LCD Soundsystem

LCD Soundsystem
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Name	LCD Soundsystem
Origin	Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
Genre	Dance-punk, alternative dance, indie rock, electronic
Years active	2002–2011, 2015–present
Label	DFA Records, EMI, Columbia, Parlophone

LCD Soundsystem is an American rock band formed in 2002 in Brooklyn, New York City. Primarily the project of musician James Murphy, the group is known for its synthesis of dance music and post-punk influences. The band initially disbanded in 2011 after a celebrated farewell show at Madison Square Garden but reunited in 2015, continuing to release music and tour internationally. Their work has received significant critical acclaim, including a Grammy Award nomination for their 2010 album This Is Happening.

History

The project emerged from the New York City underground music scene centered around the DFA Records label, co-founded by Murphy and Tim Goldsworthy. Their debut single, "Losing My Edge", released in 2002, became an instant indie anthem, satirizing hipster culture and musical elitism. The band's self-titled debut album, LCD Soundsystem, was released in 2005 to widespread praise, followed by the influential 2007 record Sound of Silver. After the release of This Is Happening in 2010, the group performed a highly publicized final show at Madison Square Garden in April 2011, documented in the film Shut Up and Play the Hits. In late 2015, the band announced its reunion, headlining festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury and releasing the album American Dream in 2017 on Columbia Records.

Musical style and influences

The sound is characterized by a fusion of dance-punk, disco, krautrock, and alternative rock, built on driving drum machine beats, synthesizer lines, and Murphy's conversational vocal style. Key influences include the pioneering electronic music of Kraftwerk, the post-punk of Talking Heads and Public Image Ltd, and the dance music production of Chicago house and Detroit techno artists. Tracks often feature extended, hypnotic arrangements reminiscent of Can and Neu!, while lyrical themes explore aging, anxiety, and the contradictions of modern life within the context of club culture.

Band members

The core creative force is James Murphy, who handles vocals, multiple instruments, and production. The live and studio ensemble has included longtime collaborators such as multi-instrumentalist Nancy Whang, drummer Pat Mahoney, guitarist Tyler Pope, and keyboardist Al Doyle. Other significant contributors have included bassist Phil Skarich and horn player Raymond Scott. The lineup functions as a collective, with members also known for work with other acts like The Juan MacLean, Hot Chip, and !!!.

Discography

The studio album catalog comprises LCD Soundsystem (2005), Sound of Silver (2007), This Is Happening (2010), American Dream (2017), and New Body Rhumba (2022). Notable singles include "Losing My Edge", "Daft Punk Is Playing at My House", "All My Friends", "I Can Change", and "Tonite". The compilation The Long Goodbye (2014) captured the 2011 Madison Square Garden performance.

Awards and nominations

The band has received one Grammy Award nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album for This Is Happening. Sound of Silver was shortlisted for the 2007 Mercury Prize and was named Album of the Year by publications like NME. "All My Friends" has appeared on numerous decade-end lists by critics at Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. The 2017 album American Dream won Best Independent Release at the A2IM Libera Awards.

Cultural impact

Widely regarded as a defining act of 2000s indie culture, the project helped revitalize dance-punk and brought underground dance music aesthetics to a broader rock audience. The documentary Shut Up and Play the Hits and the acclaimed final show became cultural touchstones, discussed in media outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian. Their music has been featured in films by directors like Noah Baumbach and used in campaigns for brands like Nike. The band's reunion and continued output have solidified their status as influential figures in alternative music.

Category:American dance-punk groups Category:Musical groups from Brooklyn Category:DFA Records artists