The Black Keys “Dropout Boogie” officially released today, May 18th, 2022*. Nonesuch Records. Limited edition “pink panther” colored vinyl. Their 11th LP, Dropout Boogie has their classic garage blues sound, albeit way less lo-fi now that they have the success and cash for more slick production. They also, according to a review on Pitchfork, have “both the star power and underground pedigree to corral garage-punk lifer Greg Cartwright (Oblivians, Reigning Sound), Nashville hitmaker Angelo Petraglia (Trisha Yearwood, Taylor Swift, Kings of Leon), and ZZ Top legend Billy Gibbons onto their record.”

I’m on my very first listen to Dropout Boogie but my first impression is that is really great and also very predictable (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing – The Black Keys are clearly very good at what they do). The opener and the album’s first single “Wild Child” is a fantastic alt-blues ass shaker that will most definitely be making an appearance on my Wild Thing playlist. “Your Team is Looking Good” is another great rocker and “Burn the Damn Thing Down” is foot-stomping and barn-burning. “For the Love of Money” goes a bit more traditional southern blues, as does “Happiness” and “Didn’t I Love You.” “Baby I’m Coming Home” has a 70’s arena rock vibe, but no complaints from me on that. I’m not wild about hazy, dream-bluesy “How Long” though the guitar jam is quite lovely.

I’m not sure if all copies of Dropout Boogie come with these inserts, but our edition includes a drawn rendition of the cover backed with their summer/early fall tour dates plus a pink slip backed with the liner notes.

*Wiki says the release date is May 13th but the email I just got from The Black Keys give the official release date as today, May 18th.