What's so great about...?
 

Borrowing a little from someone else's idea in another subforum, I'd like to explore the fact that some people think certain bands are great and yet I've heard nothing by them or know much of them. It would be nice to get a feel for why people think this artiste is great, and some recs. Obviously anyone can ask about any other band/artiste, but I'd like to start it off by asking what's so great about

THE BLACK KEYS?

I've heard they're supposed to be the future of rock, and "El Camino" one of the albums of last year, but is it that great, and are they? What is it that separates them from other bands of this genre and are they worth checking out? Who else, if anyone, do they sound like or what should I expect?

I don't have a ton of input to give, not really my cup of tea though they are similar to the white stripes in some ways. To me personally they are a bit overated, not all that original just kind of a mesh of music.

I'd say they are similar to bands like Jet, The White Stripes and The Strokes, and they are worth a listen. A bit of the fuss may come from the fact that they appeal to a much younger audience than other blues rock bands, which makes them more popular. They're good, but not great.

I've recently just gotten into The Black Keys, and I can see the appeal, but I wouldn't say I listened to them because I thought they were amazing, I just know they get a lot of hype, and I wanted to see what it was all about. I will say that I do think there is a lot of talent to be heard, but nothing out of the ordinary.

My thoughts.
I think Imagine Dragons gets quite a lot of attention now, a bit too much, maybe. Why? They sound like everyone else in my opinion.

I feel the same about Imagine Dragons. One guy here was going on about them so much I was afraid there'd be a mess (!) and so I got the album to see what the fuss was about. They were ok but really nothing special. Seems to be what everyone's saying (so far) about the Black Keys too. Thanks for the info guys. I may yet check them out just out of interest but at least now I have a reasonable idea I'm not missing out on anything wonderful.

^I'd say you should still check out The Black Keys though, because they do have a pretty good sound for what it's worth, just don't expect anything amazing.

People are way too curious about the origin of their name, as well. It's an anagram for something and only the band knows the original phrase, apparently.

I like a bit of old-school blues now and again but most blues rock usually fails to capture my interest. I'm as picky as f**k when it comes to certain genres though, I like The White Stripes and The Kills but The Black Keys have never really hit the spot for me. They're not doing anything wrong as such, it's just that their sound doesn't appeal to me. Jet were ****ing terrible though, they had absolutely nothing new to offer music.

I saw The Black Keys at Antone's in Austin TX at the 2003 SXSW music festival. They were a lot of fun as a live act (especially after downing a few pints!) but I can't say their studio albums have made a lasting impact on me, however.