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Review Summary: LCD Soundssystem's second release is just as fun and derivative as their first and nothing is really new or original here, but thats not required to get up and shake your booty a little. When traversing the world of Electronica or some sort of hybrid of such, its important not to get caught up in the perceived intellectualism sometimes attached and just have a good time. And while many an indie poser may attempt to dissect or put too much thought and study onto electronic beats and simple melodies simply designed to get you up and moving, the more adept and familiar among us know that to relax and let the music move you, as with all good music, is what brings out the essence in the belly of the beast. Groove, as they say, is in the heart. And this is something that LCD Soundsystem clearly understand. Uncomplicated, unadorned, infectiously catchy and meticulously crafted, Sound Of Silver is worthy of gold from beginning to end.
The fact this is an album which is fun to listen to does not mean it isn't smart and interesting, however. It is indeed both. From the opening "Get Innocuous" with its funky percussive beats and spare guitar sketches to the piano driven centerpiece tune "All My Friends", main Soundsystem man James Murphy (also a noted "dance rock" producer) weaves musical magic that while relaxed and rockin' on one level is also creative and hip enough for the more discerning (or pretentious) among us. "North American Scum" recalls mid period Talking Heads in more ways then one while spilling pointed matter of fact lyrics about American and European youth culture all over the canvas, and "Us v Them" is so propulsive and catchy with its deep bass funk and lively percussion it really doesn't matter what Murphy has on his mind as he sings "Us and them/Over and over again", its just flat out fun and funky from the first note on.
The great thing about this album is the same as was great about the last full length LCD Soundsystem album, and that is its effortless blend and execution of mix, bringing together electronic sounds and instruments and throwing them into the pot with more conventional sounds and styles given us by simpler guitar, bass, and drum accompaniment. Nothing new of course, but Murphy and company go a long way to bringing genuine warmth and spirit to each track that won't leave the less electronica geared among us cold nor leave the dance mavens among us sitting on their collective arsess from lack of whatever it is that makes us get up and hit the floor with a shake in the hips and maybe a hit or two of X under our tongues. Mapping the same territory Fat Boy Slim, Moby, and The Chemical Brothers have mapped before them, LCD Soundsystem doesn't throw anything new onto the road, they simply keep it going, winding through some new sights and sounds of their own and expanding the territory for others to come along or follow. Fresh, funky, and if you care enough to care, with enough meat on its bones to just sit and listen if thats your place, Sound Of Silver shines as brightly as a brand new nicely polished nickel. And in this case a nickel goes a long way.
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Their debut album was absolutely terrible. Bland, repetitive, and uninteresting techno music. Judging from several reviews I've read Sound of Silver shows a lot more promise so I'll probably check it out.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
i didn't mean new or original from their first, i meant within the genre in general, where originality for the sake of originality is often placed above keeping things simple. this album is different from the first. it shows some growth, but not radical. i like it alot and seriously considered a rating of 4, but i think "great" just about nails it. thanks for getting that album thumb worked out.This Message Edited On 03.20.07
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
I heard only parts of the first album, and what I heard I liked so Iam very interested to hear the new album.
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Great work, i think this is the shortest review i've seen from you.
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I'm thinking of getting this
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I should get this soon. Better to skip the first album, tbqh.
Your reviews are always so easy to read  "nice 'n concise"
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This is good, but I was expecting something more substantial. Seems kind of bland to me. Still good enough for a few listens, but this probably won't age well. Great review, though, especially the conclusion.
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Hah, yeah, I'll probably eat my words. It just isn't doing much for me right now. Did it take a while to get into or did it just start out that good ('cause I'm really, really digging 'All My Friends')?
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
thanks dude but i hate the "put it in your pocket" thing at the end . i gotta fix that up. this was my first review back after illness, a car accident, and generally fuc.king around. so i gotta be cut a break on that :pThis Message Edited On 03.27.07
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I wasn't being sarcastic. I was actually referring to
Nothing new of course, but Murphy and company go a long way to bringing genuine warmth and spirit to each track that won't leave the less electronica geared among us cold nor leave the dance mavens among us sitting on their collective arsess from lack of whatever it is that makes us get up and hit the floor with a shake in the hips
The nickel/[deleted] analogy isn't that bad, so don't beat yourself up for it.This Message Edited On 03.27.07
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
kept the nickel lost the pocket lol
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Okay so more like 'Let's meet up in 5 days to discuss it!'
Former half of album < Latter half of album
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i saw them on david letterman and it was...... interesting. might check it out.
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Good album.
"All My Friends" is the best on here
| | | Album Rating: 2.0 | Sound Off
Well written review but I whole-heartedly disagree about this album...
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Anyone ever notice how James Murphy never changes facial expressions?
I might check this out...
| | | Album Rating: 2.0 | Sound Off
Like his facial expressions, it seems to me his music never changes directions. I have listened to the album straight through about ten times, trying for an excuse to enjoy it.
Oh well, to each their own, I guess
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I think you spelt the name of the band wrong in the summary. Tsk Tsk Tsk!
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
why whatever do you speak of my fine fellow :p
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I've only heard half of the first album and half of this, but it definitely seems like this is better.
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