On his self-titled debut album as LCD Soundsystem, James Murphy proclaimed that he was losing his edge. Whether or not this is true, Murphy has shown over the past five years that he is indeed not losing his edge. Instead, he is enhancing his image and breaking out into the mainstream electronic scene.
On the latest LCD Soundsystem release, “This Is Happening,” Murphy’s outbreak really is happening.
While “This Is Happening” does not live up to its precursor, 2007’s “Sound of Silver,” the album still exhibits Murphy’s ability to craft lengthy dance songs that are full of emotion. With nine of the 10 songs clocking in at 5:54 or over, this album is not for the weak of heart (or legs), but instead, displays the range of Murphy’s ability.
These abilities are thrown right out into the open with the first single from the album “Drunk Girls,” which is the perfect party song for the summer. Its infectious rhythm draws any listener in with lines like “Love is an astronaut / It comes back but it’s never the same,” making the listener think about Murphy’s intentions and adding an abstract nature to his aura.
But besides from “Drunk Girls,” which will most certainly be Murphy’s mainstream hit, his real skill lies in the long electronic epics he is famous for. The two best of these on “This Is Happening” are “Dance Yrself Clean” and “All I Want.”
As the opener of the album, “Dance Yrself Clean” throws everything Murphy can do into the songfor the listener. The synth pattern remains throughout the whole track, creating a pandemic of sound. His sense of humor and mild disdain for humanity that are common on his songs comes in with the lines “Talking like a jerk / Except you are an actual jerk / And living proof that sometimes friends are mean.” This song sets up the album as the electronic start to the summer.
Later in the album, “All I Want” returns to this feel, showing more raw emotion in the midst of turmoil. Murphy sings, “And all I want is your pity / Oh, all I want are your bitter tears / Yeah, all I want is your pity / Oh, all I want are your bitter tears.” Slower in tempo than most of the album, “All I Want” proves to be substantially stronger.
The sarcasm of “You Wanted A Hit,” the penultimate track, punctuates the album in a game of cat and mouse with the listener. Murphy sings, “You wanted a hit / But maybe we don’t do hits.” This type of back and forth tension continues throughout the song, a seeming indecision on Murphy’s part.
But for all of this, one thing seems for certain: James Murphy is happening. LCD Soundsystem is happening. This is happening.
Dan Gallen can be reached for comment at [email protected]