It’s that time of year again when everyone looks back at what was and what could have been. It’s no different for me and The Black Keys. Here’s a few observations about the band in 2008. And some crystal ball gazing about 2009.

2008

The Black Keys (almost) became part of a mainstream consciousness.From Letterman to Lollapalooza the band must have played more shows in 2008 than any other year. It seems Dan and Pat have been on the road constantly. Across the States, Europe, Australia (twice) and elsewhere.

They are certainly getting themselves out there but I for one fear burn out. Geez, they both have wives who I’m sure would love to see them more.

The new Attack & Release album came out to almost universal praise. It was a landmark in that it was so strong and diverse after the ‘OK but  more of the same’ nature of Magic Potion. It’s opened more ears than any other. All the DIY recording over the years seemed to be expressed so well in th is big studio sound album.

Attack and Release seems to be on so many peoples ‘Top Albums of 2008′ lists. Everyone also talks about the hip hop production connection of Danger Mouse on the album yet The Black  Keys have always loved hip hop and the Wu-Tang Clan specifically. And, correct me if I’m wrong, but their first album The Big Come Up remains the only album to feature samples.

Busy as they are the band has still found time to variously start their own label, found their own recording studio and help produce numerous up and coming bands we’ll no doubt hear alot more from in 2009.

The year was neatly wrapped and packaged by the new Crystal Ballroom Live DVD. It really showcased the breadth of sound, confidence and musical command of the band.

The band has always had a respect for grass roots poster art and publicity and we’ve covered this quite a bit this year. The new Black Keys official website leveraged off their album artwork and provided a strong identity.

As popular as they get Dan and Pat still have a real approachable quality to their personalities, wear Converse, and talk about fast food in more interviews than all other bands combined.

2009?

I’m still hopeful The RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan will produce the next album.

Who knows where Dan’s solo project will lead.  I can only think it will be positive for the band to take a break. But then again it seems when the creative juices are flowing you’ve got to bottle them as fast as possible before the mojo vanishes as fast as it could previously be pumped.

Prediction: Dan will shave his beard off. Just like Liam Finn did after my post about their hairy visage.

Hopefully someone will answer my question about who is The Black Keys Roadie?

Hopefully all these questions and more will be answered if I can get an interview with the band when they arrive in Australia in early 2009. Come what may I’ll still be jibbering on about them in 2009.

Have a safe and prosperous Festive Season.

Related posts:

1. 2009: The Black Keys Year In Review
2. Review: The Black Keys @ The Pyramid Rock Festival New Years Eve 2008
3. 2010: The Black Keys’ Year In Review

Gavin Murray recently won a double pass in a competition on this website to see The Black Keys and Dr. Dog at the Converse Century Concert Series show in San Francisco on 30 October 2008.

Gavin got to meet Dan and Pat before the show. At the show he got a custom poster designed by Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists shoe collaborator Meghan Berckes which was given to all concert-goers.

Gavin got his poster signed by Dan and Pat and you can see Pat has done a good job at defacing his likeness on the poster.

Gavin has been kind enough to do a review of the show for The Black Keys Fan Lounge:

“After the release of Attack and Release, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Black Keys live performance. Luckily for me, it was the classic two man distortion injected blues I’ve come to know and love, but until now had never had the privilege of seeing in person.

Dan and Pat took the stage humbly, as if they didn’t know they possessed the talent and raw rocktastic (its a word, look it up!) abilities to draw in a sold out show to the Fillmore, and with few words commenced the show. Dan’s Rickenbacker beautiful white against his humble attire sounded magnificent through his unique amp set up. Pat’s furious drumming and Dan’s moaning guitar created the energetic, soulful blues that the band is known for, getting more out of a two man group than many can get out of a trio or even a quartet.

It was a treat to see the Black Keys pull off their new songs in the tradition of their earlier albums, Strange Times sounded magnificent, and my personal favorite song from Attack and Release, Psychotic Girl, opened up their encore with an intensity I’d never heard in the song before (I’ll admit a part of me did miss the banjo though.) Their visitations to their old work were astounding, bringing the Sonics’ classic Have Love Will Travel to life and their hit Set You Free to live ferocity as the fans sang along. From beginning to end the show rocked.

The opening band, Dr. Dog, held their own as well, creating blues-stomping infused indie-rock sound in the a somewhat soulful folky vain, an apt opening to an amazing show.

Meeting the Black Keys was only overshadowed by the opportunity to see them live. To anyone who has the chance to see either of these great bands, do so, and don?t think twice about it.”

Gavin’s photos below, that’s him next to Dan. See more in the Flickr stream on the side of this post including some other professional images taken on the night:

Related posts:

1. Free Tickets to The Black Keys San Francisco Concert, 30 October 2008
2. Review: Dan Auerbach @ The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, 9 April 2009
3. 2008: The Black Keys Year In Review