El Camino - The Black Keys

Buy It Now

There is a lot to be said about the blues-rock duo out of Akron, Ohio. As one of the best kept secrets in rock until recently, the band's previous effort, Brothers, served as its coming-out party. The album's effect proved pervasive in everything from critical acclaim to Grammy wins to popular HBO TV series' soundtracks. What seems to make the band so appealing is its unrefined sound and timeless quality.

If you have read my entry on Brothers, you would know I am not really one who appreciated such sentiments. I am on record of showing I was not a fan of the two-piece format (Dan Auerbach back on the guitar and Patrick Carney on drums). I am on record that this calls to mind another nameless duo that gets way too much recognition. To say this influenced my perception of Brothers would be correct. I think my review, while a fair assessment, was definitely too harsh based on the commentary. It is not a review that I would put among my best. Now that I have given this contrite statement, let's move onto the review.

With all that said, this album is pretty much the balls. Right down to the album cover, which features a Woodie-trimmed Chrysler Town & Country instead of the car it should reference, you're in for something different from what you're expecting. While the band's last LP was more blues-oriented, The Black Keys go into a different direction this time on El Camino. It is decidedly more up-tempo, taking influences from everything from R&B to glam rock. What comes out can only be described as the best parts of Bowie's "Queen Bitch" stretched throughout 11 tracks. It's fuzz guitar and driving rhythms. Where this album succeeds is keeping these elements throughout while keeping the music from falling into a stale, dull cycle. Simply put: it works on every level.

The architect of this clean-up is producer Danger Mouse, one of the original mash-up kings and the other half of Gnarls Barkley. Although present as a technician on Brothers' "Tighten Up," he returns to guide the band sonically on every song on El Camino. The result of this is an unapologetic 38 minutes of crunch. However, guitarist and singer Auerbach also brings a certain special touch that I haven't heard prior. Everyone says the guitarist has one of the more authentic blues voices in the biz today. I think he only eclipses this by singing soul. It is incredible to hear him belt out some Motown-style vocals on top of the T-Rex-like pedal tones in "Money Maker." Pop also pervades this effort. On the next song, "Run Right Back," you can hear Doo-Whop influence with its quick, catchy verses and effervescent tempo.

Although seen as a departure for the band from a small number of rabid fans, I see nothing wrong with these two showing a little more swagger. Frankly, this was something the dudes lacked at times. This probably will not please some singer-songwriter fanatics expecting some music in their stockings (look to Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes (another band that has turned me around since its last LP for that). Personally, I always prefer more 'tude to mood if given the choice. For anyone out there who agrees and wants to hear what I'm talking about, you can't go wrong with purchasing El Camino. It makes for one smooth ride.

For Your Consideration - No need. Buy the album.

For Next Time - I promised to review Neighborhoods by Blink-182. We'll see how it goes.