The girlfriend and I have been pretty adamant about keeping HBO, although Comcast charges out the ass for anything and everything. There are a few reasons for this, in her opinion (and a few extra in mine). It all has to do with their original programming — shows like True Blood, Bored to Death, the forthcoming Boardwalk Empire, and recent favorite Hung. Last week’s episode closed out with a bluesy, garage rendition of R&B, and I simply had to know who it was. Of course, it was The Black Keys with their song “Tighten Up”.

I hadn’t heard it, and in fact I haven’t heard much of anything from The Black Keys mostly due to fault of my own. I just hadn’t taken the time (although I have that Record Day 12″ in my possession, as well as a few of their older items buried amidst other CDs somewhere in a box in my closet). The band has been around eight years, released five albums in that time. They include production by Danger Mouse, boast Dan Auerbach on vocals and guitar, and feature Patrick Carney on drums. This is where my cred takes a substantial dip. Again, why haven’t I given these guys an attentive listen? *Kicks self*

“Tighten Up” is a very single-worthy song, with hip, bluesy vocals, Motown-like guitar jams and a tambourine-heavy shuffle to the catchy percussive beat. There’s a reason people like this band, and it’s written all over this song. To make it even better, the band made a video. And it may just be the best video of the year, as far as I’m concerned. After watching it a few times, I’m still speechless as to its brilliance. No descriptors needed: watch it. Now.

Watch it to the end. At the moment it seems it can’t get any better. It does.

The Low Anthem return to the states and hit the West Coast this month after wandering Europe with my pal Kasey Anderson. If you recall, they’re out in support of their recent LP, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin, out now on Nonesuch Records. While Anderson hops off the tour, they will be playing with the excellent Blind Pilot, who themselves wrapped up a stint of summer dates with The Decemberists last month.

The Low Anthem: Charlie Darwin [mp3]

The Low Anthem’s West Coast Dates:

Oct 17 2009
Chop Suey
Seattle, Washington

Oct 18 2009
Lola’s Room at the Crystal Ballroom
Portland, Oregon

Oct 19 2009
WOW Hall
Eugene, Oregon
with Blind Pilot

Oct 21 2009
Great American Music Hall
San Francisco, California
with Blind Pilot

Oct 23 2009
Troubadour
Los Angeles, California
with Blind Pilot

Oct 24 2009
Casbah
San Diego, California
with Blind Pilot

Oct 25 2009
Plush
Tuscon, Arizona
with Blind Pilot