Wheaton Aston with The Black Keys

“Little black submarines. Operator, please. Put me back on the line”

Reflections from Wheaton Aston on the Shropshire Union Canal, 9th May 2024 (Author’s Collection)

Listening to “The Black Keys” yesterday morning on the short car journey to beautiful Wheaton Aston was a “lucky dip” affair as I spun the metaphorical wheel on the music box in the car and it landed on their 2011 album “El Camino”, my entry point to fandom for the rock duo from Akron, Ohio. As ever, I have the second love of my life to thank as without her musical guidance I wouldn’t have given this magnificent music a second listen, let alone their brilliant appearances on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast over the past decade and after being immediately won over by their 2011 album I bought every album and EP I could lay my eager hands on.

Apparently named after a local schizophrenic who would describe people who “weren’t quite right” as Black Keys, well this certainly fits with me and like another American duo “The White Stripes”, I remain constantly dumbfounded that two people can conjure such loud, brash, in your face yet melodically beautiful music.

As an album man I heartily endorse “El Camino”, “Brothers” (2010) and “Rubber Factory” (2004), EP’s “Chulahoma” (2006), “The Moan” (2004), “Your Touch” (2006) and single tracks “You’re The One”, “Everlasting Light”, “Next Girl”, “Strange Times” and every single blooming one of the 11 tracks on “El Camino” including the magnificent “Little Black Submarines” below.

After treating yourself to 4 and a half minutes of perfection, I hope you enjoy the pictorial stroll along the Shropshire Union Canal in oh so beautiful Wheaton Aston.

"Little Black Submarines" (LIVE) by The Black Keys - Youtube

Welcome to Wheaton Aston and Bridge Number 19 of the Shropshire Union Canal which, as you can see for yourself, is named “Tavern Bridge”.

View from Tavern Bridge heading north and immediately (if you squint your eyes) Bridge Number 20 and “Dirty Lane Bridge” in the near distance.

Another view south from Tavern Bridge.

I rather enjoy these time capsule pieces back to a distant past (see three images below for further evidence)

“Tavern Bridge” and Bridge Number 19 of the Shropshire Union Canal - Part 1.

“Tavern Bridge” and Bridge Number 19 of the Shropshire Union Canal - Part 2.

The Shropshire Union Canal or “The Shroppie” is renowned for these black and white mile markers and all three destinations are featured heavily within my archives here.

View north from “Dirty Lane Bridge”.

Return view south from beneath “Tavern Bridge”.

“The Hartley Arms” public house and some beautiful reflections from Wheaton Aston.

View south from Bridge Number 18 or simply “Wheaton Aston Bridge”.

Return view from “Wheaton Aston Bridge”.

Wheaton Aston lock with “Tavern Bridge” in the far distance.

(1) My pride and joy to date. All available via Amazon (Author’s Collection)

(2) My pride and joy to date. All available via Amazon (Author’s Collection)

Thanks for reading. I hope this message in a bottle in The Matrix finds you well, prospering and the right way up in an upside down world.

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