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)

Cage the Elephant "Cage the Elephant"

Let me just say, if you live in Boston and don't listen to WFNX then we probably don't have similar tastes. That being said, I heard this band on FNX last night and immediately needed to hear more. The album starts off with a chugging blues rock riff but with a distinct funk flair to it. Almost if you mashed up the Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys. Actually, I think that's the perfect comparison. Dirty melodies with offbeat vocals.

Must hear: Back Against The Wall

(Release date: 5/19/09)

Dan Auerbach "Keep It Hid"

This is Auerbach's first solo album, after spending the last 8 years as lead singer and guitarist of the Black Keys. I expected this effort to sound similar to his groupwork; you can't get away from the music that inspires you. But Auerbach does a nice job of mixing the blues rock-iness of the Black Keys with some good ol' American folk. The first song sounded straight off a Ray LaMontagne album. If you like LaMontagne -- or Iron & Wine -- but wished they would try picking up the tempo a little bit, then this album is for you.

Must hear: Real Desire

(Release Date: 2/10/09)