The band’s seventh album, "El Camino" is the follow-up to 2010's "Brothers," which has sold almost a million copies to date, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
"It's the fastest we've ever played," singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach told Spin about the new songs, which he says were inspired by The Clash, The Cramps, and old rock'n'roll, rockabilly, and garage rock records. "The new album doesn't sound like 'Brothers.' It doesn't have that open soul feel to it. It's way more driving and the tempos are really fast."
The new set was recorded at Auerbach's Nashville studio during breaks in the band's schedule when their producer Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse, could fly in. "He understands all the different kinds of music we're into," Auerbach says of Burton, who also helped produce their last two albums, starting with 2008's “Attack & Release.” "He's got really great ideas about melody and song structure. For him it's all about the song."
The guys have launched a viral marketing video under the banner “Wanna Buy A Van?”, complete with a website and a companion 1970s-style used car commercial.
The sales guy in the video is comedian Bob Odenkirk, most notably from HBO's "Mr. Show" and, more recently, "Breaking Bad." Bob plays a used car sales guy from Akron, the band's hometown.
The website is wannabuyavan.com.
Fans can also call a northeast Ohio phone number (330-510-1206) to hear a message from drummer Patrick Carney regarding van details.
Wanna Buy A Van
The Black Keys The Black Keys – Howlin’ For You (2010)
