LCD Soundsystem: This Is Happening

LCD Soundsystem
This Is Happening
Virgin/DFA Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: LCD Soundsystem makes a challenge for "Album Of The Year" with third long player This Is Happening!

Album Review:
Time for a little confession - I never have cared much for club music, I never have really cared for songs that go past 5 or 6 minutes, and I never have really cared much for LCD Soundsytem's albums as a whole. Sure, I can dig some of their singles and appreciate the critical praise other publications have laid upon leader James Murphy but until now, I never got it! With his third long player This Is Happening - I get it! This record showcases Murphy's talents for pulling some of the best components of rocks history and cultivating them into his own gorgeous album that has attitude, beats, catchy anthems and a likability that just shouldn't come this naturally. Clearly you have to earn it and Murphy has put in his homework that pays off on This Is Happening, because he accomplishes giving props to the swagger of The Strokes in "All I Want" and has a U2 impression in the smooth "I Can Change" that completely works as his own. The fun pogo music play on "Drunk Girls" offers up an interesting combo, that at times sounds like the Cars, Devo and most certainly the Talking Heads. All of these big names being thrown out might seem like LCD Soundsytem stole their mojo but honestly this is a record that has the same characteristics that made those bands great but finds its own unique groove on each and every track. With most tracks pushing beyond the 6 minute mark, LCD Soundsystem incorporates plenty of action to keep the songs moving and never dulls. This is the true genius behind This Is Happening, as it never slows down and just gives more and more with repeat listens. The album breaks every stereotype that I had about a record like this and LCD Soundsystem, as it never feels like a club album (although I am sure it will play clubs to the last call), it has really long songs but contains so much action within their walls, that you don't even realize how lengthy some of them are and it works both in its entirety or in small chunks because of its solid qualities. I do believe This Is Happening is a legitimate challenger for album of the year already, as it has a flawless flow with seamless transitions and is driven by such an energetic James Murphy, that you need a little oxygen upon conclusion. I say - give me the mask and keep the record rolling again!

Key Tracks: "Dance Yrself Clean", "Drunk Girls", "You Wanted A Hit"

Band With Similar Fire:
Talking Heads
Crystal Castles
The Cars

Official LCD Soundsystem Website
LCD Soundsystem MySpace
LCD Soundsystem Facebook
DFA Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony