PARQUET COURTS レコード& CD

Review: Surprising collaborations sometimes yield great results - and Milano is a perfect example. It follows Luppi's previous collaborative album 'Rome', which he released with Danger Mouse in 2011, featuring vocals from Jack White and Norah Jones. This second pairing in an Italian-themed series sees Luppi, the composer partially responsible for Gnarls Barkley's smash hit 'Crazy', arranging the ever-prolific and consistent NY garage rockers Parquet Courts. Added into the mix is Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs - whos vocal features on four tracks are arguably some of her best work in a while. Highlights are plentiful as Luppi wrangles the band on this genius collaboration, from the explosive 'Mount Napoleon', the jagged and unnerving 'Flush', the sleek and frankly hilarious 'Pretty Prizes', right through to the contorted Tom Waits-esque closer 'Cafe Flesh'. 'Milano' is essential listening for any Parquet Courts fan old or new and is evidence that even when working with others, they seem to be continuing their never-ending winning streak.

Review: The much-loved New York City outfit may have made their name with a certain deshabille roughness and scruffy garage-dwelling charm, yet they're far from slackers, as this third release in under a year (including one under the Parkay Quarts name) testifies. This killer live document, cut using the trademark direct-to-acetate technique that Jack White's Third Man employ, catches them at their most raw and earthy. Featuring numerous tunes from their much-heralded 'Sunbathing Animal' opus, it's proof that this band's eccentric, Pavement-esque invention is more than matched by their gnarly live power.