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The Black Keys — Too Afraid to Love You
Album: Brothers
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2600









Released: 2010
Length: 3:20
Plays (last 30 days): 3
My gears they grind
More each day
And I feel like
They're gonna grind away

And the city blocks
They drive me wild
They're never ending
Mile after mile

I just don't know what to do
I'm too afraid to love you

It's heaven on earth
In her embrace
Her gentle touch
And her smiling face

I'm just one wishing
That I was a pair
With someone
Oh somewhere

I just don't know what to do
I'm too afraid to love you

All those sleepless nights
And all those wasted days
I wish loneliness would leave me
But I think he's here to stay
What more can I do
I'm wringing myself dry
And I can't afford to lose
One more teardrop from my eye
Comments (178)add comment
Oh wow - that voice! That phrasing! Drives me crazy ever since I first heard them on "The Leftovers"
soooo good 
Always lifting & refreshing. Good combo in my neck of the woods.
 Caturman wrote:

Nice! Who are these guys and what is the name of this album?




It´s the Black Keys with their Album Brothers, and the song is callled, Too Afraid to Love You. I Rated it with an 8. But because it´s that kind of groovy i´m thinking about giving it a nine the next time!
I m New on this radio...you have great songs..
Fantastic song. That harpsichord. The song oozes griminess and I love it.
I really like them, but, this is not one of their best tunes!  ...lousy recording quality!
Oh good, it's that one Black Keys song will distorted vocals!  You know, that one...
 jonahboo wrote:


you're done in under 3 and a half minutes?  Might i suggest "foreplay"? 


Damn autocorrect, I meant to type Coldplay.
 jonahboo wrote:


you're done in under 3 and a half minutes?  Might i suggest "foreplay"? 

Ok...that right there is pretty funny
 Caturman wrote:
Nice! Who are these guys and what is the name of this album?


Hmm...not quite sure
 WonderLizard wrote:
Ironically enough, this is a song to make love by.
 

you're done in under 3 and a half minutes?  Might i suggest "foreplay"? 
Dan is a magician

Not to compare to Jack (White) Stripes, because, JW is FUCKING AWESOME.......but, Dan may be even more awesomer! 

Ideas
Skill
Songwriting
production
the dude has it all (except good looks, but who cares
, i dig chicks anyway)
Listening to this album brings me back to the days I spent in Spain. Walking along the coastline, smoking cigarettes as the summer breeze blows. Ended up walking for an hour or so just because the album felt so cinematic. Love to hear it. 9 from me!
damn this song has been a fav of mine for years and now after some messed up experiences i get it XO
bye bye blissful ignorance 
 BCarn wrote:

Well, look at the site you're on and you may just answer your own question.
 
Did you notice the whoosh?  ;-)
 Caturman wrote:
Nice! Who are these guys and what is the name of this album?
 
Well, look at the site you're on and you may just answer your own question.
Super album
Nice! Who are these guys and what is the name of this album?
 Dosequis wrote:

Yes...You can do so much with GarageBand! Let's insert the Fuzzulator 3.0 on EVERYTHING!!!! YUCK !!!!!!!!

 
I doubt these guys release stuff recorded with Garage Band very often.  They're whole point is that vintage, analog sound - to a fault.  This album was recorded at the famed Muscle Shoals studio.  Still, their music doesn't do much for me either.
 Ok..now you are listening {#Drunk} TerryS wrote:
When listening to this song, a Dirty Martini comes to mind...........

 

 ppopp wrote:
If this band were food it would be microwave popcorn; over-processed and tough on the senses.

 
Perfectly spoke.
Plodding, dull, with sandpaper vocals, stupid lyrics. Ghastly.
Man, that's good!
7 -> 9
 jessesteinen wrote:
8 -> 9

 
9,9
8 -> 9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnzIrRykilA

awesome intro 
When listening to this song, a Dirty Martini comes to mind...........
 1wolfy wrote:
Great song..cool fuzzy distortion on the vocals..gives it a vintage feel

 
Yes...You can do so much with GarageBand! Let's insert the Fuzzulator 3.0 on EVERYTHING!!!! YUCK !!!!!!!!
If this band were food it would be microwave popcorn; over-processed and tough on the senses.
 Sloggydog wrote:
Sure hope they are back to their awesome best like this stuff on the next album.  Just 1 let down so far so I won't be putting them in the arctic radiohead bin just yet.

 
When they went arena rock from club rock they kinda lost some grit.
Wow, this song is so cool.. just wow..
Sure hope they are back to their awesome best like this stuff on the next album.  Just 1 let down so far so I won't be putting them in the arctic radiohead bin just yet.
From 7 to 9, one of my fav. song from these guys!
Ironically enough, this is a song to make love by.
Diggin this! 
Great song..cool fuzzy distortion on the vocals..gives it a vintage feel
Like Gene Pitney
I don't get tired of hearing this song. I miss my ex :( 
Amazing to hear a new original sound!
I picked up this album about a month ago... Amazing to me how much it sounds like the Dr. John album Dan produced around then...
 DarceySuzanne wrote:
I just adore their sound. What sexy ass vocals! And yes, harpsichord sound = extra amazing.

 

I never realized it was a harpsichord. But it sounds truly great!
Not my fave of theirs.
HEAVY, fine flows (rhythm), thank you.
another great product of Ohio. They are coming to Chile in April! Si Po!!!
 Proclivities wrote:
 
The vast majority of adults have probably said something like that about teenagers' musical tastes throughout the history of recorded music.  
It's cool to see that someone is using the Cooper Black typeface again, haven't noticed it on too many covers since Pet Sounds or L.A. Woman.
Anyhow, this tune's pretty cool.
 
If it were not for teenagers, I doubt we'd have rock music at all.  I doubt this station would even exist.
I just adore their sound. What sexy ass vocals! And yes, harpsichord sound = extra amazing.
 Stingray wrote:
BEST NEW BAND!
 
"The Black Keys is an American rock band formed in AkronOhio in 2001"  -Wikipedia
That harpsichord rules.
BEST NEW BAND!
The Black Keys just keep getting better - especially live.  If you half like the music and can see them live don't miss it.  
 Cynaera wrote:
I've tried, but I just can't get into this band. I know they're talented and all, but... they don't work for me.  Please don't hurt me...
 
I agree with what you said. I do like this tune a bit...but the band has sort of evaded me in the area of "enjoy". Just thought I'd share my thought since it's similar to yours. Didn't hurt did it?
{#Yes}it has a goin' out of my mind feel...in the same realm as Gene Pitney's,  HeartBreaker (1968). ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
First time listening to this on headphones, and it's better than in the car. I love the keyboards and the wah-wah guitar lines coming in and out of the background.
 

 Byronape wrote:

1) Me too!
2) Good job on the kid.  Most teenagers I know listen to crap.

  
The vast majority of adults have probably said something like that about teenagers' musical tastes throughout the history of recorded music.  
It's cool to see that someone is using the Cooper Black typeface again, haven't noticed it on too many covers since Pet Sounds or L.A. Woman.
Anyhow, this tune's pretty cool.


Love the title.
First time listening to this on headphones, and it's better than in the car. I love the keyboards and the wah-wah guitar lines coming in and out of the background.
Akron baby, Akron!!
 WonderLizard wrote:
My 17-year-old got to see The Black Keys (and Florence and the Machine) last week at Summerfest in Milwaukee. She said the Keys were mesmerizing. I am a deep, moldy green with envy.
 

Lucky
Just love these guys!
Like the 5.1 sound more than the song and the bass,the bass..{#Bananajam}
I am not a fan of the crunchy, scratchy rock ala White Stripes and these guys, but do like it when they go slow.

 juanos wrote:

I thought I was the only one

 
Me three.

 grungepuppy wrote:

I have to agree with you. They have a catchy tune here and there, but I just don't think they reach the level of greatness. I wouldn't throw down for the album.

 
I thought I was the only one

 WonderLizard wrote:
My 17-year-old got to see The Black Keys (and Florence and the Machine) last week at Summerfest in Milwaukee. She said the Keys were mesmerizing. I am a deep, moldy green with envy.
 
1) Me too!
2) Good job on the kid.  Most teenagers I know listen to crap.

 Cynaera wrote:
I've tried, but I just can't get into this band. I know they're talented and all, but... they don't work for me.  Please don't hurt me...
 
For some reason I lump them in with the White Stripes: each album has one or two songs I really do like a whole lot. Then there's some other stuff. I haven't spent any money on the Black Keys tho so at least I'm learning. I should just go to iTunes and grab what I like. 
My 17-year-old got to see The Black Keys (and Florence and the Machine) last week at Summerfest in Milwaukee. She said the Keys were mesmerizing. I am a deep, moldy green with envy.
Sounds like The Black Keys should hang out more with DJ Shadow. Gives similar atmosphere to his tunes, also using the harpsichord or clavecimbel to give the music that eery ghostly feeling.
Very nice!
 Cynaera wrote:
I've tried, but I just can't get into this band. I know they're talented and all, but... they don't work for me.  Please don't hurt me...
 
I have to agree with you. They have a catchy tune here and there, but I just don't think they reach the level of greatness. I wouldn't throw down for the album.

I've tried, but I just can't get into this band. I know they're talented and all, but... they don't work for me.  Please don't hurt me...
For as much as I love the bass, I don't think it's lacking here.
Bass,anyone,I have plenty to go around ! Love this !{#Yes}
This is funny, I bought it for my husband for a b-day gift mostly because I wanted it and, of course, I wanted him to get into it and let these guy's music grow on him as it did me.

 
Byronape wrote:
Just bought this as a b-day present for the wife.  I'm looking forward to her birthday more then she is right now because I really wanna hear this whole album!
 


 2cats wrote:
Love this.
 
Me too.  I think there might be more than 2 cats playing this !  Talk about a band that grows on you, or not, these guys did for me. {#Music}
 Byronape wrote:

BUY THIS ALBUM!  The whole thing has a serious grove that rules.

 
I don't know about a "grove" - I picture this CD as a dense wood full of interesting byways and curious flora and fauna :). I bought it on the strength of what I'd heard of the Black Keys on RP and haven't been disappointed. Every song is varied and interesting, often with sudden key and tempo changes that really grab your attention. This is one of the less strong numbers on it but is still worth 7 points from the Nottingham jury, which awards 9 for the whole CD.

Love this.
I feel like I hear it every single day I listen to RP... a bit boring after a while... :/
love this song!!  10  whole album is great
 tdelora wrote:
Made me stop and look it up. :-)
 
BUY THIS ALBUM!  The whole thing has a serious grove that rules.

Made me stop and look it up. :-)
yeah... these guys are great. i'd love to see 'em live.
I do not regret buying this album ONE BIT! {#Music}
Love it!

8 > 9 !

What can ya say?

This is one of the coolest albums ever
Unique sound with very catchy tunes that don't wear themselves out too soon.
Love these guys!
Had to bump this up from an 8 to a 9. Amazing!
Nice set this morning!

This entire album is just terrific, even when he is singing a sad song, and most of their songs are sad,  I get a silly smile on my face just because they are so good.


Such a great up and coming band. I got into their last record over a year ago and now they've been making a big splash in the mainstream. A bit too overplayed on FM and other media, but they deserve all the exposure they want.
 Stingray wrote:


I tell you a secret, "Horschti!

I

AM

BILL

!!

 
{#No} Not by a long shot.

7 for the harpsichord!
Just bought this as a b-day present for the wife.  I'm looking forward to her birthday more then she is right now because I really wanna hear this whole album!
 Sjaaks wrote:

It's as if Bill read your comment, because today, this Black Keys song is followed by Pink Floyd

 

I tell you a secret, "Horschti!

I

AM

BILL

!!

 Stingray wrote:


Oh really...!

Pink Floyd (of the "Shine on" period) have nothing, noooooooooooooooooooothing WHATSOEVER
to do with the "Keys" - nothing. NO THING!!!

Play Grand-Daddy's favourite - then you let the KEYS tell you how wrong and  endlessly BOOORING
the 80 years olds are! I am looking for the right explanation - hard to find in another language! 
I hear "Crazy Diamond" (the title+lyrics alone is pure madness) and see 12.000 aged Hippies. Bold,
pony-tail, earring (or two), silly tattoo, wrinkled and a pityful Hippy-Chick sitting by their side - both of them
slow-motion headbanging to the "1-beat-per-minute" sound of this retirement-home band! 

Yes, true - I hate them. But most of all I hate what they stand for!

Now a secret: Once I loved FLOYD and especially "Crazy Diamond" Yes - I did. I admit it!

How many years ago was that? 50? 30 at least! For me some 20!

Comparing them and their songs to modern-intellgent music makes me nothing but...
bitterly smile! Mostly about what fools all those must be, that rate this "Hippy-bull" more than a 5!
You could have given this an 8 when it came out. Give itmore than 5 today is retro in a very very stupid-old way!

Common - do what you like! Leave me alone. I give a shit what you like!!

 
 
It's as if Bill read your comment, because today, this Black Keys song is followed by Pink Floyd, hehehe...

But man, you are really agressive with your opinions. You could tell the same as above with a lot less anger and less prejudices...

The dark side, you are from...




 Porgie_Tirebiter wrote:

Still, I really can't be too impressed by anyone who'd rate Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" a 1...   {#Beat}

 

Oh really...!

Pink Floyd (of the "Shine on" period) have nothing, noooooooooooooooooooothing WHATSOEVER
to do with the "Keys" - nothing. NO THING!!!

Play Grand-Daddy's favourite - then you let the KEYS tell you how wrong and  endlessly BOOORING
the 80 years olds are! I am looking for the right explanation - hard to find in another language! 
I hear "Crazy Diamond" (the title+lyrics alone is pure madness) and see 12.000 aged Hippies. Bold,
pony-tail, earring (or two), silly tattoo, wrinkled and a pityful Hippy-Chick sitting by their side - both of them
slow-motion headbanging to the "1-beat-per-minute" sound of this retirement-home band! 

Yes, true - I hate them. But most of all I hate what they stand for!

Now a secret: Once I loved FLOYD and especially "Crazy Diamond" Yes - I did. I admit it!

How many years ago was that? 50? 30 at least! For me some 20!

Comparing them and their songs to modern-intellgent music makes me nothing but...
bitterly smile! Mostly about what fools all those must be, that rate this "Hippy-bull" more than a 5!
You could have given this an 8 when it came out. Give itmore than 5 today is retro in a very very stupid-old way!

Common - do what you like! Leave me alone. I give a shit what you like!!

 
 petrfas wrote:
Great band, know them through RP! Viele Dank
 

VIELE-N (DANK), if you do not mind!

UNBELIEVABLE SONG AND ALBUM!

"10" - no question!!!

Best band of the year on SNL. I was blown away!
Great band, know them through RP! Viele Dank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnzIrRykilA

This is a great video, nice to see how they created the "piano"-part...

Black Keys nominated for 5 Grammys!
Story of my life, this is. The Black Keys know how get you from the gut.
The Black Keys are the SHITZ! Playing in Chicago at the Riv on NYE (I'm not going {#Grumpy})
Well pick me friggin' up and throw me down.  Me loves this.  {#Bananajam}
This song is a big solid 10 for me! And The Black Keys are just awesome!!!
 Sjaaks wrote:


I think this is the first positive comment i've seen from your (STINGRAY's) side, and i couldn't agree more!

 
Still, I really can't be too impressed by anyone who'd rate Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" a 1...   {#Beat}

Especially since 91% of RP's listeners rate it as a TEN!  {#Eek}

(Yes, I know that's a logical fallacy - but this isn't a classroom, and I'm not making a defense of my thesis or anything...)

 fredriley wrote:
...and I gather from posts on here that that's sh1te in a big bucket.

 

Hey! I actually LIKED Procto Harrumph's "A Wider Pail of Shite" when I was much, MUCH younger...

oops - time for my meds now...



 Stingray wrote:
PERFECT!!!
 

I think this is the first positive comment i've seen from your side, and i couldn't agree more!
YEAH!  THE BLACK KEYS!   {#Guitarist}
And who said a real ROCK AND ROLL album couldn't be made in 2010?

Rate this up you haters! 8 -> 9 !

 Stingray wrote:
BEST BAND AND ALBUM - 2010?
 
Dear Stingray - Are you Owen Meany?
God, I'm loving this band the more I hear them!
 Bleyfusz wrote:
At first I thought I would grow tired soon of this song. What happens now is quite the opposite.
 
For me unfortunately it is quite the opposite of your opposite.

At first I thought I would grow tired soon of this song. What happens now is quite the opposite.
PERFECT!!!
 MannAudioltd wrote:

and what UK station do you listen to instead for a better playlist

 
There isn't one, as you well know - FM in the UK is even more sh1te than in the US, and I gather from posts on here that that's sh1te in a big bucket. I owe RP a lot and am happy to cough up my monthly contribution, but there are times when it hits, for me, a seriously barren patch, hence my wee cri de coeur. That's usually balanced by sequences of unending brill music, and on balance (as my ratings distro shows) most music on RP is the dog's bollocks. It's just occasional sequences that are, to my ears, the dog's breakfast.

The Black Keys are growing on me. I love the ironic minimalism of the cover, which likely cost a fortune to commission from some design agency, and the back-to-basics no-frills rock of this lot. Maybe time to wield the plastic again to add to the CD collection, which has burgeoned mightily since I started listening to RP.

I am loving every trak that RP has played off this album. Very cool retro sound. Looking forward to hearing more! 
I have to admit that this song still rocks me in a kinda muzaky, commercially way.  I think it's the thumping bass.  I've alwas been a sucker for bass.....THanks, Bill.  Play watcha will!  It's always the musical adventure I enjoy listening to you{#Good-vibes}, even if occasionally it's a slightly dubious throwback like Enya.
Bill, this song is timely as ever!!! keep playing it a lot!

From RP fan is Israel
Sounds like there's something wrong with this sound file. Or I need new speakers. Because it's really distorted.