Milano is an unlikely collaborative recording made by the band Parquet Courts, composer/musician Daniele Luppi, and on guest vocals, Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. According to the press release, “Milano is a concept album. The songs are fictionalized stories about misfits, fashionistas, outcasts and junkies in mid-1980s Milan (Italy)”. The result is a playful yet intricate guitar driven rock extravaganza constructed with tints of art rock, folk pop, 1960s a-go go, new wave, and 1990s soundtrack music. Non-stop cool from start to finish. One of my favorites of 2017.

RIYL: A. Savage, Car Seat Headrest, Ought, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and St. Vincent.

FCC WARNING: 4, 5
Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4 (FCC), 7, 8, 9

1. (3:28) ** Soul And Cigarette – Medium tempo. In the style of a Parquet Courts ballad. Memorable and puzzling.
2. (2:21) *** Talisa – Upbeat recording. Stylish and contagious. Karen O on vocals.
3. (3:26) ** Mount Napoleon – Medium/Medium-up tempo piece. It has an early 1980s post-punk energy. Part Wire, part Television Personalities. Sax solo included.
4. (4:27) **Flush – FCC (Fuck). 1980s new wave structure, with minimalist elements. Dramatic and quite danceable. Karen O on vocals. Talking Heads would be proud. Do not play outside safe harbor.
5. (3:16) Memphis Blues Again – FCC (Shit). Medium tempo tune. Parquet Courts 101 here.
6. (3:06) Pretty Prizes – This feels like something Neil Young could have written in the 1980s after the Geffen recordings. Part country, 1980s pop, and folk ballad. Medium tempo. Male/female vocals – A. Savage and Karen O.
7. (2:07) *** The Golden Ones – Another wild upbeat recording with Karen O on vocals. Killer riff. Play it!
8. (2:47) * Lanza – Part 1970s European rock ballad, part 1980s N. Y. art rock driven by synth sounds overlapping at the end. Trippy cool.
9. (5:05) *** Cafe Flesh – Instrumental track. Salute to early 1980s Tuxedomoon. Solid piece. Great ending.