Who knew Broken Bells could sound so good?

Broken Bells eponymous debut album was released in the U.S. and Canada on March 9, to the delight of many. Brian Burton, a.k.a. Danger Mouse, and James Mercer of The Shins are the connoisseurs of this fine project. Each man a powerhouse in his own right, they found out that they were fans of each other’s work after a fated meeting at a Danish music festival in 2004. Thus spawn the inception of Broken Bells.

Mercer and Burton began laying the foundation for the album in secret at Burton’s Los Angeles based studio in March of 2008. When asked they described their new material as “melodic, but experimental.” I believe it was early in January when I heard the song “The High Road” played on KCRW and about lost my little mind. Immediately following the song I looked up Broken Bells and was just tickled to find out who was involved. Pretty much anything involving Danger Mouse is going to be at least good…if not mind-blowing!

Listening to a full album is not a common occurrence anymore, but when played from start to finish the album tells a wonderfully melodic and inspired story. Like fine wine, each taste has new notes and slowly developing undertones that resonate within. Broken Bells presents a rich and robust resonance that makes you want to come back for seconds…thirds even! The influence of The Beatles and folk music in general is apparent in their sound, while there is also a deep affection for synth-pop laced throughout the album.



In an interview on KCRW, Danger Mouse mentioned that he drew inspiration from 80’s music in producing this album. This is particularly evident on songs like “The Ghost Inside” and “Trap Doors” where the bond to the beat is in the clapping. In the song “Mongrel Heart” the composition is extremely evocative and when you least expect it, it breaks into this epic lingering spaghetti western type solo that is simply marvelous.

Mercer’s distinct vocals almost serve as an instrument on their own while Danger Mouse’s wealth of knowledge from instrumental to production automatically put this album near top of the pops. The album is masterfully composed and I would expect nothing less from Burton who has worked with artists ranging from Sage Francis, The Black Keys, Beck, and Bright Eyes. You really must check it out!

Keep it simple...and dirty!

I had heard the name before, but never bothered to listen to anything by them for some unknown reason. Yesterday I was guided by a force to listen to The Black Keys. After discovering their recent project with hip hop veteran Damon Dash called Blakroc which features The Black Keys, Mos Def, Q-tip, RZA, Jim Jones, Raekwon, Pharoahe Monch, Nicole Wray, Ol’ Dirty Bastard and several others seamlessly combining rap and rocky blues. I felt like a kid on Christmas when you get that one gift that makes you so happy you could just cry.



A two piece band comprised of vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer/producer Patrick Carney. The band formed in Akron, Ohio in 2001 and masterfully shaped 5 albums to date with the latest album Attack & Release produced by Danger Mouse and put out in 2009. The band released their debut album, The Big Come Up, in 2002, followed by Thickfreakness in 2003, Rubber Factory in 2004, and in 2006 they released their fourth album, Magic Potion. With many of their songs appearing in popular TV shows and commercials, you may have heard The Black Keys before and not even known it.



Their sound is raw and pure as if they connect you straight to the earth with each rugged riff and thunderous beat. If they were fresh produce, they would surely be the homegrown organic variety. Every line delivered by Dan Auerbach’s wonderfully soulful voice reaches right into your chest, grabs your core, and shakes it with the truth. A dash of Jimmy Hendrix, a cube of Vanilla Fudge, a pinch of Zeppelin, and just a drop of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins will bring you close to the recipe for a mouth-watering taste, The Black Keys. Stripped down and gritty, the production style makes each album seem like an old time rockin’ blues treasure uncovered from your grandfather’s closet. The Black Keys could very well be the incarnation of many great music Gods.



After listening to all 5 albums and some tracks off their EP’s, I am madly in love with The Black Keys. I’ve got it bad and all I want to do is share it with the world. Each song seeped into my skin and slowly made a footprint on my heart that I hope never disappears. Next on my list of things to do before I die: See The Black Keys LIVE!!!

Check’em out: