RIP LCD Soundsystem.

James Berry/Gigwise

Last night (April 2^nd) one of the greatest bands of the past ten years, LCD Soundsystem played their final gig to a packed out Madison Square Garden.  Those lucky enough to get a ticket were treated to set of nearly three and a half hours featuring 29 songs, (including performances of tracks from 45:33 that have rarely been performed live) 2 encores and a guest appearance from several members of Arcade Fire.  I quite often get gig jealously but seldom has it ever been this bad; I really, really wish I was in NY last night to witness LCD bow out in style.

I can’t really remember the first time I heard an LCD Soundystem song, but I’ll admit it was probably a lot later than many, round about the time of the release of their self titled debut album in 2005.  I remember buying the record and although I was impressed with it, back then I was still fairly reluctant to truly embrace electronic music.  However the more I listened to it and became immersed in it, I finally began to realise that good music could have a lot more to it, than just a couple of guitars, a bass and some drums.  Although pre-LCD I had dappled in some electronic music, this release marked the first time I had fallen in love with a record that was a lot more electronically focused than anything I had previously loved.

By the time Sound Of Silver was released in 2007 I can safely say my taste in music was a lot more developed and refined than it has been back in 2005.  I distinctly remember the first time I listened to it, even after one spin I could already truly appreciate what an incredible, landmark piece of music the band had created.  To this day it is one of my favourite records of all time and it contains my favourite song of all time, the nostalgic, poignant and utterly stunning All My Friends.  I find it impossible to put into words how much I love this track, it has the rare quality of sounding utterly perfect no matter the setting or situation. Also with every passing year, I as move further away from my teens gradually approaching the dreaded quarter century before the even more dreaded 30, lyrically it becomes even more poignant:

‘It's a song written by a middle-ager that looks back upon the kinds of simple momentary glories it's likely soundtracking this summer: hanging out, joking around, escaping into flings, and dancing on drug.’

http://www.slate.com/id/2170298/

The above article sums up the song far better than I ever could so please give it a read, but James Murphy and friends I thank you from the bottom of my heart for crafting the finest piece of music I have heard so far in my life.  I have spent a lot of time heaping praise on just one track, but as it’s my favourite of all time I hope you can forgive me. 

All My Friends aside, Sound Of Silver is an absolutely brilliant record; touching, heartfelt, fun and thrilling, an extraordinary achievement.

My love affair with the band continued last year when I finally got to see them live, ( I did have tickets for another gig back in 2007 but a chance encounter with a bottle cap and the hospital trip that followed fucked that one up) and the release of their third LP This Is Happening.  The gig itself was at the best venue in the world (that’s official by the way) the Barrowlands in Glasgow, and is one of the best concerts I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending.  After a remarkable set, the band finished on All My Friends and finally seeing it live is probably one of the most euphoric, emotional and unforgettable moments of my life so far.

I have just gone back and re-read everything I’ve written so far and I’m struck even myself at how much LCD Soundsystem have meant to me over the past few years, but I have meant every word.  The band have helped soundtrack my life over the past five or six years and released some consistently great music along the way.  I highly doubt anyone from the band will ever read this, but if so, thanks for the memories.

RIP LCD.