Delta Kream - The Black Keys Delta Blues Covers Nonesuch

Our review of Delta Kream finds it is a clear, focused tribute for listeners who want authentic Mississippi hill country blues interpreted by a modern rock duo. The Black Keys, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, recorded these eleven standards at Easy Eye Sound with veteran accompanists, and the result is an album that prioritizes raw feeling and historical fidelity over studio polish. This record is best for fans of traditional blues and those curious about how contemporary players render classic regional songs; the single biggest reason to buy is the album's faithful, lived-in performances that honor the songs' origins.

Key Features

• Authentic song selection: The album collects eleven Mississippi hill country blues standards that the band loved since their teens, delivering songs rooted in the regional tradition.
• Experienced collaborators: Guitarist Kenny Brown and bassist Eric Deaton, both linked to R. L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough, lend credibility and feel to the performances.
• Intimate studio setting: Recorded at Dan Auerbach's Easy Eye Sound in Nashville, the sessions preserve a live, room-based atmosphere rather than heavy overdubs.
• Cover art with history: The title and sleeve reference William Eggleston's iconic Mississippi photograph, tying the music to its visual and geographic roots.
• Focused concept: By concentrating on regional blues standards, the album offers a cohesive listening experience with consistent mood and tone.

Who It's For

Delta Kream is for listeners who appreciate the raw, repetitive grooves and hypnotic rhythms of Mississippi hill country blues and want modern players to approach the material with respect. Fans of The Black Keys who enjoy the duo's return to rootsy textures will find this album particularly satisfying.

Those seeking new original songs, pop hooks, or high-production studio experimentation should look elsewhere; Delta Kream is deliberately spare and archival in focus, designed to spotlight tradition and performance rather than studio invention.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Faithful interpretations of classic regional blues that preserve the songs' emotional core.
• Contributions from musicians directly connected to the original blues figures add authenticity.
• Warm, live-sounding recordings captured at Easy Eye Sound create an immediate listening presence.

Cons

• The album's narrow focus on covers may disappoint listeners seeking fresh original material or varied dynamics.

Specifications

Artist	The Black Keys
Album title	Delta Kream
Label	Nonesuch Records
Number of tracks	Eleven Mississippi hill country blues standards
Recording location	Easy Eye Sound studio, Nashville
Guest musicians	Kenny Brown and Eric Deaton
Cover art	William Eggleston photograph reference

Our Verdict

Delta Kream is a thoughtful, well-executed tribute that will appeal to blues purists and longtime fans of The Black Keys who value authenticity and atmosphere. It offers strong value for listeners who want a cohesive set of classic Mississippi songs performed with respect and lived-in tone rather than a collection of new pop-leaning originals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these original songs?
No, Delta Kream consists of eleven covers of Mississippi hill country blues standards rather than new original material.

Who played with The Black Keys on this album?
Guitarist Kenny Brown and bassist Eric Deaton, both associated with R. L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough, are featured on the record.

Where was the album recorded?
The sessions took place at Dan Auerbach's Easy Eye Sound studio in Nashville.