Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi: Rome (Capitol, 5/17/11)
Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi: “Two Against One” (f. Jack White)
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Rome_Two_Against_One.mp3|titles=Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi: “Two Against One” f. Jack White]After meeting in the mid-2000s, eclectic producer Danger Mouse and Italian composer Daniele Luppi began work on a new project — part pop collaboration and part homage to the classic Italian film scores of the 1960s and ’70s.
This year, after a number of trips back to Italy and the addition of guest vocalists Jack White and Norah Jones, the project finally was released to anxious ears. Though at least 50% instrumental, Rome falls closer to elaborate pop than Ennio Morricone mimicry, with basic foundations allowing for romantic tinges and sweeping strings to flavor the surroundings. Each track is short and sweet, with none clocking in over three-and-a-half minutes, resulting in a beautiful old-school pop album that doesn’t overstay its welcome.