Black Keys major buzz, new LP not on streaming services

TIGHTEN UP: It’s becoming apparent that The Black Keys are in the midst of making an exponential leap, in a rare modern-day instance of the general public falling in love with a good old-fashioned rock band. Everywhere we go this week, people are buzzing about El Camino, and though we don’t know yet what the HITS research elves will come up with in terms of an initial estimate, at ground level this release is generating the kind of pervasive buzz that used to greet the appearance of a new Stones album back in the day. In this respect, the apparent decision on the part of Q-Prime to not make the album available to Spotify, Rdio or Rhapsody (but neither have they done for clients Metallica or the Red Hot Chili Peppers)—noted and reported by Digital Music News late yesterday—appears to be a Coldplay-like move, and that is a big deal indeed considering the newfound clout of this band. Spotify, Rdio and WMG told DMN that responses are forthcoming. Stay tuned. (12/7a)