The Akron based blues rock tag team of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney is back. The Black Keys follow up the success of El Camino with a mellow group of tracks meant to be a “Headphone record.” The Keys have once again teamed up with Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton who contributes his songwriting and production chops to the record. In true Black Keys fashion it’s a bluesy affair that trades on riffs from the past while layering on modern sounds. “Fever,” the big lead single moves forward with guitar and drums before adding plenty of electronic organ. It’s sure to be a big stadium number, one that fans will immediately latch on to. Danger Mouse does his thing throughout the album, adding strings and samples where appropriate, and providing his knack for making new things sound old. Turn Blue will definitely be pleasing Black Keys fans for some time.

• black vinyl pressing
• printed insert
• original release year: 2014
• music label: Nonesuch 2022

reviewed by Hank Ohs 06/2014