The Black Keys “Magic Potion” 2006. Nonesuch Records. Today, May 14th, is Black Keys guitarist/vocalist Dan Auerbach’s 40th birthday (b. 1979). Magic Potion is the band’s fourth studio LP and the first to feature tracks written exclusively by them (the others all had at least a few covers). Like their first two releases, they recorded it in Patrick Carney’s basement on “crappy equipment” (Rubber Factory, the band’s third album, was recorded in an old tire factory), providing a natural lo-fi, scrappy sound which fits nicely into the band’s garage blues aesthetic. Of their earlier releases, this is probably the one I listen to the least, though it is good. I particularly like “Your Touch” which the band released as their first single from the record. They also released “You’re the One” and “Just Got to Be.” I also like “Just a Little Heat” – great slide guitar and a powerful stomping blues beat. And Auerbach continues his penchant for channeling Junior Kimbrough (always awesome) on “The Flame” and “Modern Times” though the Keys punch up the latter considerably with some punk attitude.