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

The Black Key Riff and Wail Their Way Across Killer Album, BROTHERS

THE BLACK KEYS

Brothers

2010

Nonesuch Records

55:27

B+

BUY

Best Tracks:

(1) Everlasting Light

(3) Tighten Up

(12) I'm Not the One

(14) Never Give You Up

The Black Keys are an American blues-rock duo from Ohio. Vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney make up the group.

BROTHERS is their sixth commercial release. It reached the third (3) spot on the Billboard 200 and number one (1) on the rock chart. The highest any of their previous albums had reached.

BROTHERS is an excellent fusion of R&B, rock, blues, and jazz with a contemporary perspective. The album spans limitless influential stylistic choices. This incredible blend will have you returning to this album again and again.

What this dynamic duo accomplishes is truly remarkable. Their album is reminiscent of our beloved deep-south-back-woods American rock while making it relevant and vital to a modern audience.

Above all is their musical prowess and talent. Hidden among the guitar riffs and vocal wailing is real accomplished song-writing. Their driving musical accompaniment brilliantly blends with the despair of the emotional vocal line.

The pre-release single, "Tighten Up" is situated perfectly in the album. It follows the psychedelic and powerful chronicle "Next Girl." The song is by far their most commercial feeling track. The duo takes advantage of their whistled hook. This is the first time on BROTHERS you really get to hear the vocal prowess of Auerbach. When the song eventually reaches its pile-up in the last 50 seconds of the track you are hoping it will keep playing. While the song is still not necessarily radio friendly it is certainly worth playing for your friends.

Another great mention is the opening track "Everlasting Light." It is reminiscent of Amy Winehouse's BACK TO BLACK album. Its functional distortion brings the listener into their smokey underground blues vibe. It has strong forward moving energy and is a great set up for the album.

Another track I particularly enjoyed was the dark organ ballad "I'm Not the One." It showcases Auerbach's emotional wail and story-telling abilities. The song features brooding choral harmonies that accompany Auerbach's fried tone in an eerie juxtaposition.

Overall BROTHERS is a great rock album. The Black Keys manage to assemble a gritty, dark and cool group of stories and melodies that remind one of their garage-dwelling beginnings while maintaining a 2010 perspective on these old tales. Ultimately pick up a copy of BROTHERS, you won't be hearing much of it on the radio so you'll want to have this album in your collection. B+

Tighten Up, Never Give You Up