Parquet Courts: En directo en Third Man Records

The direct-to-tape recording really captures the heat of that Blue Room show—you can hear the crowd and the sweat in the mix. Side A’s energy alone is worth the price, and the vinyl itself is thick and quiet between tracks.

The direct-to-tape recording gives this pressing a raw, immediate warmth that studio albums just don't have, and the Blue Room's acoustics really shine through on the quieter moments. I put it on and felt like I was crammed in that tiny room with the band, sweat and all.

The live energy really comes through on this pressing — you can hear the crowd and the band feeding off each other. That direct-to-tape recording gives it a warmth that studio albums just don't have. It’s easily one of my favorite live records in my collection now.