2010's Brothers by The Black Keys proved to be a pivotal moment in their career. After the Danger Mouse-produced Attack & Release brought a little more attention to the Keys they decided to continue working with producers in the mold of that record. 2009 found the two members, guitarist/vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, experiencing a communication breakdown due to Carney's relationship with his wife. Carney eventually divorced from his wife and Carney and Auerbach realized the importance of their band. The duo reconvened in Alabama to work on Brothers, recording at the Muscle Shoals Odyssey Studio. The result was their most commercial and critical success to date. You're probably familiar with their Gary Glitter-aping "Howlin' For You" and the Danger Mouse-produced "Tighten Up" which went on to win a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Along with that they also picked up the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. The record's packaging serves as an ode to one of their greatest influences, Howlin' Wolf. 10th anniversary deluxe remastered edition with 3 bonus tracks, liner notes by David Fricke + huge folded poster.

• black double vinyl pressing
• 10th anniversary deluxe edition
• contains 3 bonus tracks not on the original vinyl pressing
• includes giant foldout poster + printed foldout insert w/ liner notes by David Fricke
• original release year: 2010
• music label: Nonesuch 2020

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 01/2013