Parquet Courts - Wide Awake! ALBUM REVIEW

Listen: • Parquet Courts - Almos...
Not only is Wide Awake! better performed and written than any Parquet Courts album thus far, but on it the band consistently manages to make interesting artistic statements on some very difficult topics.
Buy this album: amzn.to/2KP3jWI
More rock reviews: • Rock Reviews
===================================
Subscribe: bit.ly/1pBqGCN
Official site: theneedledrop.com
TND Twitter: / theneedledrop
TND Facebook: / theneedledrop
Support TND: theneedledrop.com/support
===================================
FAV TRACKS: VIOLENCE, BEFORE THE WATER GETS TOO HIGH, FREEBIRD II, ALMOST HAD TO START A FIGHT / IN AND OUT OF PATIENCE, NORMALIZATION, WIDE AWAKE, DEATH WILL BRING CHANGE, TENDERNESS
LEAST FAV TRACK: BACK TO EARTH
PARQUET COURTS - WIDE AWAKE! / 2018 / ROUGH TRADE / INDIE ROCK, ART PUNK, POST-PUNK
9/10 www.theneedledrop.com/loved-li...
Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?

[@tallcheetah5677]

Total Football is referring to the famous Dutch football tactics in which every player on the field (except the keeper) can all move around and change positions working together as one collective unit. The band symbolizes this with all these occupations listed in the chorus as every member of society needs to work together as a collective unit in order for progress. It is a really good football reference and extraordinary philosophy.

[@kriddz]

i bloody enjoyed that comment :D

[@kahn5234]

I love it from the first moment. Also the track seems to talk about communism

[@Nico-dv7bq]

Johan Cruyff, my favourite person ever

[@tallcheetah5677]

@@kahn5234 Anarchism

[@kahn5234]

@@tallcheetah5677 oh yeah, sorry i have mistaken those two words a lot

[@AndreNets7]

This next ones called Free Bird 2!

[@synth9660]

Your profile pic didn't age well

[@saulgoodman9188]

This next one’s called freebird two Spotify then plays a completely different song

[@mikadoescontent]

@@saulgoodman9188 funny how both songs started with organs

[@hubblebublumbubwub5215]

Damn, I didn't expect you to reveal a red flannel under your yellow flannel while screaming ''ROCK IS DEAD''

[@dariocaporuscio8701]

Hubblebub Lumbubwub lol

[@dododestroyer5480]

Hubblebub Lumbubwub don’t you mean 7, I didn’t expect you to reveal a red flannel under your yellow flannel while screaming rock will commit not alive

[@shpup]

Album art is goddamn sick

[@anthrax1328]

Yeah, Savage is a really talented artist

[@RegularRyy]

is it though

[@ulledienulle8211]

@@RegularRyy yes

[@RegularRyy]

@@ulledienulle8211 meh

[@shoegaze_bitch1506]

A really fresh and cool art

[@ronkb]

SAVAGE IS MY NAME BECAUSE SAVAGE IS HOW I FEEL WHEN THE RADIO WAKES ME UP WITH THE WORDS ‘SUSPECTED GUNMAN’

[@burrito270]

MY NAME IS A WARNING FOR THE ACTS YOU ARE ABOUT TO WITNESS

[@doctorrobert1339]

@@burrito270 WHICH CONTAINS IMAGES THAT SOME VIEWERS MAY FIND DISTURBING

[@LocallyConstantDuck]

WE GOT A 9! *rings bell*

[@JyGhAa]

Daniel Pezzi least fav track

[@Dethmaster64]

Ninethony Belltano

[@corduroykumquat]

Gucci Mane 2soon :(

[@FunTheMentalist]

RING A BELL THO, RING A BELL

[@Lebowski55]

hahahahahaha thats good!

[@Bishcona]

Karlthony Marxtano

[@audreysturdahl4693]

Leonthont Trotstano here

[@xanatanuwu]

B E G O N E T R O T

[@audreysturdahl4693]

GetOffMyBoardREEE apologies comrade I couldn't think of any other.good puns. Man's not trot

[@IFeelSoTongueTied]

u beat me to it lmao

[@AndersAndErSjov]

Emmanthony Goldmano

[@DevonPalmer98]

Is that the wiggles on the cover

[@AyoShaba]

Devon Palmer lmao thought the same thing I feel terrible

[@bronzeager1298]

I was thinking it was some kind of Star Trek reference...looks like TOS uniforms.

[@tdawson198]

they sure are wigglin

[@auden9540]

the wiggles were never the same after greg left

[@aweatherstone9503]

Yummy yummy

[@ChrisKoelsch]

I love this album art. This is one that I would totally see in the record store and be like...I wanna know what that sounds like. I've actually never heard of these guys so I will definitely give it a listen.

[@lucas_1448]

Same!!! A lot of people just don't get me when I say album art is important. Countless times I've only given an artist/album a chance because the art was just incredible.

[@mattbogenschultz9771]

Listen to light up gold and content nausea

[@BananaGeekLord]

Same. It feels very much like an album for a jazz album. Something a little upbeat and fun.

[@awookieandagerman]

It looks symbolic. Something to do with the black character appearing to be in line with the white characters if you look at one foot, but actually being stuck behind them if you look at the other foot.

[@definitelynotofficial7350]

To be honest, I tried to give it a listen and I kind of hated it. Not because I think the music is awful or the lyrics are cringey or anything. It's just that I absolutely hate the style of singing on this. It sounds like he is deliberately doing a derpy voice. I know it's a style, but it's a massive turn off for me, don't know if anyone else agrees.

[@theresastarmanwaitinginthe5149]

The yellow flannel. I guess I have to listen to it.

[@whenyou6061]

You're one of the only "you're everywhere" guys who doesn't piss me off.

[@andersonjukebox8315]

Jaden Warner I agree

[@hippiecheezburger5457]

Lmao I agree, parquet courts has always been decent rockers in general, should be good

[@whiskeywayne91]

Jaden Warner nah he kinda pisses me off sometimes he posts some weak ass basic ass comments but sometimes he's alright I guess

[@loopskratch6065]

its nowhere near as good as the last one tbh

[@BUSCUS012]

10/10. I've been listening to this album since 2019 and it still slaps every time

[@ThatGuyMN]

It's one I come back too alot. Maybe in my top 10 of all time

[@dylanoliver3002]

@@ThatGuyMNcompletely agree!!

[@drewtaylor1153]

The guys are fans of European soccer and Total Football is a nod to a Dutch approach to playing the game that celebrated collectivism. The image of Tom Brady is a useful constrast with the collectivism they're celebrating in the song. NME did an article and interview with Savage confirming as much.

[@raikoshumi]

Your European soccer = football Presumably your football = American football

[@alexandregoncalves7482]

@@raikoshumi hell yeah, those guys calling football soccer are so funny, in their game they barely use feet

[@SchmavidSchmobb]

Any idea who they support? Would love to know what club these guys cheer for

[@liamthemusicreviewer]

The Talking Heads influence I heard on my first listen made me think this would be right up your street - one of the best rock albums of the year by far.

[@Rishiyisus]

the clash's influence is so bigger too

[@liamthemusicreviewer]

For sure! I'm not as familiar with their work as I am with Talking Heads which is probably why it sprang to mind first.

[@celsoch]

Human Performance almost screams Talking Heads and Velvet Underground

[@100nujabes]

Definitely hear some heavy Talking Heads and Clash influence.

[@mrstopanimate]

I’m hearing a lot of Minutemen tbh

[@owenbraid5451]

the album goes between witty minute men sort of punk tunes to this abstract talking heads style. perfect blend which keeps you thinking and coming back without dragging on. Couldn't agree more with the 9.

[@Gammarklar]

Owen Braid those are the 2 bands that Parquet Courts reminds me most of. Modern Lovers would be the third

[@wheelspinproductions9214]

You’re right, it does kinda sound like those two bands! That might be why I like them so much.

[@outofstock22]

2018 REVIEWS SO FAR: 1/10 - 0 2/10 - 0 3/10 - 3 4/10 - 8 5/10 - 12 6/10 - 10 7/10 - 20 8/10 - 17 9/10 - 4 (Portal, A.A.L. (Against All Logic), Jack White,Parquet Courts) 10/10 - 0 awesomely nasty - 1 (Ruin) dime-a-dozen - 1 (Lil Skies) disappointing - 1 (Kero Kero Bonito) it's solid - 1 (Gucci Mane) lukewarm - 1 (Rejjie Snow) meh - 1 (Saba) notbad - 1 (Remo Drive) solid - 1 (Ravyn Lenae) NOT GOOD - 3 (Fall Out Boy, Wendy's, Lil Xan) This is the 86th scored review of 2018.

[@peterjohnson5871]

Maarten Vorwerk Thanx, my dude.

[@joshtuk]

Jack White's new album got a 9?! LMAO

[@eliocarranza469]

We're shaping up for a tough top 50 list at the end of the year man

[@Bishcona]

Elio Carranza fr the reviews are very positive this year and June-July is supposed to be filled with releases

[@anacosta6181]

Melon surely has a thing for 7’s

[@Rishiyisus]

This year the rock's scene is so great

[@Repav1]

Rishi el paisano gimme some recommendations, I need good new music

[@am__-tr4ki]

Yeah fuck rap

[@Rishiyisus]

Repav1 This album twin fantasy - car seat headrest All at once - screaming females Boarding house reach - Jack White Virtue - The Voidz Tell me how you really feel - Courtney Barnett Snares like a haircut - no age

[@yudhabagaskara98]

not really, there are already two terrible rock albums like mania and america

[@quentinchilds4007]

Yudha Bagaskara That's just two.

[@joet5901]

Anyone else here after this album wasn’t featured on his top 200 albums of the decade list?

[@kaes2936]

Yeah

[@rickilmito9364]

Yeah like wtf melon

[@melkercom8100]

He said in a video that he just forgot to put it in the list.

[@tallcheetah5677]

@@melkercom8100 He forgot it in lists like twice

[@billypilgrim1]

PARKAY QUARTZ

[@PadChennington]

Ant I doubt you’ll ever actually see this comment but you’re a true inspiration to just describing things. I watch these videos half for the musical discussion but for also the diversity in word choice and placement, u da man

[@fannytoothnana6853]

Well-put. I LOVE this album, but in many cases, I haven’t even heard the music. I just like the way he describes things

[@zackzallie8735]

Anyone notices the pun on the shelf? Opposite of Wide Awake is Sleep. LOL

[@noahlarson9356]

My cousin just got engaged to their drummer, Max. It’s so cool to see someone I know personally getting such recognition lately.

[@markushoffman8735]

This positive review had me find one of my new favorite artists. Picked this one up on vinyl yesterday!

[@JohnSmith-eo2yx]

Im gonna put out an album of me reading the entire Communist Manifesto over smooth jazz so Ant’ny will give me a 10/10

[@jcbdwsn]

but Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino got a 5???

[@damianmann]

John Smith Ill download the torrent if you don't report me to Cox

[@jannathan843]

everyone hates smooth jazz

[@l.8267]

I respect this group so much, they’ve managed to continue getting better with every album. Glad you’re just as excited about this record as I am!

[@mattchew420]

YELLA FLANNEL

[@alexharris1363]

Mattack Mattack that's the yella

[@natekwiatkowski2999]

Can’t wait to see ya on the tour just got the VIP tickets for the first NJ stop!

[@narrow3601]

I found out about Parquet Courts because I was desperately trying to find a modern sounding "The Clash", and I'm proud to say these guys are probably the closest we will get to them.

[@WiloPolis03]

I don't know if they're *technically* part of the scene but there's been a lot of really fun and creative art punk/post-punk coming out lately. Would recommend bands like Yard Act or Squid if you're looking for more stuff like this

[@narrow3601]

@@WiloPolis03 if they're anything like these guys then I'll be sure to give them a listen! Thanks

[@WiloPolis03]

@@narrow3601 Np!

[@lgbtqbcnr]

do you know fontaines dc? their first album is clash-like imo, they went darker and more atmospheric with their latter two albums but they're all fuckin amazing

[@andygtmo]

I honestly love this album

[@user-pc9jq5qe9i]

I love it more

[@tennisgenius]

one of my favs of all time.

[@LetterToVoltaire]

Suuuuuper tasty album. Cant wait to hear what they do next.

[@horsehollerer]

Superb review of what, 100 or so plays in, I think is already a masterpiece. No album has excited me this much in years, and every time I listen I pick a different favorite track (currently Extinction). I love their other albums too, but all are patchy to an extent despite many awesome cuts. I love how this record sounds from start to finish and the flow is remarkable. It's crisp and the bass is at the forefront, driving everything else. It is by far their best record. Cheers.

[@agh354]

Anthony, you do not realize how long I waited for another 9. Thank you.

[@SageReiger]

9/10 ALERT, my fellow Melon Seeds! Now we can all like this album thanks to our Melon and savior!

[@Lebowski55]

It's "my needle drops." Get it right moron

[@iCharlie15]

I was looking forward to this review so much, so sick!

[@felixmeinert5191]

Easily one of the most fun, versatile and lyrically captivating rock records of 2018

[@CheckeredFedora]

Can't wait to hear this, haven't quite had time to get to it yet.

[@dparsons343]

Hey Anthony, there is a band from Brazil called Muñoz, and they make some fantastic blues/stoner rock music that needs more exposure. They only have a few thousand followers and everything is free. They are a duo, both brothers, but their sound is absolutely huge and worth listening to

[@Lebowski55]

I never got into this group. Past LPs have been kind of middle of the road for me. I was skeptical going into this but wow this was surprising. This is pretty great

[@RCSDominoToppling]

Great review as always! I really enjoyed this album. I think "on point" was the perfect way to describe it. Thank you for the recommendation!

[@ShyGuyRacing]

I’m seeing these guys this Friday in Portland, Maine oh man oh man I’m excited to hear this live! Ahee!

[@EthanS1481]

Ive never heard of this band...thank you for this review! What an awesome album!

[@adrianwoods2369]

Mardi Gras Beads is an underrated masterpiece

[@hippiecheezburger5457]

Freebird 2 is my favorite track it’s sounds so original to me

[@thiago56732]

it sounds like that song from that spongebob episode where he rips his pants

[@IFeelSoTongueTied]

im glad u also enjoyed the record anthony!!!! idk why i thought u wouldn't enjoy it as much as u did but it's gonna be one of the best rock lp's of the year for sure!!

[@samuelbone1684]

never heard of em, and just heard it all the way through. thanks melon, it was great. added most of it to my playlist

[@trebah662]

Love this! Can't wait for the review of father john Misty's new album.

[@DanXmas]

I know this is gonna be in my top 3 of the year, thnks for the rec

[@connorlaw925]

Album of the year so far for me. Absolute killer. Glad you rated it too! Violence is such a tuuuune

[@adamh234]

Still waiting on that A. Savage review melon

[@nathanmoore4717]

adamh234 yes pls

[@donaldogaleas7978]

I got emotional thinking of this album while lucid dreaming this morning. I completely forgot about this album I'm gonna listen to this aaaaalll day

[@MrDraehl]

You need to review Bong's 'Thought And Existence' It's a short, albeit strong Drone/Psychedelic Doom album with only 2 tracks. The album does sound kind of 'samey' to itself, a certain amount of repetition is expected with drone. Very hypnotic and amazing if you're looking for something more in the vein of background music.

[@ThomasPoulin]

I loved their single captive of the sun, I think I'll give this a spin, thanks Anthony :)

[@Aubry92]

Great review! It's a more focused album for sure, but Human Performance I think is still the best album they put out. That said, this might be number two for me and might grow, idk, I find them to be a pretty consistent band in quality. PS check out Low Cut Connie's new album, just wonder what you think about those guys in general, doesn't have to be like a formal review or whatever

[@bobthornton9730]

With the Jack White album, the Sleep album, the Portal album, and now this, I think we can say that rock, in all of its crazy forms, is back

[@stephenward2743]

Melon will you make a video on the Kendrick situation? 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@aweatherstone9503]

The one about him performing in Alabama or something?

[@tapuzgordon5185]

Umm..is he gonna talk about the ameer vann situation??

[@georg5475]

tapuz gordon no it's nothing just some fans trying to get attention

[@rooftopsignals7313]

Probably as a stinkpiece about the PWJ video

[@big_dad9465]

About the 7

[@elim9054]

I've been re-listening to this recently and it's such a great album. Probably my favorite of 2018, and maybe even a top favorite of the entire 2010s. Also, not sure how you can talk about Before the Water Gets too High without mentioning climate change.

[@thriftstoredan5828]

I've been listening to this almost non stop since it came out.

[@greygobble7407]

Are you still listening non stop thriftstoredan?

[@nottom886]

Such a great album; they're definitely my favorite active band right now.

[@PurpleElephantMusic]

So far this is my album of the year.

[@fruitypeebils]

damn this was the best album ive heard in a while. i honestly laughed pretty hard when i found out that they ended the album with a fade-out. i was expecting the last song to be some explosive blow-out, and the fact that they chose a fade-out makes me feel like they knew what i was expecting and just wanted to fuck with me

[@talldays]

My Album of the Year for 2018. I don't understand how Wide Awake has not placed on almost any year end list.

[@krishnansen1301]

WHERE IS BOOK OF RYAN

[@dunnowy123]

Saw the yellow checkered shirt and new this would be 🔥

[@jonnybeag887]

saw these live last night in birmingham uk. truly amazing (even the bit where they spent a good 5 mins slagging off oasis)

[@getschwifty9234]

The last chorus of Freebird II is orgasmic

[@tiesergrote]

'violence' def has a big 'revolution will not be televised' vibe

[@ffwlpe]

the bass on this album is DELICIOUS

[@Gissaxt]

Review Illuminati Hotties' "tenderpunk" debut next! It feels like Broken Social Scene and Courtney Barnett made a record for Elephant 6 and I love it

[@noctaroh5121]

This thing is so different I absolutely love it so far Violence is really something special, and i could go on and on with every other track A brilliant record, one of the best punk records ive heard in a while

[@hutch815]

the vocals on back to earth reminded me of Ian Curtis.

[@Betelgeuse2142]

Review Burial-untrue for Classics week

[@kimeratt]

I somehow knew you'd love this album. I adore Light Up Gold, but this is definitely their best release so far. So glad it got dat 9.

[@DiJonMusTard97]

This is there best work so far, I didn't think anything would top light up gold or sunbathing animal

[@yummyjackalmeat]

Hey, y'all, update from yesterday. I got 200 something likes on my comment and I said I'd listen to a minute of Corey Feldman for every like a got. I tried, and my parents kicked me out of the house and took my smartphone (not that I was listening on speakers or anything, I had headphones on, but they are just really really into music and were ashamed). Thanks a lot!!!!!111111

[@yummyjackalmeat]

Cola BotelsOVA Dad??

[@Marco-er4ql]

If this comment gets more likes then then the comment I’m replying too I’ll listen to Speedin bullet 2 heaven until my ears bleed

[@habeanliliana5024]

idiot

[@yummyjackalmeat]

habean liliana Mom??

[@JamesEdwards-vs8gn]

Brilliant

[@Skatebardfilms]

when i listened to this album i absolutely knew youd give it a 9! love it, hell yea

[@spencerj9928]

I guess this is my new favorite album, thanks for letting me know.

[@shadyweeze]

This album is aweeesssoooommmee!!!!!

[@mem3198]

I'm so glad that they're getting more attention.

[@josephancion2190]

I love this cover art / back cover, they look like early belgian comic books.

[@joaquincarlson4367]

I legitimately appreciated melons political commentary

[@TalkingMusicAllDay]

Great review.

[@MikeFlamingo]

Honestly this and Kids See Ghosts are up there for my faves of 2018. Robyn's Honey is up there too

[@morningbell7046]

"Friendship ended with Iceage, now Parquet Courts are my best friends"

[@therainbringerponcho]

I revisited this album this year and still sounds urgent, fresh and with strong meaning. Im from Argentina and right now we are facing a dramatic political and cultural scene, influenced directly from the Trump and Bolsonaro eras. This is the kind of art that gives you inspiration to fight for your rights and seek strength in the collective, reject the individuality that they try to sell us as a solution to everything. Still relevant, still a 9/10.

[@bradyn9620]

This recored took a while to grow on me but eventually it clicked

[@thenuge4227]

growers are the best. the ones you like immediately are sometimes easier to get sick of

[@MikusMusic]

I am excited! Thanks melon!

[@kevinaraque3100]

Good review, Anthony. I was confused when you started to beat your meat yet impressed.

[@lukisky23]

damn didnt know this was out. the album with karen O i did enjoyed a lot. but my favourite work from this guys is still light up gold. lets see how this goes. by the way, i love loooove this band. saw them last year in argentina during a festival. they are not know at all here, such a shame.

[@zachminyard]

hey Anthony, did you listen the the in between projects the band put out like "Milano" with Daniele Luppi or Andrew's solo album "Thawing Dawn"?

[@jordi9076]

Just had a listen and I absolutely loved it!!

[@MrGetownedLP]

I'm hearing The Clash and Talking Heads love it already

[@Rubberfooted]

Saw this coming. First listen I was feelin a 9 and I only like it more and more with each listen. Trying to learn all the lyrics to “Violence”.

[@sadmeat8937]

Hey melon comin at you again to request that Red Vox Another Light review. Best underground/indie rock album Ive heard in years.

[@Repav1]

Nina Lan too bad it’s a 2017 album, isn’t it? It’s too far gone at this point, seeing as we’re already at summer 2018

[@sadmeat8937]

Repav1 So... its not like every review is of new stuff. Most sure. Not always.

[@jacobbelyea7945]

Nina Lan I thought it had a really good original sound to it, but the songs did feel a bit same-y after a while. Also I’m So Happy, I’m So Sad, and Forgive And Forget we’re all pretty terrible songs.

[@johndotcue]

This album is a strong 9 for me. My goodness this is some good 2010's punk album for be.

[@radio-friendlyunitshifter4670]

Normalization is my favorite track. Heard it live before the album dropped, and it was KILLLLLLER

[@WiloPolis03]

This is the most British sounding album not from Britain

[@musakhan490]

do you know melon reviews sitting in a chair.......woah

[@ericbhatnagar2873]

thats finna woke

[@itshighmewn8174]

Woker than this album

[@rikivallen7962]

Anyone noticed the live videos that play during the album on Spotify. Each song has a different animation.

[@aishaclanclan633]

just heard this album aout 4 times and i love it. its really amazing

[@kaizokuAUTO]

Honestly I'm suprised that this is a 9...given the FantanoTM track record. Hell, maybe the leadup teaser tracks made a real big difference. In a world of easily given low Fantano scores, this is pretty unexpected from me.

[@bollesaus1527]

You should review Bokassa - Divide and Conquer from last year. Lars Ulrich of Metallica said on his podcast that it is his new favourite band and how you could give the record anything less than 10/10 is inconceivable to me.

[@Miikezor]

punkthony punktano here back with the yellow

[@williehopscotch]

I am very glad this album got the rating it deserves. It's fantastic.