One of the greatest things about rock music is it’s unconscious ability to completely knock the listener right off their feet. In recent years, many people have thought that rock was dying a slow death due to the rise of computer generated beats & the dreaded auto-tune. Not to mention the fact that the great bands were starting to creep up in age with limited talent waiting to take the reigns as rock’s Next Big Thing.

Fear not, my fellow rockers - it’s back, and with a vengeance. The Black Keys have completely restored my faith in all things rock n’ roll. I am now a believer that my generation can have its own Great American Rock Band and even spark a brand new era in music. If you are not listening to this band, you are truly missing out.

I knew the Black Keys were good. There is absolutely no denying it. Their previous albums are a mainstay on my iTunes playlist and I was pretty pumped to hear they were coming out with a new album called El Camino, and a national tour to support it. The reviews were stellar and I couldn’t wait to hear for myself. I was not expecting this album to take my breath away - but it completely did, and then some.

Even though the lyrics and song titles hint at heartbreak and revenge, this album will still make you want to shake your booty and celebrate all the good things in life. It’s gritty and raw, bluesy with an attitude, and entirely more complex than just some drums and guitar. It has completely rescued me from being a corporate slave and transported me to a different dimension.

If anyone needs an example of what true rock n’ roll sounds like, look no further than the song “Little Black Submarines”. The first two minutes are straight acoustic and almost Dylan-esque, but what follows is a mind-blowing explosion that will give you goosebumps. (I’m listening to this while I write, and I literally have to stop to take it in)

Listen here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F20zZKWeXyg

Simply put, I am in complete awe that this brilliance comes from just two guys. No pretentious lead singer, no drama, just pure drum & guitar goodness. For once the core pieces of pure rock n’ roll are front and center. We should be so privileged to hear legends in the making. I should’ve known this when my Black Keys Pandora station played me all the guitar greats from Jimi Hendrix to Chuck Berry in comparison to Dan Auerbach.

It’s becoming quite clear that El Camino has taken the world by storm. After 1 week of a New York PR media blitz visiting the late night talk shows, rocking the socks off SNL’s normally sub-par sound quality, a stint on Colbert and even a few sound bites on Monday Night Football…its no surprise that they sold out Madison Square Garden in less than 15 minutes (and added a second show due to “overwhelming demand” which the PRE-SALE sold out in mere minutes) Drummer Patrick Carney even tweeted “we sold out MSG in 15 minutes, I feel like a Jonas Brotha”

Boys, I urge you to step back and take in these moments that are unfolding in front of your eyes. You’ve arrived, and we’re so happy you’re here.

-Jenn

PS. We’re pretty stoked that we’ll be at the Madison Square Garden show on 3/22. See you in March for a full recap!!