This Really Is Happening! LCD Soundsystem Doesn't Dissapoint

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM

This is Happening

2010

DFA/Virgin Records

01:55:33

B

BUY

Best Tracks:

(1) Dance Yrself Clean

(2) Drunk Girls

(6) You Wanted a Hit

(9) Home

LCD Soundsystem is the project of producer James Murphy who is the groups front runner. When performing live, Murphy performs with Nancy Whang, Pat Mahoney, Tyler Pope, Gavin Russom, David Scott Stone and Matt Thornley. The group is based out of New York City.

Debuting at number one (1) on the Dance/Electronic charts is quite a feat considering Lady Gaga has pretty much held that position for 83 weeks. This shocking debut from LCD Soundsystem made this album worth taking a look at.

THIS IS HAPPENING is LCD Soundsystem's third studio release. The rumor is that this will be Murphy's final album as LCD Soundsystem, a sad retirement.

The album is a fresh examination of the Indie-Dance king's limited career. Murphy brings so much attitude and personality to a genre that is often mistaken as impersonal.

The album begins with the most talked about track "Dance Yrself Clean" an almost nine (9) minute slow build to the three (3) minute mark when things really get going. You are transformed into the world of LCD Soundsystem's eternal dance.

Ironically, but not surprisingly, the next track "Drunk Girls" was chosen as the first single. Unfortunately this track seems the most out of place of the whole collection. "Drunk Girls" with some commercial tweaks would fit perfectly on an artist like Ke$ha's album. I enjoy the song as a single and I think it will get alot of serious club play, however it seems out of place on the album.

The next track of mention is "I Can Change." The song has a David Bowie feel to it and Murphy meets the challenge head-on. The 80s inspired dance track is a cool mix of nostalgia and 2010.

Perhaps my favorite written track on the album is the snarky over nine (9) minute song "You Wanted a Hit." Murphy is in his lyrical full force here. Here he retracts any attempts at commercialism (perhaps "Drunk Girls") His sarcasm and wit are what drive the listener through the exceeding lengthy song. Murphy joins vocally right after hand-claps start to really move the beat. It's safe to say that Murphy is absolutely capable of producing "a hit."

"Pow Pow" is next. Murphy seems to have completely returned to his musical origins. This track is a stripped down "Daft Punk is Playing at My House." It does not have the same power however. This is the weakest track on the album. The hook is weak and there's no real build. I can imagine taking a break and getting a drink when this song started. This song is trying to hard to be off-colour.

Following "Pow Pow" is the cool and smooth "Somebody's Calling Me." Murphy finally takes advantage of a acoustic piano sound. The listener gets a great surround with this realistic accompaniment along with his usual dissonant synths.

The final track on the album is the track "Home." I am glad Murphy saved this song for last. It's build and percussive nature make it a killer pull-out-the-stops finale. After sitting through a couple duds this song was worth waiting for. If this infact is the end, this song will be a suitable closer to an 8-year-project.

I say pick up this album. Maybe it's just hype but this album certainly has the feel of a farewell tour. This album will have you dancing all summer. B

Drunk Girls, Dance Yrself Clean