I figured listening to this would immediately inspire me to get a boatload of response done by the day it came out. Yet, I am still but one full listen in after having the album at my disposal for over a week. Attack and Release absolutely destroy(s)ed me, I have no reason to believe this one can’t… but I have no will to press on.
Trying to explain this phenomenon is tough. I think it is what happened to most people when they reviewed Midlake’s The Courage of Others. The critical edge was decimated by delusions of the last album’s grandeur. Like I said to a lady last week: this almost never happens to me. For some reason I am trapped in a no-listen zone with Brothers. Call it the opposite of album-oriented manifest destiny. I want to go no further with The Black Keys. I want them to remain as they were.
I can admit my bias should be overcome in the name of 10 Listens motto. However, I can also admit when I am defeated. I doubt highly I will make it to 10 with Brothers, but I guarantee I will not forget this album. One day it will rear its head again, and I will be sorry I missed the chance to talk in depth about it. Until then, however, it’s onward to other projects. Perhaps a mash-up? The Courage of Brothers? Probably not.