(The Black Keyes) Dan Auerbach’s discovery. He produces, plays guitar and guest vocalizes. The sound is somewhere between broody blues and alt-country, and most tracks are sparse and unfussy. Her flat, sweet drawl is the focus of the album, and her songwriting is amazing. If you can, give the lyrics a read before you play the music. They’re heartbreaking. Reminiscent of Conor Oberst, Jim James, and any other emo indie crooner. FCC Clean. Try 1,2,9.
(U=upbeat, M=midtempo, D=downtempo)
†1.D:Dark, shattering cymbals, drawn out quivering guitar lines, repetitive piano chord in background.
†2.M:Driving beat, change in time signature, flat indifferent drawl vocals about past lover, and an acoustic blues line on guitar.
3.M:Raunchy guitar line, although the song is the sunniest, poppy-est effort on the album. Hand clapping and country crooning.
4.D:Interesting contrast of Black Keyes guitars, dark and overpowering, clashing against her frail drawl. Broodiest track.
5.M:Cynical 80s electro line in background and a tongue in cheek performance.
6.D:Dark acoustic alt-country crooning. Most sorrowful track.
7.M:Playful beat with some sort of moog line in background. Dulcet vocals.
8.D: Broody Americana, halting guitar strumming and layered vocal cooings.
†9.M: Tribal feeling, with dry percussions, a marimba, and bird singing effects in background, contrasted with her dry, flat vocals and repetitive beat on the bass.
10.D: Background tremolo guitars, humming chorale and soft vocals
11.D:Another alt-country brooder. Acoustic, whiny moog line in background.