I got paid and I was on the road in a heartbeat…
Wahey! Guess what got delivered to me today? on a Sunday? A day before it hits the shops? nothing less than Black Keys Turn Blue. Yup! Whilst I may harbour deep reservations about their corporate tax avoidance strategies and working conditions, you can’t deny that Amazon get the job done*.
First impressions were that a couple of tunes aside this was a real downbeat LP, compared to El Camino which I found a bit lightweight and Brothers who’s atmosphere I just loved unreservedly. Not that it wasn’t without its moments the sheer, umm, weight of lengthy opener ‘Weight of Love’ was impressive, as was the scratchy glittery ‘Fever’. But when I got to the end of Side B I was just mown down by the best song I’ve heard in ages, ‘Gotta Get Away’. Imagine a cross between the Rolling Stones at their most jaunty and Brown Sugary and Suzi Quatro, with just a dash of Lynyrd Skynyrd to sweeten the mix and you’re part way there. There aren’t many songs I dance to the first time I hear them, especially when I’m ironing.
I went from San Berdoo to Kalamazoo
Just to get away from you
It is just wonderful, completely throwaway pop song from a lost world when you could have huge pop singles with rocking guitars and a real toe tapper too. I played it 5 times on the bounce after that first listen and it sports an ace guitar solo too. I’m sure the rest of Turn Blue will worm its way into my consciousness given time, but ‘Gotta get Away’ just stormed the gates the way a good song should. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to give it another go.
384 Down (still).
*any parallels between that particular online retailer (which I do try not to use) and certain prominent European historical figures from the late 30s, early 40s, who were also quite good at getting things done are entirely coincidental and the product of your own fevered imaginings for which I cannot be held legally accountable.
I loved this album. Brothers was an instant classic for me but El Camino was kind of a yawn (other than Little Black Submarines). I love the mellow melancholy vibe of this album. And finally, a guitar solo that lasts more than 30 seconds. My favorite right now is “Waiting On Words.” The vocals got me on that one. I’m a huge Black Keys fan and while I do love Turn Blue, I was hoping they’d go back to their earlier stuff. Their most powerful music is when it’s just the two of them. Especially live. Glad I found your blog!
Hiya, sorry I missed your comment first time around – welcome to my self-indulgent house of nonsense.
I’ve listened to this a lot since it first came and I really like it, not up there with Brothers for me, but I like it. That last track really does it for me, great for driving to.
Thanks a lot for stopping by Gretchen.
I have yet to find a reason to slam Amazon. I can’t wait for the Amazon Delivery Drone to begin delivering right to my bed when I’m bedridden with a nasty case of bed sores and orange fingertips from the Cheetos addiction.
I’m a passing fan of The Black Keys. I loved the album everyone seemed to hate(Magic Potion), and nearly equally loved Attack and Release. Brothers grew on me over time and now I think it’s what I’d call a classic. El Camino did nothing for me, and what I’ve heard from the new one didn’t impress me. But reading your review has pushed me to give it a go. I may be picking this up tomorrow. Or next year. Whichever comes sooner.
Sunday delivery. Crazy.
I know, Sunday! I like Magic Potion too.
They were on SNL this past weekend. On first listen the two songs they performed were good but neither was instantly catchy like some of their other lead-off singles. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…many great songs take multiple listens to sink in…but for a band at their level of fame you would think the record company would be pushing for the most commercial song as the first release. Hope the album keeps growing on you, and that you feel anything but blue after a few more listens.
Hi Rich, so far four listens in and it is growing. Well I say four listens but I end up playing ‘Gotta Get away’ on repeat for about 15 minutes each time at the end.
Love songs with clever place name usage. (Did you see My Wild Surmise’s collection of “I’ve been everywhere” clips?).
“Scratchy glittery” is very fine.
Thank you, much as I love glitter, it can be abrasive.
Me too – you can’t beat American place names in songs either. Maybe I’m a bit of a yokel but they all still sound so exotic to me.
Hmm sounds like this might be a reflective Black Keys album from the tone of your review,. They seem to be a band of many colors as they say. sadly I will be waiting till the 13th of May to get mine. Nice review
Thank you, it is mostly more reflective with a killer last track.
Dude! Delivery on a Sunday?? That never happens around here…
Or here, I think the band must have heard just how influential I am!
Could you put in a word for postal delivery services down under? Our wonderful Australia Post is planning on saving money by dropping deliveries to ‘two or three’ per week… unless you want to pay more, of course. GRRR. Think I’ll send Lemmy ’round.
That’s insane, surely postal deliveries should get better as the years roll on, more efficient and more plentiful? as someone who’s spent almost all his life waiting for LPs, books and games to be delivered the post has always been incredibly important to me.
Time to fire up the Chainsaw of Justice, I say!
I love it when pre-orders turn up early!
I know, I think it sort of makes me one of the band.
Yes I think it does. But whatever you do, don’t send your kids to the same school as Jack White’s.
No I read that. I bet he’d stand up in your way to video the nativity play too.
No doubt. He’s the worst kind of competitive Dad.