LCD Soundsystem is all about production. Bandleader James Murphy is also a co-founder of the dance-punk label DFA. In his younger years, he garnered attention as the "sound guy" for electro-noise band Six Finger Satellite. Now, Murphy and the rest of Soundsystem have moved up the ranks of fame for their incredibly catchy, weird-yet-danceable electronica.
The band's self-titled debut was released in 2005 to enormous critical and fan-based acclaim. It was one of those albums with a reputation that grows to be much larger than the music itself. LCD Soundsystem was very good, of course, but it was also somewhat inconsistent and grew old rather quickly. Nevertheless, it proved to be one of the best received debuts in quite some time, and a follow-up album has been highly anticipated.
And Sound of Silver lives up to the anticipation. Surprisingly, it's not quite as funky as Soundsystem was. Murphy has dropped his extra syllable emphases (you know what I'm talking abou-TAH!), and several of the strongest tracks are not meant for the dance floor.
But let's talk about production. The album is crystal-clear and sparkly. It boasts enough boops, beeps and drum-machine thumps to satisfy an army of robots in heat. As always, Murphy definitely seems to know what he's doing in that department.
The lyrics are also as hip as ever. The songs cover such topics as partying, partying with friends, partying in New York and partying like a real American. That may be an exaggeration, but the lyrics are naturally fused with the idea of having a good time. And hell, what else would you sing about on a song that bounces a funky guitar riff and hand claps with a cow bell (like on "Us v Them")?
The opener, "Get Innocuous," starts with a simple drum-machine beat and builds into a swelling dance song that could easily fit into a party atmosphere. On "North American Scum," Murphy creates a catchy pop song in which he pokes fun at the Americans who are probably dancing to it.
Three of the best songs on Silver are not your typical Soundsystem ass-shaker. "Someone Great" builds synthesizers over a slow beat and a sweet but somewhat sad jingle. This is followed by "All My Friends," which starts with a lone piano riff that remains throughout the song. The beats and vocals build gradually into a moving climax when Murphy asks, "Where are your friends tonight?" The closer, "New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down," is a piano ballad addressed to the Big Apple. The song has a very classic, acoustic feel that strays far from the band's sound but it proves a perfect way to end the album.
Sound of Silver truly shows Murphy's growth into a mature songwriter. It may not prove to be as much of a dance floor favorite as Soundsystem, but it shows the band's movement towards its own niche in the world of the hip. We can only wish there were more bands out there with such a purpose.
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