Black Keys - Brothers

Label: Nonesuch
Genre: Blues Rock
Year: 2010
Recommended by: Alura Henry

he Black Keys are awesome. Every song is good. They sound grungy and dirty and rough and scratchy in all the right ways. They also make pretty excellent music videos.

Brothers brought back blues rock into the main scene. They recorded in the famous Muscle Shoals studio. Watch the documentary on the awesome history of that place. Dan Carney and Dan Auerbach were able to create an amazing sound between two men is simply amazing. Danger Mouse produced the popular single "Tighten Up" and it has the greatest impact on the eardrums. 

Brothers is great. But you knew that already.

Brandon Flowers - Flamingo

Label: Island
Genre: Pop Rock
Year: 2010
Recommended by: Melissa Jarotkiewicz

Do you like the Killers? You will like this album.

Do you dislike the Killers? You would dislike this album.

This solo debut from Brandon Flowers shows is creative dominance over his band. While toned down a bit in sound, the sound is very similar and quite catchy. I feel like it wouldn't be as enjoyable in a huge stadium show, but would translate better to a smaller intimate setting. The songwriting is strong and the rhythms are catchy. I'm not sure it will stick in my head for long periods of time though.

Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse - Dark Night of the Soul

Label: Capitol/EMI
Year: 2010
Genre: Indie Rock
Recommending Person: Rob Yaple

This album features rock and roll icons, legends, and even David Lynch! I am sure we are all very excited for Twin Peaks to return, but in 2010 David Lynch was creating a 100 page book that had a visual narrative with the music. I did not have access or knowledge of the book prior to listening to the album but it seems like something I should do another time. My favorite track was probably the first song with Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips. The album has many tonal shifts because of the collaboration with a different artist on every track. However, the only song that feels impenetrable is David Lynch's track to finish the record. 

Fun back story, EMI had a dispute with Danger Mouse on distribution, so Danger Mouse sold the David Lynch Book and a blank CD-R with no music saying, do with it what you will. He had leaked the album digitally a few weeks before.