Are the Black Keys selling out?
This question has been stuck in my head since it was announced that their March tour date in Philly was at the big joint- the Wachovia Center. Why couldn’t they play the Tower Theater or the Electric Factory? Are they really that popular or is someone assuming they are or definitely will be in early 2012? Their new album is awesome. That is the only thing that I know for certain about my favorite band.
Here are five other Black Keys-related questions that I've been kicking around lately.
1.) Should we really be upset if our favorite band is getting bigger? And by bigger, I mean fame and size of audience-wise. I don’t really think anyone should care if a band is physically getting bigger unless their favorite band is Blues Traveler and the person in question is John Popper. I think for medical reasons, he needs to stay small. But either way, it is becoming evident that with the release of their new album El Camino, the Black Keys are making a move. The Kings of Leon made a similar move based on the success of their song “Sex on Fire.” Now the Kings are on hiatus after abruptly cancelling shows because a certain front man couldn’t handle his booze. I would be willing to bet that we’ve heard the last decent album from them.
2.) Shouldn’t the goal of every band be to reach as many people as possible? I think so. You write an awesome song; you want people to hear it. A band’s goal should be the accumulation of ears. As ears, we should accept this. But it’s not easy. The more ears a band gathers, the more that band’s sound has a tendency to change. Sure Pearl Jam sounds awesome now, but they strayed for a while when their ear collection became over-whelming. I think the only band to not change regardless of the size of their ear collection is the Foo Fighters. They are exactly what they were when Dave Grohl created them- a loud American rock band that likes to have fun and play kick ass rock shows.
3.) Will the Black Keys be like the Kings of Leon or the Foo Fighters? The Kings didn’t get popular overnight, but they did get super popular overnight. Prior to “Sex on Fire,” they had a decent following and were starting to play larger rooms in the winter and larger sheds in the summer. Then with “Sex on Fire,” things changed and by the time they released their follow-up album, Come Around Sundown, they sounded like a band influenced by Kings of Leon as opposed to a band that was Kings of Leon. Look at Coldplay. They went from writing sad bastard music good for both rainy and sunny days to writing giant, synthesizer-drenched, pop anthems. They didn’t become a band sounding like Coldplay, they became a band featuring former members of Coldplay. Then you look at Grohl and the Foos. Their albums aren’t works of art and they’re not visions of what the future might look like, but they’re dependable and reliable- two things I think every diehard of a band longs for, but rarely gets. Kings of Leon is a local bar that lost sight of what made them great, Coldplay was a pub that introduced outside seating, and the Foo Fighters are T.G.I. Fridays. What kind of bar will the Black Keys become?
4.) Is it cheating that the Black Keys tour with two backing musicians? No. This is a ridiculous question. Who is asking these things?
5.) As a Black Keys’ fan, should you be at all concerned about the future of the band? I don’t think so. I think they’ll be all right. They seem to be genuine dudes with good heads on their shoulders. True Dan Auerbach cut his hair, but I think we are safe from them incorporating super skinny jeans and artfully crafted bedhead into their look.
Rest easy Black Keys’ fan, I think we are safe with these guys.
Check out El Camino, it's damn good.
Showing posts with label kings of leon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kings of leon. Show all posts
Ryno-approved bands for next year's Super Bowl halftime show
All morning I've been singing a song I thought was the Black Eyed Peas, but turns out it was Usher. It doesn't matter. No, no, no, no. The moral of this story is not that bad songs get stuck in your head. It's that bad halftime acts at the Super Bowl get stuck in your head.
So while driving to work this morning, it was of all things- Blues Traveler, that got me thinking about bands or acts to play next year's Super Bowl...provided it happens. Now I do not think Blues Traveler should be one of these bands. I don't even know if they are a band anymore- but here was the thought process: 1.) oh shit, it's Blues Traveler 2.) man, they were great live 3.) man, the Black Eyed Peas were terrible live 4.) a band that's great live should play the Super Bowl, not a band that's shitty live 5.) who do I think would be good live?
And as a result, the following list came together- only briefly interrupted by some nerd in a Prius cutting me off, then sitting in front of my in the passing lane. I didn't get upset, but I did think about giving him the finger. Just because.
The following bands/acts are Ryno-approved Super Bowl Halftime acts (in no particular order):
1.) Pearl Jam- fills the quota of a somewhat classic band, they have massive appeal across a few demographics, and rock the shit out of live show. Although I'd be worried if they did play, it'd make my brother-in-law, Fast Eddie's, head explode.
2.) The Roots- maybe not so much on their own, but as a backing band there is none better. Maybe the Roots joined by Jay Z and some other folks in some kind of Roots-orchestrated funk/hip hop/rap review. I think this would be sick.
3.) Stevie Wonder- because he puts on a hell of a show and has some of the sickest backing musicians alive.
4.) The Black Keys- you could say they aren't popular enough, but the NFL used a song of theirs on a clip right after this year's halftime and it sounded ten times better than anything the Black Eyed Peas did. Plus they rock.
5.) Green Day- because few modern rock bands do the stadium rock thing better than Green Day (i.e. the American Idiot tour.)
6.) Foo Fighters- here's a sneaky fact (kind of) about the Foos, almost everyone likes them or likes at least three or four of their songs. Couple that with the undeniable fact that Dave Grohl has become the American Rock Star and these guys could do some damage.
7.) Red Hot Chili Peppers- kind of a long shot, but I think given the chance, they could really make the most of a 15 minute set- with or without wearing anything but either a sock or a giant lightbulb. Plus like the Foo Fighters they've become one of those bands that could also be a band almost everyone likes. Think about. Have you ever heard someone say they don't like the Chili Peppers. *
8.) Bruce Springsteen- because he's the Boss. Because he was amazing the last time he did it. Because the Super Bowl is super American and the Boss is super American. Because he could just play "Promised Land" twice and it would still put the Black Eyed Peas to shame.
Wild Cards: Michael Franti & Spearhead (put on a hell of a show that would translate well to a stadium,) Kings of Leon (America's new favorite rock band for everyone except the creators of Glee,) and Dave Matthews Band (because it's probably just a matter of time anyway.)
* sidenote: I'm shooting to break my own record for use of italics in this blog. Just in case you were wondering.
So while driving to work this morning, it was of all things- Blues Traveler, that got me thinking about bands or acts to play next year's Super Bowl...provided it happens. Now I do not think Blues Traveler should be one of these bands. I don't even know if they are a band anymore- but here was the thought process: 1.) oh shit, it's Blues Traveler 2.) man, they were great live 3.) man, the Black Eyed Peas were terrible live 4.) a band that's great live should play the Super Bowl, not a band that's shitty live 5.) who do I think would be good live?
And as a result, the following list came together- only briefly interrupted by some nerd in a Prius cutting me off, then sitting in front of my in the passing lane. I didn't get upset, but I did think about giving him the finger. Just because.
The following bands/acts are Ryno-approved Super Bowl Halftime acts (in no particular order):
1.) Pearl Jam- fills the quota of a somewhat classic band, they have massive appeal across a few demographics, and rock the shit out of live show. Although I'd be worried if they did play, it'd make my brother-in-law, Fast Eddie's, head explode.
2.) The Roots- maybe not so much on their own, but as a backing band there is none better. Maybe the Roots joined by Jay Z and some other folks in some kind of Roots-orchestrated funk/hip hop/rap review. I think this would be sick.
3.) Stevie Wonder- because he puts on a hell of a show and has some of the sickest backing musicians alive.
4.) The Black Keys- you could say they aren't popular enough, but the NFL used a song of theirs on a clip right after this year's halftime and it sounded ten times better than anything the Black Eyed Peas did. Plus they rock.
5.) Green Day- because few modern rock bands do the stadium rock thing better than Green Day (i.e. the American Idiot tour.)
6.) Foo Fighters- here's a sneaky fact (kind of) about the Foos, almost everyone likes them or likes at least three or four of their songs. Couple that with the undeniable fact that Dave Grohl has become the American Rock Star and these guys could do some damage.
7.) Red Hot Chili Peppers- kind of a long shot, but I think given the chance, they could really make the most of a 15 minute set- with or without wearing anything but either a sock or a giant lightbulb. Plus like the Foo Fighters they've become one of those bands that could also be a band almost everyone likes. Think about. Have you ever heard someone say they don't like the Chili Peppers. *
8.) Bruce Springsteen- because he's the Boss. Because he was amazing the last time he did it. Because the Super Bowl is super American and the Boss is super American. Because he could just play "Promised Land" twice and it would still put the Black Eyed Peas to shame.
Wild Cards: Michael Franti & Spearhead (put on a hell of a show that would translate well to a stadium,) Kings of Leon (America's new favorite rock band for everyone except the creators of Glee,) and Dave Matthews Band (because it's probably just a matter of time anyway.)
* sidenote: I'm shooting to break my own record for use of italics in this blog. Just in case you were wondering.
Thunderdome Baseball Predictions with Dugan.
Today at the Thunderdome, Dugan was much more golden than he was retriever. We had found a good stick a few streets over and he had brought it with him. He grew attached; he wasn't much for letting go.
He isn't much for the Phillies' offense either, and had little to say about their current series with the Giants. We agreed that San Francisco does look like an amazing place that I'd like to go back too and he'd like to pay a visit too. I told him he probably wouldn't like flying and the drive would be a process. I think Dugan is resigned to stay on the East Coast for the rest of his life.
He would love that toll booths end once you cross the Mississippi. He is not a fan of toll collectors.
Last night, when I took the trash out, the air smelled like Halloween and the wind had leaves blowing up the street. Today it feels like fall. It feels like fall after summer- not just a taste of fall as summer winds up. Fall comes with crisp air and nights that require a hooded sweatshirt. Teaser fall days are just colder than summer. But today felt like a real fall day and at the Thunderdome, the wind blew through the chain link fence and sometimes pushed the stick in a different direction as it flew through the air. There were no distractions and the neighborhood was quiet. I saw a squirrel at one point, but Dugan did not. Therefore, we did not see a squirrel; only a stick that every two minutes would fly from one end of the Thunderdome to the other.
Dug feels that Phillies are missing a spark this year. I agree. You can't solely blame Rollins, but he definitely isn't the dude he was when the Phils won the Series in 2008 and no one on the Phillies has stepped up and assumed the roll of engine. Pitching isn't the concern now, Dugan believes. It's runs. The Giants, except for the game the other night, won't ever score more than four runs in a game. So if the Phillies can even casually hit the ball, they should be good. Dug thinks they win it in seven.
He is practical.
When we left the Thunderdome, I asked him if he wanted to bring the stick home with him. I put it in his mouth. Dogs look awesome when they're walking down the street with a stick hanging out of their mouth. But Dugan left it, he dropped it along side the court's entrance; not looking back once. Dugan is the Don Draper of dogs- he is moving forward and not holding on to anything for very long. He does not care for Old Fashions, though, and thinks smoking cigarettes is a gross, filthy habit.
Dugan is more of a beer-drinker.
Our goodbye was brief and I was soon back in the Corollacoaster, heading back into the city and giving the new Kings of Leon album another listen. I don't think they've sold out, I think they have just grown together as musicians. They're certainly different than when Mavo, Adam & I saw them in Boston and again at the State in Portland- but it's cool, people change. I'd have issues with drum machines or back ground singers- but there's nothing wrong with big choruses and summertime anthems. After listening to the album five times in the last few days, I'll say it's good- but not as defined as their past albums. The songs flow together and it's something that wasn't the case as much before. I am hard-pressed to say what my favorite song might be at this point.
The afternoon fall sun splashes hard hues of burnt orange across the bricks of the building next door. A self-imposed ban on the "Come Around Sundown" has been put in place for the rest of the day- TV on the Radio is playing now. Birthday parties and baseball games and haunted prisons tomorrow. Chili, red wine, and salad as November gets closer.
Dugan says Phils in seven, but offers no insight about what's after that.
Somethings you just have to find out for yourself.
Go Phillies.
He isn't much for the Phillies' offense either, and had little to say about their current series with the Giants. We agreed that San Francisco does look like an amazing place that I'd like to go back too and he'd like to pay a visit too. I told him he probably wouldn't like flying and the drive would be a process. I think Dugan is resigned to stay on the East Coast for the rest of his life.
He would love that toll booths end once you cross the Mississippi. He is not a fan of toll collectors.
Last night, when I took the trash out, the air smelled like Halloween and the wind had leaves blowing up the street. Today it feels like fall. It feels like fall after summer- not just a taste of fall as summer winds up. Fall comes with crisp air and nights that require a hooded sweatshirt. Teaser fall days are just colder than summer. But today felt like a real fall day and at the Thunderdome, the wind blew through the chain link fence and sometimes pushed the stick in a different direction as it flew through the air. There were no distractions and the neighborhood was quiet. I saw a squirrel at one point, but Dugan did not. Therefore, we did not see a squirrel; only a stick that every two minutes would fly from one end of the Thunderdome to the other.
Dug feels that Phillies are missing a spark this year. I agree. You can't solely blame Rollins, but he definitely isn't the dude he was when the Phils won the Series in 2008 and no one on the Phillies has stepped up and assumed the roll of engine. Pitching isn't the concern now, Dugan believes. It's runs. The Giants, except for the game the other night, won't ever score more than four runs in a game. So if the Phillies can even casually hit the ball, they should be good. Dug thinks they win it in seven.
He is practical.
When we left the Thunderdome, I asked him if he wanted to bring the stick home with him. I put it in his mouth. Dogs look awesome when they're walking down the street with a stick hanging out of their mouth. But Dugan left it, he dropped it along side the court's entrance; not looking back once. Dugan is the Don Draper of dogs- he is moving forward and not holding on to anything for very long. He does not care for Old Fashions, though, and thinks smoking cigarettes is a gross, filthy habit.
Dugan is more of a beer-drinker.
Our goodbye was brief and I was soon back in the Corollacoaster, heading back into the city and giving the new Kings of Leon album another listen. I don't think they've sold out, I think they have just grown together as musicians. They're certainly different than when Mavo, Adam & I saw them in Boston and again at the State in Portland- but it's cool, people change. I'd have issues with drum machines or back ground singers- but there's nothing wrong with big choruses and summertime anthems. After listening to the album five times in the last few days, I'll say it's good- but not as defined as their past albums. The songs flow together and it's something that wasn't the case as much before. I am hard-pressed to say what my favorite song might be at this point.
The afternoon fall sun splashes hard hues of burnt orange across the bricks of the building next door. A self-imposed ban on the "Come Around Sundown" has been put in place for the rest of the day- TV on the Radio is playing now. Birthday parties and baseball games and haunted prisons tomorrow. Chili, red wine, and salad as November gets closer.
Dugan says Phils in seven, but offers no insight about what's after that.
Somethings you just have to find out for yourself.
Go Phillies.
Record 1: One Day as a Lion, One Day as a Lamb
I know it's Tuesday, because on Sportscenter, they have repeatedly said that if the rain continues, the game will be resumed tomorrow, on Wednesday.
But if not for that, I'd just know that today was rainy.
First day back in Philly after the two week jaunt West and the winds are howling and it doesn't feel like baseball at all. It feels like the flu and today feels like a sick day. Went from my pj's to lounging clothes, from bed to the Korean store and now at the couch. On the agenda, nothing is pressing and there is nothing that can't be done tomorrow.
So today is Rainy Tuesday.
After this, I'm going to go through pictures from Frisco and Red Rocks.
But right now, dude- have you heard the new Kings of Leon album? I'm listening to it right now, again. For the millionth time. It's bad ass. Nothing flashy is done and nothing flashy needs to be said.
- At a used record shop by Haight/Ashbury in Frisco, I found Rooms by the Hour, by Rustic Overtones, used for 5 bucks.
- My nose is all stuffed up, largely because I worked on a dusty mountain in Colorado for four days. The wind would kick up, sending sheets of dirt and dust careening across the Bone Yard. Most of us wore sunglasses way past sunset. GTI wore his shades from start to finish.
- I saw Erik Estrada at the Marriott in Frisco. It was similar to seeing Cuba Gooding Jr. at the Marriott in Cincy.
- Ate Mexican food with Willy Brazil in the Mission then sought out this beat, hipster joint that looked like a living room decorated by speed freaks. Only two beers on tap, the bartender was playing chess and had to pause the game to serve us. Framed pictures covered almost every inch of the wall and the gaps showcased the streaming cracks that ran across the wall. Earlier in the day, Wilson met the MSI Tourism Crew- GTI, Mara, and myself at a bar on Haight. Then he led us down to the Pacific- down a road that after every turn was an even better view than the last. The beach was at the end of Golden Gate Park and was bookended by crisp mountain ranges. We went to the bar and oddly enough, it the bar that Jammer & Massie had told us to go too earlier in the week. We thought it would be impossible to find because it was by the ocean and by the park and on 19th- tough directions to follow, but as with most MSI-related adventures, directions easily enough to ramble towards and hit eventually.
- I'm a business man now. I tell this to my Dad. I tell him about how I got my laundry done at the Marriott and changed my flight to make it back to Philly for Game 5. It's how I roll now. Soon, I might even know how to tie a tie.
It's raining sideways now.
But if not for that, I'd just know that today was rainy.
First day back in Philly after the two week jaunt West and the winds are howling and it doesn't feel like baseball at all. It feels like the flu and today feels like a sick day. Went from my pj's to lounging clothes, from bed to the Korean store and now at the couch. On the agenda, nothing is pressing and there is nothing that can't be done tomorrow.
So today is Rainy Tuesday.
After this, I'm going to go through pictures from Frisco and Red Rocks.
But right now, dude- have you heard the new Kings of Leon album? I'm listening to it right now, again. For the millionth time. It's bad ass. Nothing flashy is done and nothing flashy needs to be said.
- At a used record shop by Haight/Ashbury in Frisco, I found Rooms by the Hour, by Rustic Overtones, used for 5 bucks.
- My nose is all stuffed up, largely because I worked on a dusty mountain in Colorado for four days. The wind would kick up, sending sheets of dirt and dust careening across the Bone Yard. Most of us wore sunglasses way past sunset. GTI wore his shades from start to finish.
- I saw Erik Estrada at the Marriott in Frisco. It was similar to seeing Cuba Gooding Jr. at the Marriott in Cincy.
- Ate Mexican food with Willy Brazil in the Mission then sought out this beat, hipster joint that looked like a living room decorated by speed freaks. Only two beers on tap, the bartender was playing chess and had to pause the game to serve us. Framed pictures covered almost every inch of the wall and the gaps showcased the streaming cracks that ran across the wall. Earlier in the day, Wilson met the MSI Tourism Crew- GTI, Mara, and myself at a bar on Haight. Then he led us down to the Pacific- down a road that after every turn was an even better view than the last. The beach was at the end of Golden Gate Park and was bookended by crisp mountain ranges. We went to the bar and oddly enough, it the bar that Jammer & Massie had told us to go too earlier in the week. We thought it would be impossible to find because it was by the ocean and by the park and on 19th- tough directions to follow, but as with most MSI-related adventures, directions easily enough to ramble towards and hit eventually.
- I'm a business man now. I tell this to my Dad. I tell him about how I got my laundry done at the Marriott and changed my flight to make it back to Philly for Game 5. It's how I roll now. Soon, I might even know how to tie a tie.
It's raining sideways now.
Top 7 Driving Albums
TOP 7 DRIVING ALBUMS (not to be confused with Driving Songs, Driving Bands, or Driving Rain...most of which will appear in future entries.)This list is in no particular order, all of these albums are in the Top 7 because they all fit in this category equally well.
1.) Rustic Overtones Long Division. Yes, any Rustic album is a good driving album and any of them could fit into this spot. My vote is for Long Division though because none of their other albums have the opening punch that Long Division does. The album doesn't let up until the first part of Dig and by the time you get to Slowly you're on cruise control and thinking about how Phil wanted the song to be included in his wedding, and how Chachi and K Money spent a full afternoon on mushrooms listening to the album over and over again.
2.) Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magic. The key to a good driving album is flow and this album has it from start to finish. I firmly believe that I will listen to this album until the day I die, which unlike Forrest Whittaker in The Last King of Scotland, has yet to appear to me in a dream.
3.) Beck Guero. Beck's albums are perfect models of how greatness can come from simplicity and when looking for a great driving album, simplicity is key. I mean, let's be honest, between checking Red Sox scores on my phone, trying to find a water bottle that still has water in it, and finding change for tolls, I need simplicity. Sorry Mars Volta.
4.) Kings of Leon Because of the Times. Any Kings' album is great driving music, but this is a great driving album. Play it loud, drive fast, make your girlfriend wish you'd slow down...
5.) The Roots Game Theory. Big White swears by this album and anything Big swears by, I swear by. I strongly believe you should as well.
6.) Lyrics Born Overnite Encore! Erin and I were driving home for Thanksgiving and once breaking through NYC traffic, this album got me all the way to New Hampshire in record time. Live, Lyrics Born is amazing and this album effectively captures the energy of his live show. Plus, there's very little talking, which is one of the main things that kept the Roots album, the Roots Come Alive, off of this list.
7.) Justin Timberlake Future Sex/Love Sounds. I am not ashamed to admit that I love this album. I promise you that in a few years, Timberlake will have fully transcended that thin line between What Dudes Can't Like Because It's Considered Girly and What Dudes Like Because It's Awesome. Brad Pitt did it. Tom Cruise did, but then crossed over another line that is completely insane. On a side note, my dad was given a copy of War of the Worlds and when I was home last time, I watched it. I learned exactly one thing from watching it. If you think something crazy is going to happen, but it's behind you, just watch people's eyes and it will tell you everything you need to know.
1.) Rustic Overtones Long Division. Yes, any Rustic album is a good driving album and any of them could fit into this spot. My vote is for Long Division though because none of their other albums have the opening punch that Long Division does. The album doesn't let up until the first part of Dig and by the time you get to Slowly you're on cruise control and thinking about how Phil wanted the song to be included in his wedding, and how Chachi and K Money spent a full afternoon on mushrooms listening to the album over and over again.
2.) Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magic. The key to a good driving album is flow and this album has it from start to finish. I firmly believe that I will listen to this album until the day I die, which unlike Forrest Whittaker in The Last King of Scotland, has yet to appear to me in a dream.
3.) Beck Guero. Beck's albums are perfect models of how greatness can come from simplicity and when looking for a great driving album, simplicity is key. I mean, let's be honest, between checking Red Sox scores on my phone, trying to find a water bottle that still has water in it, and finding change for tolls, I need simplicity. Sorry Mars Volta.
4.) Kings of Leon Because of the Times. Any Kings' album is great driving music, but this is a great driving album. Play it loud, drive fast, make your girlfriend wish you'd slow down...
5.) The Roots Game Theory. Big White swears by this album and anything Big swears by, I swear by. I strongly believe you should as well.
6.) Lyrics Born Overnite Encore! Erin and I were driving home for Thanksgiving and once breaking through NYC traffic, this album got me all the way to New Hampshire in record time. Live, Lyrics Born is amazing and this album effectively captures the energy of his live show. Plus, there's very little talking, which is one of the main things that kept the Roots album, the Roots Come Alive, off of this list.
7.) Justin Timberlake Future Sex/Love Sounds. I am not ashamed to admit that I love this album. I promise you that in a few years, Timberlake will have fully transcended that thin line between What Dudes Can't Like Because It's Considered Girly and What Dudes Like Because It's Awesome. Brad Pitt did it. Tom Cruise did, but then crossed over another line that is completely insane. On a side note, my dad was given a copy of War of the Worlds and when I was home last time, I watched it. I learned exactly one thing from watching it. If you think something crazy is going to happen, but it's behind you, just watch people's eyes and it will tell you everything you need to know.
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