Magic Potion : Black Keys : Review : Rolling Stone

If Led Zeppelin had formed in 1955 and recorded for Chess Records, they'd probably sound a lot like the Black Keys. Frontman Dan Auerbach plays guitar and sings like he's channeling the ghost of John Lee Hooker, which is even more remarkable when you consider that he's a twenty-seven-year-old white kid from Akron, Ohio. Comparisons with the White Stripes are inevitable (both groups rose to prominence in the early 2000s, have color-coded names and feature just two members), but as Jack White spends his time making Coke commercials and forming side projects with bass players, the Black Keys have refused to yield an inch. On their fourth album, Auerbach and drummer Pat Carney dish out another serving of minimalist blues-rock tunes like the marauding "Modern Times" and the mournful heartache song "The Flame." The sound may be retro, but pure blues rock of this caliber is really timeless.

ANDY GREENE

(Posted: Sep 7, 2006)

News and Reviews

How to Play This Album

Click the play button.
Register or enter your username and password.
Let the music play!

No commitment.
It's FREE.

Track List

Play All

Your Turn

Give us your review of Magic Potion

Review 1 of 6

4of 5 Stars

It is indeed a nice old blues album.It seems Led Zeppelin related to this band is a good conection and the singer as a very unique style its kind of Hendrix feel there.
A nice duo yes,but still a lot to learn.

P.S.Spectaculer Riffs:)

Jun 13, 2007 08:32:21

Review 2 of 6

5of 5 Stars

don't think twice, just get this album - I'd agree with the Led Zep reference/influence - good "white boy blues" is what we got here with an album of muic played like I have not heard in years - simple, clean, hard rock blues - best album in my car and cannot get it out of my player - this band would bring down the house live, hope i get to seem 'em soon - this album has reminded me that there still are artists that care about the roots of music and that can translate their vision for all of us to enjoy

Jan 26, 2007 10:04:30

Review 3 of 6

5of 5 Stars

I don't particularly agree with the Led Zepplin comparison. I would say maybe Yardbirds or Cream, but with a definate raw edge from a time long forgotten. I think this cd is the best of the Black Keys so far. Just a bit more refined but still with that rawness that makes them great. Music comparable to gin made in an old gas tank from a 1955 chevy that nobody cared to clean out. Now that's what I call good music!

Dec 1, 2006 22:06:36

Review 4 of 6

5of 5 Stars

These Guys are Two piece Led Zep-influenced North Missisippi Blues based Rock!!! I think Jimmy Page and Junior Kimbrough would be proud!

Oct 12, 2006 13:32:20

Review 5 of 6

4of 5 Stars

Being an Akron resident I have had many opportunities to be exposed to the Keys. I have followed them for a few years now and they continue to remain true to their sound. If you want a good blues rock record to put on while you're doing sh*t around the house, the Keys have 4 great ones. I particularly enjoyed tracks 5 and 6 on this disc.

Sep 19, 2006 08:30:12

Review 6 of 6

5of 5 Stars

you either love the keys or you are a bad person...

This is a fantastic addition to the keys' catalogue, and they certainly show that a major label will not change their sound.

The opening couple of tracks serve to reassure Keys' faithful fans that nothing is gonna change. The sound of Dan & Pat are absolutely no different than on any other of their records. If you didn't like them before, well, you are an idiot, but you certainly will not find this one any better, and you will STILL be an idiot.

The album just continues to get better and better with each new song. "Just A Little Heat" and "Give Your Heart Away" sound like the white-boy equivalent to hardcore gangster rap... call it gangster blues. Dan's jet engine guitar sound lights up each and every song.
The closing trio of "Goodbye Babylon" "Black Door" and "Elevator" just about kills me every time. I would have a hard time not considering those songs among my top 5 of 2006. Most of these songs are a bit longer than their predecessors, but hell, all that means is we get to hear the guys play longer, which is A-ok in my book.

keep it up Keys! can't wait for more...

Sep 12, 2006 14:54:06

Previous Next