When it came time for The Black Keys to write a second album for Nonesuch Records, they did what anyone in touch with today's musical tapestry would do: hire a hip-hop producer.

Danger Mouse, who is probably best known for his Gnarls Barkley contribution and, secondly, for his Beatles / Jay-Z mash up "The Grey Album," worked with guitarist-vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney to create their most dynamic release since forming in Akron, Ohio in 2002.

The indie blues duo released "Attack & Release" in April 2008 and, to everyone's surprise, it was successfully full of all kinds of new interesting components -- organ, piano, synths, and a couple of Tom Waits cohorts.

The Black Keys launch their summer tour on June 17 in Australia, make their way across the pond and stop in Milwaukee on Sept. 5 for a show at Turner Hall Ballroom. Tickets are $25 and are available at The Pabst and The Riverside box offices, on the Web at www.turnerhallballroom.org and www.tickets.com, or by calling (414) 286-3663 or (800) 511-1552.