The Black Keys "Brothers" (ADVANCE)

Ever since Jack White put the White Stripes on hold to focus on his many side projects, I have been waiting for a blues-rock duo to step up in their place. Enter the Black Keys. While they're not quite on the level of the Stripes, they're also no copycat. Their 2008 record Attack & Release was produced by Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley, Broken Bells) and they brought him back to produce their lead single "Tighten Up".

Along with that new track, the band has made it clear that they are not going to reuse the same formula over and over. While there are still the standard, dirty rockers, the boys have made a concerted effort to take some risks and try some new things. What's most surprising is that the 2nd half of the record sounds much stronger than the first. I guess once you put all the radio-friendly, help-market-the-album songs behind you, then you're able to really focus on making quality music.

Must hear: Tighten Up

(Release Date: 5/18/10)