Review
Lean, tight and as to-the-point as any Tom Petty album, “El Camino” harkens back to a 70’s pop, rock and soul sound that is universally gratifying and uniquely The Black Keys’. The fact is that, for all of its fuzzy guitar tones and melodic overlays, you can’t help but want to shake your money-maker to every three-and-a-half minute cut – due in no small part, I’m sure, to the re-enlistment of “Attack and Release” producer, Danger Mouse.
While hardcore fans might be disappointed that “El Camino” does not mark a return to the Black Keys’ stripped down, blues heavy, riff-machine indie days, it’s tough to say anything negative about this album. From retro-Keys hits like “Money Maker” and the infectious first single, “Lonely Boy,” to the “Stairway”-esque acoustic/electric arrangement of “Little Black Submarines,” the only thing you’re left wondering is whether or not these guys will ever write a bad song. If the first 10 years of this band is any indicator, I wouldn’t bet on it.