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  1. #1
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    The Black Keys - Brothers

    After hearing the interview with these guys on NPR, I got a copy of their latest disk, Brothers. This band, of two, are up for several awards in the "Best" categories.

    Best Alternative Music Album
    Best Rock Song
    Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group
    Best Rock Instrumental Performance at the 2011 GRAMMYs.

    If this is the BEST that Rock and Alternative music has to offer, we are all musically in trouble.

    I think it is great that 2 guys can put together songs by playing multiple instruments but the downfall is that they can just barely play them. I won't go over this disk song by song because my observations apply to the disk as a whole.

    My first gripe is the distortion thingy they use for the vocals. OK, so it would have been cool on one song but not the whole disk.

    Second gripe is the drumming. The dude has only 3 moves in his bag and uses the same ones on every track. Sometimes faster, sometimes slower but it's all the same. They may as well just used a lousy drum machine.

    Third gripe is that as said earlier, they can just about play each instrument enough to cash in on people who will buy just about anything. Throughout the whole disk, there is barely a catchy guitar lead or solo of any sort which would show that he can do more than a simple 3 chord progression. The bass lines are just mundane and again show no real talent, just the ability to make an instrument make a few notes.

    Maybe I am missing something with this band since this is the only disk of theirs I have listened to in entirety, and several times. If this is all they have to offer, and they are being labeled the Best at anything, then today's music is dead.

    Anything Ozzie has put out in the last several years blows this crap away in it's sleep.

  2. #2
    Stainmaster Finch Platte's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyfi
    After hearing the interview with these guys on NPR...Anything Ozzy has put out in the last several years blows this crap away in it's sleep.
    So, in other words, it's something the folks over at Obner would really like?

    Maybe you shoulda got the Michael Landau disc I recommended instead, them guys can play.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Finch Platte
    So, in other words, it's something the folks over at Obner would really like?
    Hey Finch, long time but I know your always lurking. I've never been over to Obner but I guess I should take a look.

  4. #4
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    The guys at NPR music sometimes get it right, and sometimes have their heads up their asses.

    But to say this "If this is the BEST that Rock and Alternative music has to offer, we are all musically in trouble." really makes me want to tell you to stop being a drama queen and attention seeker. Or maybe you need to pull your own head out and take a listen before judging a category or the younger generation.

    A recommendation for something more creative - Sufjan Steve's All Delighted People.

  5. #5
    Forum Regular nobody's Avatar
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    Just goes to show how much opinions vary. I really like that Black Keys album. At the same time, I would be more than happy to burn pretty much anything Ozzy has put out post Sabbath in a fire, outside maybe Blizzard of Oz.

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    Quote Originally Posted by atomicAdam
    really makes me want to tell you to stop being a drama queen and attention seeker. Or maybe you need to pull your own head out and take a listen before judging a category or the younger generation.
    As I posted, I did listen to the whole disk multiple times. I did not listen to other entries in the same category but again, they must also not be so good, IMO, if they are grouped in with this disk.

    So why am I accused of being an "attention getter" because I posted MY opinions on a disk?

    As far as the "Younger Generation" goes, most have ADD with a 3 second attention span as a result of too many hours watching music videos. They probably can't follow a guitar solo by John McLaughlin or a bass solo by Victor Wooten. Maybe the younger generation is cool with hearing the same thing in every song, but I am not.

  7. #7
    Stone Stone's Avatar
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    I guess I don't need great "chops" in a band to enjoy the music. I like Brothers too, but then again I'd rather listen to the Ramones than prog wankery any day of the week.
    And the world will turn to flowing pink vapor stew.

  8. #8
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyfi
    As I posted, I did listen to the whole disk multiple times. I did not listen to other entries in the same category but again, they must also not be so good, IMO, if they are grouped in with this disk.

    So why am I accused of being an "attention getter" because I posted MY opinions on a disk?

    As far as the "Younger Generation" goes, most have ADD with a 3 second attention span as a result of too many hours watching music videos. They probably can't follow a guitar solo by John McLaughlin or a bass solo by Victor Wooten. Maybe the younger generation is cool with hearing the same thing in every song, but I am not.
    See - I was coming in here to say - sorry I jumped down your throat - it wasn't cool - I'm just frustrated at other stuff - but then you say all that about the younger generation and it makes me shake my head because those assumptions are no ignorant.

  9. #9
    Stone Stone's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyfi

    As far as the "Younger Generation" goes, most have ADD with a 3 second attention span as a result of too many hours watching music videos. They probably can't follow a guitar solo by John McLaughlin or a bass solo by Victor Wooten. Maybe the younger generation is cool with hearing the same thing in every song, but I am not.
    I'm glad you have an open mind and don't stereotype or paint an entire generation with a broad brush. Yikes.
    And the world will turn to flowing pink vapor stew.

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    Quote Originally Posted by atomicAdam
    See - I was coming in here to say - sorry I jumped down your throat - it wasn't cool - I'm just frustrated at other stuff - but then you say all that about the younger generation and it makes me shake my head because those assumptions are no ignorant.
    Yeah, ask ten 20 year olds a question and see if you can get a complete sentence as an answer out of 5 of them.

    I'm not as ignorant as you think. I work with younger people than myself. I have family and friends that have younger children. My opinions are from my personal experience so I apologize for not prefacing that before stating my opinion.

    What was the last music video that actually showed a band playing music and not 3 second clips that change before you can even focus on the current image? Only concert DVDs I would have to guess.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Stone
    I'm glad you have an open mind and don't stereotype or paint an entire generation with a broad brush. Yikes.
    LOL, I know I'm a little over the top here but it was a reaction to Adam jumping on my back just because I posted a negative review of something he probably likes.

  12. #12
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyfi
    LOL, I know I'm a little over the top here but it was a reaction to Adam jumping on my back just because I posted a negative review of something he probably likes.
    No - I think The Black Keys are awful as well - I have no gripe on that. I just don't like people generalizing about music genera - and like I said - I'm sorry I jumped down your throat - I'm just super frustrated about something at the moment.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by atomicAdam
    No - I think The Black Keys are awful as well - I have no gripe on that. I just don't like people generalizing about music genera - and like I said - I'm sorry I jumped down your throat - I'm just super frustrated about something at the moment.
    Adam, no sweat! Best wishes for resolving your anxiety.

    I generalized because if this is what is being called the best, how could the rest of the genre be any better?

    I am not saying that other people should not like it just because I don't, I'm just saying that I think it sucks. Plenty of folks here don't like what I listen too but I don't care.

    So a question to everyone then: Are only positive reviews OK to post? I took the time to listen to what I considered highly recommended, multiple times, and did not get the same thing out of it as the people recommending it do. I posted my observations and opinions. Nobody has to agree with me and all are welcome to say why they like it. It's no secret that I like more complicated music than most people do, so does that make me wrong?

  14. #14
    Man of the People Forums Moderator bobsticks's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyfi
    So a question to everyone then: Are only positive reviews OK to post? I took the time to listen to what I considered highly recommended, multiple times, and did not get the same thing out of it as the people recommending it do. I posted my observations and opinions. Nobody has to agree with me and all are welcome to say why they like it. It's no secret that I like more complicated music than most people do, so does that make me wrong?
    I say you're entitled to write any opinion you care to, including the negative ones. Hell, sometimes I learn more from the negative ones...and after a bit I come to expect certain things from certain folks and learn their sylistic leanings. So bring that negative noise if'n ya got it in you, mang.

    (FWLIW, I probably would disagree with your assessment. I like what I've heard of the Black Keyes but I can roll equally with simplicity as with a 32-note Frank Gambale arpeggiated run)
    So, I broke into the palace
    With a sponge and a rusty spanner
    She said : "Eh, I know you, and you cannot sing"
    I said : "That's nothing - you should hear me play piano"

  15. #15
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Positive - Negative - whatever you like - but whom had the audacity to say the black keys were the best in the genera? The tweeps on NPR music segments/podcast? Please, the people who to the background music for Money Talk (is that the name of that show - been a while since i heard it) have more taste in their little finger than they guys who do the music segments and podcast.

  16. #16
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    "This band, of two, are up for several awards in the "Best" categories. "

    IC where you say it is from. Anyways - they so aren't the 'best' in their category. At least IMHO which is about as valuable as a monkey with a red ass.

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    Quote Originally Posted by atomicAdam
    "This band, of two, are up for several awards in the "Best" categories. "

    IC where you say it is from. Anyways - they so aren't the 'best' in their category. At least IMHO which is about as valuable as a monkey with a red ass.
    Yeah, these are Grammy nominations, not NPR assumptions. Had I not been so intrigued by the NPR interview, I would have never taken the time to listen to the disk multiple times.

    So a question for those who do like this band. Is Brothers typical of all their output or do they have something more to offer that I just might like?

    Funny thing about them is that they said no to being used in advertisements for a long time until they finally gave in. I finally heard one of the new tracks used in a Subaru commercial this morning and it seems they are best suited for just that.

  18. #18
    Man of the People Forums Moderator bobsticks's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyfi
    ...So a question for those who do like this band. Is Brothers typical of all their output or do they have something more to offer that I just might like?...
    I haven't heard Brothers so I can't comment but I used a track off of Attack & Release, "I Got Mine", on the ill-fated Felony Boulevard Soundtrack compilation that I sent out a few years ago. You might use that for contrast...or...here...

    So, I broke into the palace
    With a sponge and a rusty spanner
    She said : "Eh, I know you, and you cannot sing"
    I said : "That's nothing - you should hear me play piano"

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobsticks
    I haven't heard Brothers so I can't comment but I used a track off of Attack & Release, "I Got Mine", on the ill-fated Felony Boulevard Soundtrack compilation that I sent out a few years ago. You might use that for contrast...or...here...
    Never got that comp but thanks for that. Although it was a bit more rockin than all of Brothers, it still has the annoying vocal distortion and the same exact drum beat as the whole Brothers disk.

  20. #20
    Can a crooner get a gig? dean_martin's Avatar
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    I like Attack & Release and still listen to it occasionally. But, I hear the repetition and sameness too. That's why I haven't picked up Brothers yet. Just like with movie awards, I think sometimes the recognition comes after your second good project even though the earlier one was better but was overlooked.

    However, I saw these guys on Austin City Limits (one of those split shows with 2 bands getting a half hour each - Sonic Youth was the other act and man they still rock) and I love the guitar tone that guy gets, but I'm more into tone and groovy rythms than solos. I lost interest in solos a long time ago (w/few exceptions like Hendrix and Young). I prefer the anti-solo/noise/tone breakdown and timely, complimentary licks to masturbatory solos. On the ASL episode featuring songs from Brothers the Black Keys guitarist laid down groovy, bluesy, and rock-a-billy licks with energy. I kept trying to read the headstock to see what hollow body electric he was playing because the tone was appealing to my ears. But things did become repetitive both vocally and musically.

    OTOH, Sonic Youth's brief set was awesome - had me glued. I can't think of another band that can slip in and out of a noisefest like those guys. I've got to get their last release Eternal and research their new one coming out later this month.

    Bottom line is I see your point but not to the same degree.

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by dean_martin

    Bottom line is I see your point but not to the same degree.
    Fair enough and thanks for sharing your experience. I have always appreciated bands much more after seeing them live or on a show like ACL.

  22. #22
    Forum Regular nobody's Avatar
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    Nothing wrong with listening to complex music, but really if you want to use complexity as the measuring stick for judging music, I'd say for one, rock probably isn't your genre as it's pretty much known for being the least complex music out there as opposed to say jazz, classical or avant garde music. Secondly, I think if you just used complexity and level of difficulty to play as your measuring stick for music, the likelihood of the best music ending up sounding like a bunch of atonal crap is pretty high.

    I guess what I am saying, is complexity in of itself is fine and everyone likes what they like. But, pretending more complex is automatically better and that you should out of hand dismiss music because of a lack of complexity seems a bit of a red herring.

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by nobody
    Nothing wrong with listening to complex music, but really if you want to use complexity as the measuring stick for judging music, I'd say for one, rock probably isn't your genre as it's pretty much known for being the least complex music out there as opposed to say jazz, classical or avant garde music. Secondly, I think if you just used complexity and level of difficulty to play as your measuring stick for music, the likelihood of the best music ending up sounding like a bunch of atonal crap is pretty high.

    I guess what I am saying, is complexity in of itself is fine and everyone likes what they like. But, pretending more complex is automatically better and that you should out of hand dismiss music because of a lack of complexity seems a bit of a red herring.
    I get all that and I don't just measure music by it's complexity. You would be surprised at some of what I listen to. On the other hand, music that is very simple and non complicated pretty much all sounds the same to me because it all uses the same 3 chords, simple non-exciting drum beat, and a 3 note base line. A drummer can use some simple gadget moves to make the simple ingch bach timing so much better. Also when I mentioned solos, I was not talking about 8 minute meandering Frank Zappa solos but maybe 10 seconds to let you know that a couple chords is not all a band can hammer out.

  24. #24
    Man of the People Forums Moderator bobsticks's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyfi
    Never got that comp but thanks for that...
    Lolz...hey! It wasn't that bad of a comp...this isn't Finch material we're talkembout
    So, I broke into the palace
    With a sponge and a rusty spanner
    She said : "Eh, I know you, and you cannot sing"
    I said : "That's nothing - you should hear me play piano"

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobsticks
    Lolz...hey! It wasn't that bad of a comp...this isn't Finch material we're talkembout
    Man....I've gotten some Goooood Sh!t from Finch.

    Several still get regular rotation like that double set with the Spoon Man kicking it off.

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