April 2008 Archives

I recently began reading The Age of American Unreason.

I am currently in the middle of Freakonomics, and Soccer in Sun and Shadow.

I am wrapping up The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana and Love in the Time of Cholera.

I just finished How Soccer Explains the World, Among the Thugs and The Thinking Fan's Guide to the World Cup (about two years too late on that one).

Last night, Matt and I went to see the Black Keys play the Warfield. I was surprised at how many people showed up. Not because the Keys don't deserve every fan they have, but because I didn't suspect that many people in the Bay Area knew about them. We were about 40 feet from the stage (and 20 feet from the bar), which made for excellent viewing and listening (and drinking).

For me, there's something very satisfying about the Keys' music. Dan on guitar and vocals, Patrick on drums. That's pretty much it. But they have a signature sound that comes across much thicker and more textured than you might expect from just guitar and drums.

As with any performer, the litmus test that determines whether or not you become one of my elite favorites depends on whether or not you can deliver live. Tool can do it. Rage can do it. The Black Keys can definitely do it. On stage (see blurry iPhone snap above) the Keys were able to translate all the songs I'd hoped to hear, but better because they were live, and 10x louder than I can ever get to them to go on my car stereo.

It was the best live show I've seen in years. Maybe ever.