Doc Hop

In the 10 years The Black Keys have been making music the duo has sold more than 1.7 million  records, making it one of the most successful blues/rock groups currently hitting US airwaves.

The band, which got their start in Akron, Ohio in 2001, includes vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer/producer Patrick Carney. Together Auerbach and Carney have received five Grammy nominations, winning “Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group” (Tighten Up), Best Alternative Music Album (Brothers) and Best Recording Package (Brothers) in 2011.

How do I even begin to describe The Black Keys in a way that will do them any justice? Their hard rock sounds and bluesy undertones are vaguely reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix or Jimmy Page —  as if they were plucked from the past and placed in the present for my listening enjoyment.

I’ve liked the band for awhile now, but it wasn’t until I kept hearing their songs on my various Pandora stations that I came to appreciate them as much as I do now.

I’ve included the band’s official video for Tighten Up. Check it out and let me know what you think.

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While The Black Keys played Bonnaroo last year, they were up against The Flaming Lips, and Addam and I ended up missing out. This year they’ll be playing Saturday night, from 8 to 9:30, on the What Stage, Roo’s second largest. They’re not up against anyone huge, but even if they were, enteral hell-fire couldn’t keep me from their show. Out of all of the amazing headliners scheduled to perform, I’m most excited to see The Keys.

Auerbach will also be performing in this year’s Super Jam, with Dr. John Sunday night. The Super Jam had been a tradition since 2006, but it’s been off for about two or three years now. I don’t know much about Dr. John, but Auerback was definitely the perfect pick to bring it back.

Discography:

Sounds Like:

• Led Zeppelin
• Jimi Hendrix
• The Raconteurs
• Cage the Elephant
• B.B. King

Songs to Listen For:

1. Tighten Up
2. Psychotic Girl
3. Howlin’ For You
4. The Flame
5. Goodbye Babylon
6. I Got Mine
7. When The Lights Go Out
8. Next Girl
9. Unknown Brother
10. Everlasting Light

Times at Roo: 3

Times I’ve Seen Them: 0

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“Take my badge, but my heart remains/Lovin’ you, baby child /Tighten up on your reigns /You’re runnin’ wild, runnin’ wild.” — The Black Keys, Tighten Up (2010).