Album of the Week: LCD Soundsystem, 'American Dream'
by David Safar
September 11, 2017
Writing a review of the new LCD Soundsystem album a week after its release is like starting an indie rock band with a banjo player. It's already been done and chances are someone did it better. That said, my first listen of "American Dream" gave me hope that LCD Soundsystem has solidified their place as one of the most important bands of the century.
With a similar approach to his production and music, James Murphy artfully disbanded LCD in their peak moment as the darlings of independent music. They were the embodiment of a Brooklyn centric hipster music scene driven by both amateur bloggers and distinguished music critics. At the same time, they were the antithesis of a band "trying to make it." When this decade of music history is written, Murphy and his DFA partners could be compared to the Creation Records story. They're proof that the fans can't be wrong and it's the fans who will keep the idea of LCD Soundsystem alive after they complete this leg of their musical journey.
So, what is there to say about American Dream? It's a darker version of LCD Soundsystem, which shouldn't be a surprise for those following Murphy's life and business ventures. Like all of us, he has to contend with life's challenges even though he has reached celebrity status. That quality makes the album more relatable than "Drunk Girls" and some of the earlier attempts at leaning into pop music. The album stays true to the influences that built the foundation of Murphy's idea for the band. You can imagine each song corresponding to something in his record collection. Whether it's his deep knowledge of the still underappreciated art rock pioneers, Suicide, or his personal relationship with Bowie, American Dream is a gateway for those who have yet to discover LCD Soundsystem and all the influences they carry with them.
LCD Soundsystem's American Dream is out now on Columbia Records.
Resources
LCD Soundsystem - Official Site