Description
The Black Keys – Chulahoma The Songs of Junior Kimbrough – Vinyl Record
Released on May 2, 2006, Chulahoma: The Songs of Junior Kimbrough is a six-track EP by The Black Keys, paying tribute to Mississippi hill country blues legend Junior Kimbrough. The album features Dan Auerbach (vocals/guitar) and Patrick Carney (drums) reinterpreting Kimbrough’s hypnotic, groove-driven blues in their signature gritty, raw garage-blues style.
Junior Kimbrough was a pioneer of North Mississippi hill country blues, known for his hypnotic, droning guitar riffs, loose yet driving rhythms, and deeply soulful, moody vocals. His influence on The Black Keys was profound, shaping their early sound and inspiring their stripped-down, blues-heavy approach to rock. The EP’s title, Chulahoma, is a reference to Kimbrough’s hometown in Mississippi, where he ran his famous juke joint, Junior’s Place, until his death in 1998.
Unlike previous Black Keys records, which blended garage rock and blues influences, Chulahoma is a pure blues tribute, staying as close as possible to Kimbrough’s original spirit while still incorporating The Black Keys’ own raw energy. The result is an intimate, atmospheric, and deeply soulful collection of songs that highlights both Kimbrough’s genius and The Black Keys’ deep respect for the blues tradition.
Notable Tracks
“Keep Your Hands Off Her” – A hypnotic, slow-burning blues track that captures Kimbrough’s trademark driving, repetitive groove, with Auerbach’s soulful, aching vocals giving it a haunting quality.
“Have Mercy on Me” – A deeply emotional performance, with a steady, pulsating rhythm that mirrors Kimbrough’s signature style.
“Work Me” – One of the more upbeat and aggressive tracks on the EP, filled with gritty guitar tones and pounding drums.
“Meet Me in the City” – Perhaps the most well-known track from the EP, this song is melancholic and deeply moving, featuring some of Auerbach’s most soulful and heartfelt vocal work. The song later gained recognition when it was featured on the TV show Big Little Lies.
“Nobody But You” – A dark, brooding track that builds tension through repetitive guitar licks and a slow, simmering beat.
“My Mind Is Ramblin’” – A psychedelic, almost trance-like blues jam that closes the EP on a hypnotic note.
At the end of the album, there is a hidden track featuring a recording of Junior Kimbrough’s widow, Mildred, talking about Junior’s legacy and influence, adding a deeply personal touch to the tribute.
Chulahoma was met with critical acclaim, with many praising The Black Keys for paying genuine homage to Kimbrough rather than simply covering his songs. The album further cemented the band’s connection to the blues, influencing their later work while also introducing a new generation of listeners to Kimbrough’s music.
Even though The Black Keys would go on to achieve massive mainstream success with albums like Brothers (2010) and El Camino (2011), Chulahoma remains one of their most deeply rooted and passionate releases. It serves as both a love letter to the blues and a reminder of the raw, unfiltered energy that first made the band stand out.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Keep Your Hands Off Her
Have Mercy On Me
Work Me
Meet Me In The City
Nobody But You
My Mind Is Ramblin’
Junior’s Widow
