The Black Keys & Manu Chao

A night or two ago, I was flipping through the channels at 11 pm looking for something to watch. On Sundance network, one of my favorite networks, Live At Abbey Road was on. One of my favorite shows to watch, I always find to artists to love. And I normally hear the band that I've heard about for a while. Also Austin City Limits was on, but the artists on Abbey Road got my attention. Seeing that I love to tape the indie shows I go to, I see it as inspiration.

The Black Keys

I've heard of this band from reading my Rolling Stones, but I never listened to them, and also my mom is a fan. Now, I see why. They are a guitarist and drummer. That's it. The riffs from Dan, seem like Hendrix was a southern rocker...and with his voice it brings me back to Lynard Skynard. And then the drumming, so bold and loud creating a fantastic rythum for the songs they write. Patrick plays and produces for them. I can't wait to own their CD. I really want it now, and if I ever learn to play electric guitar, I want to learn to play like Dan. It's just so good, loud and what you think of when you think of rock and roll. "Perfectly unperfect"...Dan, amazing words.

Manu Chao.

Believe it or not, they were both in the same program.

Manu is a French Latino singer, who knows many languages that are sung in his beautiful songs. He takes influences from all sorts of genres-- from punk, reggae, salsa, tango, and has a rock feeling to it. With that in mind, his songs remind me of The Clash and their songs dealing with the world and mistakes our world has made, and still being very insightful at the same time. Hearing "Polotik Kills", made me think of that, a very punk influence but it reminds me of songs I grew up listening to because of Bob Marley, and has something to say than just an upbeat vibe filled with lyrics that don't matter in the long run. Amazing songs, that are modern folk influenced and super talented.

I have a few more blogs coming soon...

one a recap of a local concert I went to!