Tuesday Morning Diversion: Wanna Buy An El Camino?

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 11, 2011 2:30PM

Keeping their word to release a new album by the end of the year, The Black Keys announced that they’ll drop their next full-length, El Camino, on December 6. But instead of just saying so, they announced the new album with a cryptic but comical video campaign involving Bob Odenkirk and a used minivan.

As reported by Pitchfork, The Black Keys released a mock car commercial through Funny or Die. Odenkirk (Mr. Show, Breaking Bad) plays Ross Lipnik, the used car salesman based in Akron (the Keys’ hometown) trying to advertise a 1984 El Camino, though his attempts are foiled by a blundering assistant. Also, that’s not an El Camino in the video, right? The video’s closing text says simply, ‘The Black Keys “El Camino” December 6.’

The YouTube description delivers more detail and suggestive language:

1994 EL CAMINO: 273,000 mi. 200 cubic-in. 3.3L 95hp V6 engine, 3-speed turbo autom shift, sapphire stylus, some ticks/pops, light surface noise. Working AM/FM radio, tan metalflake/woodie panels, some rust. Black vinyl seats. Priced to sell -- Grab the Keys and go! Contact Pat or Dan at (330) 510-1206

Try calling the number. You’ll hear a voicemail greeting from drummer Patrick Carney regarding the car and have the option to leave a message. There’s also a site dedicated to the for-sale car, again with no actual El Caminos in sight. Anyhow, El Camino will be the Keys’ seventh full-length album and the third produced by Danger Mouse. And here’s that video for your viewing pleasure: