LCD Soundsystem

LCD Soundsystem

LCD Soundsystem is a group from New York, United States, formed in 2001 and active to the present. It is the musical project associated with James Murphy, who is an American musician, DJ, singer, songwriter and record producer, and who co-founds the dance-punk label DFA Records. The group also includes Tim Goldsworthy.

Style and sound

The group works across alternative dance, dance-punk, electronic music, indietronica, new wave and post-punk revival. Its sound is described as a blend of alternative dance and post-punk with disco and other elements.

Early attention and debut releases

LCD Soundsystem first gains attention with “Losing My Edge”, a track that draws notice in 2002 for its electronic setting and lyrics centred on music-geek boasting. The group’s self-titled double album follows in 2005. The record includes new material on the first disc and previously issued singles on the second. Its opening track, “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House”, reaches the UK Top 40.

Recognition and later albums

The self-titled album receives two Grammy nominations in the electronica and dance categories. It is also selected for Amazon.com’s Top 100 Editor’s Picks of 2005. In 2007 the band releases Sound of Silver, which includes the singles “North American Scum”, “All My Friends”, “Someone Great” and “Time to Get Away”. This album is noted for a more traditional songwriting approach while keeping the production style of the debut, and it appears on many critics’ end-of-year lists. It also brings another Grammy nomination for best electronic/dance album.

Line-up and live members

During the group’s later years, Murphy is joined by Al Doyle, Tyler Pope, Nancy Whang and Pat Mahoney. Doyle plays guitar and percussion and is also a member of Hot Chip. Pope plays bass and is also associated with !!! and Out Hud. Whang plays keyboards and Mahoney plays drums. Earlier live members under the LCD Soundsystem name include Phil Mossman on guitar and percussion, and Phil Skarich on bass.

Breakup, reunion and later activity

In 2010 the group releases This Is Happening after recording begins in Los Angeles in 2009. The album includes the single “Drunk Girls” and is presented as the likely final LCD Soundsystem album. In 2011 Murphy announces the group’s breakup and the final performance is scheduled at Madison Square Garden in New York, with additional shows at Terminal 5 added after ticket demand overwhelms the initial onsale. In 2016 Murphy announces the group’s reunion, along with a new album and tour.

Other release

For Record Store Day in 2009, the group releases a cover of Suicide member Alan Vega’s “Bye Bye Bayou”.