The Black Keys Fan Lounge Forum

Whats up guys! First song I ever heard from the Black Keys was Psychotic Girl. I immediately fell in love with the different type sound that was comin from my speakers. I immediately bought all of their albums.

The first show that I attended was last year in Amsterdam I was visiting a friend in Holland and they just happened to be performing during my stay. They performed at the Paradiso, which was a 300 year old Church that was converted into a concert hall. Best concert that I have ever attended, hands down. They tore the roof off that place.

As far as El Camino: Yes, their sound has changed. The album does not have the same raw sound that they used to have. They are evolving. This album fills me with energy and puts me in a good mood. Personally, it is my favorite album of theirs. I cant pick a favorite song! My only complaint is I wish that Dan would have busted out more guitar solos. He is way too talented to not break out his guitar more often during those songs.

I have been checkin out this forum for a year now, and I am excited to finally be a part of it. Much love!

Just A Little Heat -

"As far as El Camino: Yes, their sound has changed. The album does not have the same raw sound that they used to have. They are evolving. This album fills me with energy and puts me in a good mood. Personally, it is my favorite album of theirs. I cant pick a favorite song! My only complaint is I wish that Dan would have busted out more guitar solos. He is way too talented to not break out his guitar more often during those songs."

Hi and Welcome. I too love Just A Little Heat.

I have a slightly different opinion of El Camino than what you express here but I agree re: evolution. It's inevitable and necessary. I prefer the grit and grime; the wicked raw deliciousness that seems to be washing out a bit.

You wrote something in particular that caught my attention: "He is way too talented to not break out his guitar more often during those songs." I agree. I was discussing this album with a friend this morning and I said, "not enough guitar" as I struggled to express my impressions of the album. He quickly pointed out that there is plenty of guitar and he's right! So why do I come away feeling that it's missing? I suspect this is the thing I am grasping at; trying to express, but cannot pin down.

Don't get me wrong, there are bits of every song on El Camino that I like and even some big chunks. I mean it is The Black Keys after all and they are damned near to perfect. Still, no Dan-gasms for me on this one. At least not yet and I am on my 4th listen. It does grow on me, though, with each play through. And seeing it live will be every bit as awesome as is seeing anything else they do live, I am sure.

Someone on this forum (I am sorry I cannot recall your name) said, "There is no urgency." That's as close as I have been able to come to capturing what I feel about the album. It tastes a little bit like chicken and I am most disappointed that the intimacy of the smaller venues appears to be gone... alas... the world moves on.

Completely hearing bits-o’ T-Rex, The Stones, Petty, and even a Doors/Krieger-esque second or two (Nova Baby) that pleased me immensely. Dan's vocals are dogdamned amazing on this album. I do see why Little Black Submarines is compared to Stairway, but Stairway it is not. I do like it though. I have come to enjoy the hell out of Lonely Boy - never expected that! – and Money Maker is one of my favorites. Some of the songs just seem to drop off into thin air - (Dead and Gone). Most of the songs I intensely like half and intensely dislike the other half . . . of the same damned song! WTF? I am sure though, in the end, this album will find its place in my life just as all of their work has done. It's not my favorite but I'm warming up to it.

Beginning fifth spin now and lookitthat ma! Are those my toes are tapping to Gold On The Ceiling!

Looking forward to the performance on Colbert tonight.