These live in studio performances really capture the band with something to prove. The audience listening at the time is probably hearing many of these tracks for the first time. The years between recording adds to the understanding of the growth of the recorded sound and band’s development.

Fans will enjoy the subtle differences between the album and these live versions.

The recordings are more than just a live set though, both include an interview with host Nick Harcourt. As ever, listening to an interview is so much better than reading one. The 2003 interview is so fresh and unaffected about their early influences, not to mention Pat’s ubiquitous dry humour. The 2008 interview is quite insightful about the recording process for the ‘Attack and Release’ album.

On July 25, 2003, The Black Keys had just finished opening for Beck when they were recorded. The seminal ‘Thickfreakness’ album had only been released a few months earlier. The recorded sound is really raw and fuzzed out. The 2008 recording is much better in sound quality. The rarely played  cover of  ‘She Said, She Said’ by The Beatles off The Big Come Up album is a treat to hear.

On March 31, 2008, The Black Keys were previewing new tracks from the ‘Attack and Release’ album but also playing some favourites. There’s an interesting version of ‘Girl Is On My Mind’ thrown in. The recording of the Captain Beefheart track ‘Here I Am, I Always Am’ they were playing live at the time is a real beauty and rarity.

Enough chatter, the music speaks for itself, turn it up…

2003:

2008:

Hat tip to fan James McIntosh.

Related posts:

1. Blakroc: Listen to Pat Carney on Triple J Radio
2. Listen: Dan Auerbach Interview On Triple J Radio
3. Blakroc: Listen To A Very Cool Interview with The Black Keys on Sirius Satellite Radio