The Black Keys - Attack and Release

The first note on this album betrays the fact that it was not produced by drummer Parick Carney and his patented medium-fidelity method. Attack and Release is a collaboration between The Black Keys and the notorious Danger Mouse, who seems to have dipped his finger into every pie in the world since 2005.

Attack and Release answers the question, "What would The Black Keys sound like if they recorded in an actual studio and let someone else produce?" While it would be all too easy to pile on this album a la everyone who piled on Dylan for going electric, I'm not going to do it. It sounds different, but it's also awesome. Danger Mouse brings with him a number of organs and synths, which work surprisingly well with The Black Keys' sound, especially on "Oceans & Streams" which kicks up to 11 when the organ comes in.

With everything that changes on Attack and Release, the one thing that hasn't changed is the supreme musicianship of The Black Keys. They're still the best thing going in rock and roll, and bringing in Danger Mouse doesn't change that. While I enjoy previous Black Keys releases more, there's still plenty to like on this album.