Morning Music Report #21

Akron, Ohio's The Black Keys are one of those groups I should have discovered long before I did. I was, however, living with a pop- and rock-loving type and didn't hear much in the way of the blues until I started really listening to PJ Harvey in 2001. Through my university career they were mentioned a few times, but I never really checked them out until earlier this year when I picked up 2004's Rubber Factory from a bargain bin in a record store in Brooklyn.

They are oft-compared to The White Stripes, but I'm not going to go there (though I suppose I just did), because I believe that that comparison only happens because we're dealing with white people who play the blues (see also: white rappers).

The race thing seems to be an issue that follows the Keys around. This is not something I am equipped to discuss in any great detail, but I will say that I don't get what the fuss is about...music is music. Just because a couple of white guys from middle America are good at playing the blues doesn't mean they're "imitating" black people...what it probably means is that they're good at playing the blues. The fact that this same issue doesn't come up with the Stripes seems to only be because the "blues" they play are really rock n roll. Apparently, if you're not as good at playing the blues you're less likely to get blamed for appropriating black culture. Hooray for mediocrity!

I will say, however, that I think being in your twenties (as the Keys' Dan Auerbach and Pat Carney are) is reason enough to sing the blues. I am obviously slightly biased in this opinion.

What this all essentially boils down to is this: The Black Keys are good at playing the blues. Period. If you are inclined to try and agree, I recommend Rubber Factory and this year's Magic Potion (watch for a review in November's Off-Centre Magazine). Below, The Black Keys perform "Stack Shot Billy," from Rubber Factory on Letterman. Enjoy!

(Side note: I hate Letterman but I wanted a live video and the fan-shot ones are horrible, so this is what you get.)