You know, you occasionally come upon a band and think, why haven’t I heard them before? I had that feeling this weekend with Parquet Courts, a New York indie band. Their first album, “Light Up Gold” came out in 2013. Where was I?
I only got to check them out because they are on the bill for Latitude this year. My friend Jon told me they were a bit like the Ramones. That was enough…
The album starts brilliantly with two tracks, “Master of My Craft” and “Borrowed Time” which are straight from the rich heritage of The Strokes, Television, The Ramones, Jonathan Richman. I loved those two straight away. “Borrowed Time” especially. You gotta hear it!
Another great track is “Stoned and Starving”. Here’s a live version.
The album itself heads towards Sonic Youth and hardcore territory in places, which is fine, but not as exciting as the short sharp songs, for me. It will be interesting to see how the band develops and to find out how they go down at Latitude in July.
Can’t wait for that finale of “Borrowed Time” !
Thoughtsfromwestfive 
John, I’ve become increasingly suspicious that one day you’re going to plant a complete hoax band in your blogs, just to test us. This surely is the day?
“Parquet Courts” (whaaaaat?) clearly has all the ingredients – recommendation from Jon G (definitely a put-up job); speedy Ramones reference inserted for spurious veracity; totally obscure band title, the works.
Now, you’ll say that I should go on the web, and YouTube, and Spotify, and I’ll find them there. So, anticipating that, I DID do that, and I DID find them there. So you’ve planted all this stuff too? Clever, I admit – if a little exhausting…..
Snuck them onto the Latitude bill too!
I enjoyed these tunes a lot! Very Ramones – ish …. Something a bit David Byrnes in the vocals. Neat band FOR SURE!
There’s even a bit of T.Heads in some of the songs. My album of the moment.
I see why!