(pair of mirrors)

#14. The Black Keys - El Camino

“Sister”

Here at Pair Of Mirrors we are pretty serious Black Keys fans. We’ve been writing about the Dan and Patrick basically since we started this blog, so it’s probably not a huge surprise to any of you that El Camino would find its way onto our top 20 of 2011. As you may recall, Brothers was tied for first in last years countdown. 

I almost feel bad for not having placed this album in the top 10… But it came out less than two weeks ago and we didn’t want to jump the gun after thinking so long on hard on all the other albums for most of the year. In those last 2 weeks however, El Camino has been played more than anything else and with the warmest reception left right and centre. THIS ALBUM IS SO FUN. It is such a crowd pleasing, hip swaying, beer drinking, pancake making, road tripping kind of record that will have everyone smiling. 

Admittedly El Camino sounds a lot like, well, everything else the Black Keys have ever released… But no one seems to be complaining. I know I’m not. The Black Keys have always been likeable and this album is immediately and undeniably that. This is probably when the Black Keys get next level famous, above and beyond, and that just warms my heart. These boys deserve it. I’m so excited by their growing success and continually delightful rock and roll. 

Having listened to them on Q with Jian Gomeshi recently, I learned that I love these guys for more than just their music.  Their hilarious and humble attitudes to the business, themselves and each other are really inspiring. Its people like these guys that keep rock and roll what it should be. 

If you haven’t heard El Camino yet, you will soon. It’s going to be everywhere.

-M