I’ve been floored by this set of images from the Library of Congress, showing American life throughout the Great Depression and World War II. The addition of color makes it clear in a new way just how much life has changed, and how much more comfortable we all are now. I’m not so sure that we’re better for it.
Some really good stuff was put up on Daytrotter this morning. Listen.
The Black Keys have just put together their best record yet: Attack & Release. I’m proud to say that these guys are from Akron, our hometown. Even with their huge success (supermegastar producer Danger Mouse worked on this album), they’ve stayed here, and have no plans to move–which is pretty cool, considering the mass exodus of young people to places that occasionally enjoy sunshine. They developed their sound to match the abandoned rubber factories and gray skies of our dear old city, and it’s great stuff (trust me, I know that music birthed from a blue collar rustbelt town doesn’t exactly entice, but it’s good. Really.)
Here’s a little video tour the duo gave to a Wall Street Journal reporter. I was happy to see shots of our neighborhood (Square Records and Highland Square is right around the corner).
Update: The related article in the Wall Street Journal is decent, too.