Thickfreakness

"Thickfreakness," released in 2003, is the second studio album by the American rock duo The Black Keys, consisting of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. This album is notable for further establishing the band's raw, gritty blues-rock sound that they've become renowned for.

One interesting aspect of "Thickfreakness" is how it was recorded. The entire album was put together in a rather unconventional setting: Carney's basement in Akron, Ohio, using an old-school recording method. The album was captured on an ancient 1980s Tascam 388 8-track recorder, which helped give the album its distinctive, stripped-back sound. Carney and Auerbach managed to record the album in roughly 14 hours, showing their intent to maintain an authentic and unpolished sound.

The title track, “Thickfreakness,” kicks off the album with a heavy riff, setting the tone for the visceral energy and bluesy distortion that follows. Interestingly, the album showcases a cover of “Have Love, Will Travel,” originally by Richard Berry, highlighting The Black Keys’ deep roots in traditional blues and rock.

"Thickfreakness" played a pivotal role in elevating The Black Keys’ status in the early 2000s garage rock revival. This album helped the band break out of their status as an underground treasure and set the stage for future successes. Despite its rawness, or perhaps because of it, "Thickfreakness" effectively captures the essence of the early 2000s rock resurgence, balancing nostalgia with the band’s fresh, hard-hitting approach to blues rock.