’s what I’ll call it.
The Black Keys
If you were looking in a dictionary for “Blues Rock” you would find a picture of the Black Keys next to the more-than-obvious definition. You would also be the only one looking in a dictionary. Awkward… But the Black Keys aren’t just the definition of a blues-rock band. They create a unique sound that blends a rock essence closer to the White Stripes while still retaining traditional blues qualities. They are also able to blend many different sounds together to keep their music fresh and undeniably different from other rock bands out there today. The Black Keys are constantly expanding their musical repertoire to push the limits of the blues-rock genre and I have to say, I am constantly impressed.
Their earlier albums definitely produce a thicker blues sound that are not as apparent in their most recent album, Attack and Release. This new cut focuses more on a gritty rock sound that matches the rough-around-the-edges quality of lead singer Dan Auerbach’s voice perfectly. You may recognize the song “Strange Times” from our weekly jukebox a few months ago or “I Got Mine” which has gotten some pretty heavy radio play recently. But even if you haven’t, it’s time to jump on the band wagon. Check out “I Got Mine” below. You can’t see it here, but this video got 5 stars on YouTube so, you know, it’s kind of a big deal.
Their songs have recently been featured in commercials, video games and TV shows on NBC, HBO and Showtime. It’s also rumoured (on Wikipedia) that they have a slew of fans that include Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin, Thom Yorke from Radiohead, Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top and Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age. Not too bad of fan base. So if you want to become a part of one of the most elite fan clubs that ever existed (not sure how I can source this) then you need to check out the Black Keys.
Take a listen to Attack and Release:
Amazon Music
If you like The Black Keys, check out Crash Kings!
Pendulum – “Propane Nightmares”
Ok, so even though the video is admittedly kind of scary (if you know what the hell is actually going on), this song definitely rocks. For the subject matter, it has a contradictory up-beat dance flavor while still retaining its rock undertones.
iTunes
People In Planes – “Last Man Standing”
People In Planes are still relatively new to the music scene, but this song has been stuck in my head for many a day now. I haven’t really checked out any of their other music yet (I’ll get to that), but I thought I’d get this song to your ears sooner rather than later. Wouldn’t want to be the “last man standing” that hasn’t heard this song yet. That was lame.
iTunes
The Black Keys – “Strange Times”
Definitely pulling on some Raconteurs spices, The Black Keys know how to rock the funk-grunge scene. This is one of those songs I started hearing more often without actually knowing who sang the song. Now that I know, you should too. The Black Keys are definitely a group to keep on your radar.
iTunes
