From the moment he released his first single in 2002, James Murphy has sensed the kids coming up from behind. And so the LCD Soundsystem leader, who turned 40 in February, has announced that this third full-length record will be his group’s last. Best to call it quits before you lose your edge.
The Details
- LCD Soundsystem
- This Is Happening
- Beyond the Weekly
- LCD Soundsystem, official site
- Billboard: This Is Happening
Except, judging by This Is Happening, Murphy hasn’t—not even close. His record collection is still better than yours, and his ability to absorb and reprocess shines brighter than ever on this nine-song dance-floor workout. Whether he’s ransacking the past for the robotic ’80s synths of “I Can Change” or rubbing The Strokes’ faces in their should-be present with “All I Want,” Murphy makes his spastic, white-boy disco fresh and familiar.
Listen close to the lyrics while you’re grooving. Murphy’s got some parting shots for The Industry: “You wanted a hit/But maybe we don’t do hits.” And there he is, looking over his shoulder again. “Everybody’s getting younger/It’s the end of an era, it’s true.”
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