Guidelines for the Black Keys' Music: A Decalogue
The Black Keys Celebrate the Blues: A Journey into their Inspirations
The US rock band The Black Keys, hailing from Nashville, have always had a unique music style that is heavily infused with the blues. Recently, the band members, Dan Auerbach (guitar) and Patrick Carney (drums), gathered in a windowless, oxygen-depleted room of a multi-purpose hall in Dübendorf for a special meeting.
The occasion? A discussion about the ten most influential blues albums that have shaped their sound. These albums, considered essential for any collection, have been extinct for forty years in the music industry: blues rock.
The band has compiled a list of these albums, and some key figures and their notable works that inspired them include Junior Kimbrough, R. L. Burnside, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson.
Junior Kimbrough's hypnotic, droning hill country blues style is foundational to The Black Keys' sound. The band even released an EP dedicated to him, underscoring his impact. R. L. Burnside's raw, gritty blues sound helped craft the rough aesthetic The Black Keys emulate, especially on their early albums.
Howlin' Wolf, known for his powerful voice and electric blues style, is closely referenced by The Black Keys, both in sound and attitude. As a seminal delta blues figure, Robert Johnson's influence on the blues genre is profound and filters into The Black Keys' music.
While exact album titles were not explicitly listed, some of the iconic artists' seminal albums are implicitly among the most important influences. For instance, Junior Kimbrough's All Night Long and Sad Days, Lonely Nights, R. L. Burnside's A Ass Pocket of Whiskey and Too Bad Jim, Howlin' Wolf's Moanin' in the Moonlight and The Howlin' Wolf Album, and Robert Johnson's King of the Delta Blues Singers all played a significant role.
The band was also inspired by classic blues covers from artists like Muddy Waters, whose works they covered early on. These albums, emblematic of raw, lo-fi, and gritty blues, helped The Black Keys form their signature sound characterized by crunchy guitar riffs, unconventional drumming, and a garage blues rock aesthetic that blends traditional blues with punk energy.
After the meeting, the band performed a concert at "The Hall" in front of 5000 fans, following the release of their new album titled "No Rain, No Flowers". The concert took place in the same venue, marking a memorable night for both the band and their fans.
[1] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-black-keys-discuss-the-10-blues-albums-that-changed-their-lives-1062597/ [2] https://www.npr.org/2010/03/17/124808232/the-black-keys-go-blues [3] https://www.pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16045-attack-and-release/ [4] https://www.blurt-online.com/reviews/the-black-keys-attack-and-release/ [5] https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/mar/29/the-black-keys-attack-and-release-review
The Black Keys, driven by their deep love for the blues, also explore other entertainment channels featuring music reminiscent of their roots. For instance, they've covered classic blues songs by Muddy Waters, showcasing their appreciation for the genre's rich history.
Inspired by seminal albums such as Junior Kimbrough's "All Night Long" and "Sad Days, Lonely Nights," The Black Keys continue to incorporate elements of hill country blues into their own music, creating a unique blend of blues and punk energy.
