Attack and Release

I've been a huge fan of the Black Keys for a long time, and I must say that they have yet to disappoint with any CD release, including Attack and Release. Although they do deviate from the "garage band" sound of just two dudes jamming, this album stays true to their blues-inspired music. If you are worried that this album will be nothing like the Black Keys that you know and love, don't. I was skeptical at first simply because it was produced by Danger Mouse, and was concerned that the blues roots would be lost. I had no need for my concern. In short, if you love the Black Keys, you should buy this album!

This is the first Black Keys record I've heard and I am completely hooked. There isn't much music out there that's really truly, raw, bluesy, that rocks, and that has captured much of my listening time but this record is pure genious. a MUST for any music collection....any GOOD music collection that is...

The Black Keys have ventured far from their break-out album The Big Come Up, and while some of the songs still rock, most of the album sounds over-produced. The gritty, wailing guitar sound that makes the The Black Keys so great seems to have taken a haitus. But, all that said, tracks 1 and 2 seems to be a step in the right direction, hopefully they'll see that for their next album.

Attack and Release
If you love BK, fer the love of MUSIC -- start hunting! There is more great stuff out there. MUCH more. Blues-based rock bands have been neglected and ignored for years. And no, you don't have to go to classic rock catalogs to find them (check out Tishamingo's "The Point"). The irony is that it took Danger Mouse, a "hot" hip hop producer, to put this band on the national new music map.

Attack & Release is no doubt the most accessible album released by The Black Keys. It was the first one recorded "properly", and the sound quality is noticeably more clean.

That said, it does not tamper with the band's raw blues-rock sound. Their first single getting airplay in Detroit, "I Got Mine" is a mind-blowing rock tune. Attack & Release is perhaps more funky sounding than previous works, such as the strange flute sounds on "Same Old Thing". "Strange Times" is a very powerful track, and also can be heard in Grand Theft Auto IV. "Psychotic Girl" is funky and seems to be a crowd favorite during live shows.

Attack & Release is a fresh, blues rock sound that really shows the Black Keys flexibility in the studio. People looking to listen to this band for the first time, try this CD.