Sound of Silver

by

LCD Soundsystem

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James Murphy has like, totally, outdone his debut with this fantabulous soundclash between the Talking Heads, Scissor Sisters, Trail Of The Dead, Flaming Lips and just about every decent British electronic band who plugged in an analogue synth in the Eighties.

This is a rock record, made with technology as ancient and relevant as old Les Paul guitars and valve amplifiers, which also happens to be great to dance or drive to, and is possibly even more conducive to just sitting down and listening. Accompanied by furious head nodding, obviously.

'North American Scum' is a shockingly perceptive song, and a timely reminder that the US does not have an exclusively Midwestern mentality.

The title track pulses with social satire while lampooning the basso profundo pretensions of the Human League and Heaven 17, but it is all sweetness and light next to the damning tribute to the Big Apple that closes the record. "Like a rat in a cage pulling minimum wage," croons Murphy on 'New York I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down', before a surprise second ending, sounding like a Glitter Band encore. And there aren't many of those these days.

First off, I'm not going to disparage this album, James Murphy, or any of his collaborators. This isn't terrible music. It's fun, bouncy, and fills a room. Certain tracks even stand out like All My Friends, and Us V Them has a particularly David Byrne/Sly feel that really moves. I've been a musician as long as I could hold a woodwind or a guitar, and I can certainly appreciate anyone's artistic vision or contribution to a collage of sound. My problem is that I just don't feel Sound of Silver breaks any new musical ground. Just like the Art Brut album that swept Europe and littered every 2006 top ten list (or even best ever!) from Q, Uncut, to Billboard, I just don't see the talent, originality, or depth.

If I want pulsing beats and atmospheric dub that I can disappear into I put on Human Mesh Dance or Plastikman. For fun dance music with some creativity, I'll throw on the first Basement Jaxx or Leftfield. Danceable beats with lyrics to boot - Crowded House, Depeche Mode, or Pet Shop Boys. Quirky lyrics with some poignancy and social commentary - Talking Heads or TMBG. These are all just examples of course, and everyone's taste certainly differs, but I just feel like this is nothing new and certainly nothing special. All the above people just do these parts better. To be on everyone's annual "Best" lists and be regarded as a "Great Artist", I expect a lot more. I would just hope that the people who really enjoy this would seek out the music that it attempts to pull together and see what they might be missing.