Typically when I ask people what kind of music they like they answer, "All kinds," which usually means no kind in particular. "What's your favorite band?" "I just listen to whatever is on the radio." Ugh. I know too many people who thoughtlessly consume too much in life: TV, movies, art, music, etc. One lesson I learned from the example of Joe Thorn a couple of years ago is to think about whatever it is I do. I have learned to be more intentional about knowing what I do and why I do it, what I hear and why I listen to it, etc. So at the outset of this Music Monday I encourage you to think redemptively about music instead of only consuming it.
I recently moved outside my genre comfort zone and picked up LCD Soundsystem's Sound of Silver. This is a blend of sorts: rock, disco, dance, yadda. It was receiving tremendous reviews and I just had to give it a shot. Metacritic has it at a combined score of 90 which is very high. Some quotes...
MusicOMH...
Taken end to end, Sound Of Silver is a thrilling, exhilarating ride on a fast machine. Murphy's hyperactive compositions have rhythm, energy, feeling and bite - and while dance music will claim it, that needn't restrict its coverage. You'd be mad to miss out on one of this year's essential albums.
Dusted...
Make no mistake – the beats are still rigid, dabbling in taut funk and squelching electro as much as snotty punk moves and glorious polyrhythms. These nine songs, however, ring with a clarity of purpose and a true intent that was previously altogether lacking, presenting a far more cohesive image of Murphy and his many strengths. More than anything else, for the first time it becomes obvious that there’s a real human heart that beats somewhere beneath Murphy’s keyboards and drum machines.
Pitchfork...
Sound of Silver, his second as LCD Soundsystem, is as close to a perfect hybrid of dance and rock music's values as you're likely to ever hear.
Play Louder...
'Sound Of Silver' is the album of the year
The Guardian...
This is dance-rock for grown-ups: extraordinary.
I understand through an article in Under the Radar that James Murphy (Mr. LCD himself, wikipedia) wrote most of the lyrics on the day the songs were recorded. Sheesh. And for your enjoyment it appears that LCD Sounsystem's My Space appears to have all tracks available. I recommend you make your introduction with "Time to Get Away," "North American Scum," and "Us vs. Them." Geez, listen to any of them. Also check out this LCD Soundsystem promo video featuring "North American Scum."
Really great stuff, great album. Pick it up.