The Fear And Sadness On LCD Soundsystem’s New Album Is Compelling

Thankfully one of the very last things that Bowie did was to urge James Murphy to reform the LCD Soundsystem.

American Dream, accused of sporting an unimaginative cover, is a big album that captures LCD Soundsystem in full effect. Overflowing with squelchy synths, this is an album with a post punk sound that bumps to irresistible beats. Murphy references and pays homage to a bunch of deeply influential artists that have passed away since the last LCD Soundsystem album, 2010's This Is Happening.

Oh Baby, for example, lovingly pays homage to Alan Vega with a bitter breakup song that finds Murphy vulnerable and hurting hard. Agonising over his relationship with his fans, Change Yr Mind sports a Robert Fripp, Fashion styled riff and Thin White Duke styled vocals. Murphy not only pays tribute to Bowie across this album but has allowed Bowie’s influence to drive much of this album. 

The awe and sadness in Murphy’s voice as he reflects upon Bowie in Black Screen is compelling. There is less respect for his failed friendship with Tim Goldsworthy on the epic rant of How Do You Sleep?. Unhappy endings, broken relationships, middle aged concerns of an ageing hipster shot with fear and uncertainty is this American Dream. Strangely this really does feel like 2017.