The Black Keys

TheOwlMag on The Black Keys

The Black Keys El Camino [Nonesuch]

One of the reasons The Black Keys‘ El Camino is about to leave the band’s growing following (as well as many formerly unacquainted rock and roll lovers) completely blown away is because the band loves it as much as they know we will. There is no doubt that this is one of the best rock and roll albums of the year, and arguably topping 2010′s already-excellent Brothers; El Camino is one of the best we’ve seen from Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney.

It’s not only El Camino’s catchy riffs, compositional creativity, and the battery-charged energy surging through it that makes it an instant classic. Instead, it’s the fact that El Camino is here to highlight the twosome’s innovation and versatility throughout their legendary seven-album legacy for the world to see. And god, are they proud of it. Starting with their early blues sound, The Black Keys have evolved as musicians all the way to the tangible, rock ‘n roll confidence we see oozing from the fuzzy guitar riffs and heart-wrenching vocals present in all eleven tracks that make up the album. And even though the songs are catchier, El Camino reassures us that they’re doing anything but selling out.

With the help of producer Danger Mouse, we still hear Dan Auerbach’s sexy guitar hooks (take the album’s first single “Lonely Boy” for example), and it’s still obvious that the band is just as inspired and talented as ever, but now we are constantly reminded that their rise to the top was no accident. Except for the beautiful acoustic beginning to “Little Black Submarines” and the less hardcore riffs accompanying “Nova Baby,” the eleven tracks share a common, adrenaline-charged energy that manages to keep you more than interested, bobbing your head, and fighting the urge to get up and dance the entire time. Highlights include “Nova Baby,” “Little Black Submarines,” “Lonely Boy,” and “Gold On The Ceiling.” Ladies and gentlemen, our favorite Akron-bred duo is back, and on top.

Check out the video for “Lonely Boy”:

Quit Mumbling on The Black Keys

A few years ago I would have never bet the farm on The Black Keys. But a few years ago, I never saw The Black Keys becoming the band they are today. With Brothers, two kids from Akron were able to take their stripped down blues to the next level of soul- controlling just about every radio airwave, television station, and festival stage they came into contact with. More surprisingly the duo was able to do so without breaking the hearts of any fan that had been there since the days of The Big Come Up or more here

Quit Mumbling on The Black Keys

The Black Keys are back with new song "Lonely Boy" and an accompanying video that's its perfect complement - simple, swinging fun. El Camino is out December 6 on Nonesuch Records . Check out the video and track below, it should get you through your humpday. The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy" more here

Quit Mumbling on The Black Keys

With El Camino , The Black Keys are officially in the big leagues. The success of Brothers resulted in anticipation for this new album like a bottled excitement on the brink of shattered glass at your feet, a characteristic not unlike most of their music. Let's be clear, The Black Keys know what they're doing. By no means an overnight success, they were perfectly prepared for this deserved moment. Releasing their first single alongside a viral music video, they now have also released three new tracks to stream, continuing what they do best. With an more here

KCRW's Chris Douridas on The Black Keys

Played "Next Girl" 10/01/2012 10:08 am

Quit Mumbling on The Black Keys

A few years ago I would have never bet the farm on The Black Keys. But a few years ago, I never saw The Black Keys becoming the band they are today. With Brothers, two kids from Akron were able to take their stripped down blues to the next level of soul- controlling just about every radio airwave, television station, and festival stage they came into contact with. More surprisingly the duo was able to do so without breaking the hearts of any fan that had been there since the days of The Big Come Up or more at elbo.ws

Quit Mumbling on The Black Keys

The Black Keys are back with new song "Lonely Boy" and an accompanying video that's its perfect complement - simple, swinging fun. El Camino is out December 6 on Nonesuch Records . Check out the video and track below, it should get you through your humpday. The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy" more at elbo.ws

Quit Mumbling on The Black Keys

With El Camino , The Black Keys are officially in the big leagues. The success of Brothers resulted in anticipation for this new album like a bottled excitement on the brink of shattered glass at your feet, a characteristic not unlike most of their music. Let's be clear, The Black Keys know what they're doing. By no means an overnight success, they were perfectly prepared for this deserved moment. Releasing their first single alongside a viral music video, they now have also released three new tracks to stream, continuing what they do best. With an more at elbo.ws

covertcuriosity on The Black Keys

The Black Keys’ new album, Brothers, dropped today on Nonesuch Records. more at blogspot.com

covertcuriosity on The Black Keys

Having too many awesome things to check out during SXSW is a positive, but it sure feels like torture trying to narrow it all down into one schedule. more at blogspot.com

covertcuriosity on The Black Keys

While we wait to hear more of the Danger Mouse-produced Black Keys album, here is a handful of tracks that in the dudes from Akron recorded for a Peel Session in 2003. more at blogspot.com

covertcuriosity on The Black Keys

While we wait to hear more of the Danger Mouse-produced Black Keys album, here is a handful of tracks that in the dudes from Akron recorded for a Peel Session in 2003. more at blogspot.com

covertcuriosity on The Black Keys

While we wait to hear more of the Danger Mouse-produced Black Keys album, here is a handful of tracks that in the dudes from Akron recorded for a Peel Session in 2003. more at blogspot.com

covertcuriosity on The Black Keys

While we wait to hear more of the Danger Mouse-produced Black Keys album, here is a handful of tracks that in the dudes from Akron recorded for a Peel Session in 2003. more at blogspot.com

covertcuriosity on The Black Keys

I read somewhere a few months ago, perhaps in Rolling Stone, that The Black Keys had teamed up with Danger Mouse to create their next album. more at blogspot.com

covertcuriosity on The Black Keys

The Akron, Ohio record label Audio Eagle (launched by Pat Carney of The Black Keys) has released a new compilation of songs from bands all across Ohio. more at blogspot.com

covertcuriosity on The Black Keys

Hey Austin, no one cares about Arkansas State. more at blogspot.com

covertcuriosity on The Black Keys

Whoever said that nothing in life is free was a damn liar. more at blogspot.com

AustinChronicle on The Black Keys

Akron, Ohio, duo the Black Keys play gritty, hardcore blues, but their upcoming, Danger Mouse-produced second effort for Nonesuch, Attack & Release, takes their 21st century Delta sounds to new heights of sophistication. Guitarist/vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney have moved the Delta to more urban climes. – Darcie Stevens

allmusic on The Black Keys

This is vulgar music, completely unsentimental or nostalgic but with a deep, wild, and tenacious heart; it's spooky, un-caged, and frighteningly descriptive of our time and place.more at allmusic.com

allmusic on The Black Keys

Rubber Factory finds the duo expanding, stretching, and improving, coming into its own as a distinctive, original, thoroughly great rock & roll band...more at allmusic.com