Black Keys - Strange Times

Having discussed "Salute Your Solutions" from The Raconteurs yesterday and not quite satisfying my "inner rock" it only seemed natural to move on to the Black Keys today. In reality the Black Keys have more in common with Jack White's other band both in sound and in the number of band members: 2. The irony is that it was probably the success of The White Strips that helped get these guys some attention and it may be that same success that's preventing them from sharing more of the limelight. In fact, even when I go to Amazon to check out their new (and excellent) album "Attack & Release" the number one recommendation is The Raconteurs new album "Consolers of the Lonely" (also excellent) and I bet if there was a new White Stripes album it would be listed as well. All this comparison is unfair to The Black Keys though as after five studio albums the band has put together a fine catalog music certainly worthy of its own acclaim. "Strange Times" opens with pounding drums, some cymbals and then an attention grabbing guitar riff that sucks you right into the song. The track carries on briskly except for the "strange tiiimmeess" refrain when the pace abruptly shifts down a few gears and some atmospherics seep into the song (on a side note i can't place what song this refrain reminds me of and it is driving me insane...a faster paced "She's So Heavy" by The Beatles perhaps...no don't think that is it...). The two contrasting tempos keep the song interesting and make for a great listen (the three and a half minutes seemingly go by in an instant). In addition if you have ever wondered what it would be like to bring a "real laser gun" into a game of laser tag (against children at that) then you will probably want to check out the corresponding video which is available on RYIH TV.