"Magic Potion" is the fourth studio album by the American rock duo The Black Keys. Released in 2006, it was their first record on Nonesuch Records, the label they continue to work with. This album represents a significant milestone for the band as it features entirely original material, a departure from their previous work which included covers and reinterpreted songs.
"Magic Potion" was recorded in the basement of drummer Patrick Carney's home, similar to the band's first two albums. Carney noted that the recording was done using "crappy equipment" worth around $5,000. Guitarist Dan Auerbach explained that they chose this location for its unique acoustic properties: the basement has concrete floors and walls, and the mixing desk and computer are set up on a tool desk built by a previous occupant. Auerbach appreciated how the space added individuality to the sound, contrasting with the uniformity often found in modern recordings.
Carney, however, expressed some regret over the final product. He noted that despite paying $350 for mastering, the finished record lacked bass, which was a significant disappointment for him. He described the process as somewhat haphazard, stating that they simply mailed the record to Warner Brothers and moved on, reflecting his biggest regret regarding the album.
