We’ve all heard about The Black Keys collaborations with Ike Turner (RIP) and ZZ Top. It’s topical again since Dan Auerbach has been working with his Dad, Uncle James and Jessica Lea Mayfield on his new solo album.

It seems the ‘Keys are expanding their recorded outlook as much as they are in supporting other bands. Traditionally the band have concentrated on the sounds they create. As a fan I don’t think they need anyone’s help to continue their vision – if it aint broken why fix it?

Nevertheless, I can’t believe the visibly excited demeanour of Dan playing with Hacienda live won’t flow into the ‘Keys in some way.

I thought I’d make up a very personal and incomplete list of musicians/bands I’d like to see The Black Keys work with on their new album.

> The RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan – You’d reckon it could happen sooner or later since Dan and Pat are such big fans. I’d love to see samples at least back on an album like we saw on The Big Come Up.

> Cedric, Garry and Duwayne Burnside – It makes sense since Dan is such a big fan of RL Burnside (RIP) and Junior Kimbrough (RIP) and the North Mississippi sound. Duwayne is RL’s son and also played in Kimbrough’s band. Garry is Duwayne’s younger brother. Cedric is RL’s grandson. Cedric and Garry play together in the Burnside Exploration. All of them great players.

> John Frusciante from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Frusciante’s guitar style is quite different to Dan’s. I suggest their different licks would be quite complementary. Both are very humble guitarists, they share a love of idisyncratic music, effects and recording techniques.

> Nick Cave. The ‘Keys and Nick Cave both share a love of swamp rock and theatrical atmospherics. Dan and Nick both have wry sense of humor and look on the bright side of the moody gloom of life for inspiration. At the very least they would write an awesome movie soundtrack together with the help of Warren Ellis’s violin sound.

> Battles. Imagine Pat and John Stanier going at it. Mix this with the grind of Dan’s guitar and the electro infusion of the rest of the Battles posse. This surely would be some mad 21st century mash up of styles.

Honourable Mention:

I’d love to see a fully-formed duet between Jessica Lea Mayfield and Dan on vocals. Some type of anguished love song gone wrong, a call and haunted reply approach, maybe?

Your Turn:

Who do you think should/might guest on the next Black Keys album being recorded in August 09 in Memphis (probably)?

Related posts:

1. Six Degrees of The Black Keys
2. The Black Keys’ Record Store Day Surprise 2010
3. The Black Keys’ Record Store Day Bonus 7 Inch Vinyl Release