The Black Keys “Ohio Players” 2024. Nonesuch Records, limited edition bleach/smoke vinyl. Not only did this record just come out a few days ago (and it’s the first spin for me), but today is also Keys drummer Patrick Carney’s birthday (b. April 15th, 1980). Ohio Players is the band’s 12th studio LP. It’s too soon to say where/when/if it will chart (well, it has reached #13 in the UK as of right now). That said, there’s already three singles from the record: the excellent and funky “Beautiful People (Stay High)” which came out in January; “I Forgot to Be Your Lover” which was originally performed by William Bell in 1968 and famously covered by Billy Idol in ’86 on Whiplash Smile (Idol’s version went to #6 in the US); and “This is Nowhere.” I have no idea if the Black Keys will release any other singles from Ohio Players but of note are “On the Game” which features Oasis’ Noel Gallagher on guitar (he provides backing vocals on that track plus a few others), the ass-shaking funky “Paper Crown” featuring Beck on guitar and organ (he’s on a few other tracks, too, including acoustic guitar on “Fever Tree” – which has a very “Beck” feel to it) as well as Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia with a breakout rap; and “Please Me (Till I’m Satisfied)” which is one of my top picks on the record. It’s co-written by Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound, The Oblivians, The Compulsive Gamblers) and a gritty garage rocker. Cartwright also co-wrote “Read Em and Weep.” There’s a slew of other famous and not-so-famous musicians on the record, giving it a broader blend of genres than the Keys standard lo-fi garage-blues sound. Pop, r&b, hip hop, funk, garage punk, even some surf sounds are sprinkled throughout Ohio Players. Another top pick is “Live Till I Die” which has a great combo of psych, metal and jangle pop. Ohio Players is an excellent and eclectic listen, with tons of surprises on each track.