The Black Keys Release New Single, 'Lonely Boy' [FIRST LISTEN]

The Black Keys Release New Single, ‘Lonely Boy’ [FIRST LISTEN]

2011-10-26

Story by Anne Erickson

The Black Keys stream blues-rock ditty, ‘Lonely Boy’

Guitar-and-drum, blues-rock duo the Black Keys are readying their upcoming, Danger Mouse-produced album, El Camino, which is set to arrive in stores and online Dec. 6. As the guys promised, the LP’s lead single, “Lonely Boy,” is available today (Oct. 26). The track is up on iTunes, and the guys have also made “Lonely Boy” available on YouTube. Of course, this isn’t just a boring stream, either. The Black Keys have fashioned a sidesplitting video to go along with the song of some guy dancing frantically to the beats and lip-syncing the words.

“Lonely Boy” showcases guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney’s masterful mix of scowling blues rock and pop-tinged melodic rock. The guys don’t shy away from their characteristic romp into swamp fuzz blues, but the song absolutely sounds memorable and catchy, and chances are, it will get loads of airplay on the radio and go even more mainstream than the Keys’ last big hits, “Howlin’ for You” and “Tighten Up.” The track is a revved-up, storming, alternative rock nugget with a jumpy, edgy organ, and a serious amount of energy.

The Black Keys recorded the 11-track El Camino at Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound studio in Nashville this past spring. The single will be available as a limited edition 12” vinyl — along with another song off El Camino called, “Run Right Back” — on Black Friday, as part of the National Record Store Day initiative, “Back to Black,” which aims to support independent record stores. Also, those who pre-order El Camino on iTunes will receive an instant download of “Lonely Boy,” starting today. (Photo: The Black Keys via Facebook.)

Listen to the Black Keys’ Latest Single, ‘Lonely Boy,’ Below:

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.