LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening
Monday, May 17th, 2010To start an album with a nine-minute track is a brave move indeed, especially with the first three minutes so stripped down they’re reminiscent of a stoned Moldy Peaches playing around with kitchen utensils. But then “Dance Yourself Clean” springs to life when the razor sharp synths click into gear. Akin to Hot Chip’s Thieves In The Night in the “awesome-way-to-open-an-album” stakes.
You’ll no doubt have heard the single “Drunk Girls” by now and made up your own mind. For me it sounds like James Murphy hopped in a convertible with Ima Robot, heading down Sunset Strip for a rowdy boys night out. If that’s your bag, you’ll love this.
From then on we’re into more familiar LCD Soundsystem territory, from the beats and bleeps of One Touch and I Can Change, to the slow-burning craftsmanship of I Wanted a Hit.
As closing tracks go, “What You Need” is a real retro breakfast club funk-a-thon and if this is truly to be LCD Soundsystem’s curtain call, it’s an almost touching way to end.
So long, and thanks for all the olives.
Here’s the opening and closing tracks for your aural pleasure: