The Black Keys: Live At the Crystal Ballroom- DVD Review
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I'll get this right out there at the beginning. I like The Black Keys, but they aren't my favorite band in the world. I did have the chance to see them live once opening for Sleater-Kinney at The Opera House in Toronto a few years back, and I can attest to the fact that they put on a solid live show.
That brings us to Live At the Crystal Ballroom . Recorded in April, 2008 at the Portland, OR venue, this concert DVD is a good document of the duo's live experience.
The first thing that strikes you is the amount of noise the Akron, OH band is able to generate. Singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach (who has a solo record coming in the spring) and drummer Patrick Carney make a wall of sound that most four or five piece bands would be hard pressed to muster.
The band's bluesy garage rock is custom made for a venue like the Crystal Ballroom. Waves of guitar fuzz reverberate around the space, bouncing off the walls and driving the crowd into a frenzy.
Whether it's with their blues-inspired pub rock or psychedelic jams (think Procol Harem on meth), The Black Keys are in total command of the audience.
The DVD is masterfully filmed by Lance Bangs. The slightly skewed colouring and strobing light lend a frenetic 60's acid trip feel to the performance.
In addition to the 17-song concert, the DVD contains three music video, including the hilarious laser tag vid for "Strange Times". There is also a feature on the making of the video for "Your Touch", and an unnarrated look at the recording of the band's Attack & Release album.
While this DVD won't likely convert any non-believers, it is a near essential for Black Keys fans.
Track listing for Live At the Crystal Ballroom :
- Same Old Thing
- Girl Is On My Mind
- Set You Free
- ThickFreakness
- Stack Shot Billy
- Busted
- You're The One
- Remember When (Side B)
- Your Touch
- Oceans and Streams
- Strange Times
- Psychotic Girl
- 10 am Automatic
- No Trust
- I Got Mine
- All You Ever Wanted
- Till I Get My Way
7.5
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