Much like fear, anger can be a motivating force, but get too familiar with it and it can leave you scalded and disfigured. For their fourth studio album, American Dream, LCD Soundsystem reunites to air out nearly a decade’s worth of ill feelings and unresolved grievances. Murphy doesn’t hold back, striking at his adversaries with venom. He is a man on a mission and is using this reunion as an opportunity to quench a fire that’s been burning for over seven years.
American Dream is not fixated exclusively on revenge, Murphy is merely venting his frustrations with no filter attached. In classic LCD Soundsystem fashion he uses a variety of styles to speak his piece, each genre matching his mercurial mood. The most poignant moments come when he’s analyzing the past, and once his anger subsides he reflects a vulnerability that shows that memories (when carefully handled) can become more vibrant with age.
‘Oh Baby‘
A digitized soundbath soothes the pain of an ailing heart. He’s cleaned up his act, sobered up and is ready to move on. But the catch is he knows it’s over and wants to make sure it’s a clean break; that his conscience is clear and that he can move forward without having to look back. The melodies are bittersweet and determined, a single-minded approach to getting over your significant other: [LISTEN]
‘Other Voices‘
The chubby bassline catapults the sound forward, a tidal wave that is both intellectual and provoking. There is an exotic air that melts away any preconceived notions, and the sing-song style of lyricism hits with aggression and fervor. Cold detachment underscores the mood, creating a darkened reality where sentimentality is a thing of the past; the next logical step towards emotional sterility: [LISTEN]
‘I Used To‘
Crunchy percussion pulverizes the obelisk standing before him. Instead of moving forward he’s going back in time, reminiscing over the past. The memories fall like tiny droplets, and he’s revisiting a situation with what he should have said. Anger has carbonated his blood and he’s swinging for the fences. The pain has yet to subside, and he’s trying to dissolve it under a mountain of rhythm: [LISTEN]
‘Change Yr Mind‘
Broken rhythms mirror a divided mind, an artist at odds with his own creative mortality. There’s a strong Bowie presence that melds well with the off-kilter musings; his monotone delivery complimenting the erratic melodies. The noise from outsiders is grinding against him, and he’s reached his breaking point; fed up and ready to explode at any moment. A firm stand against noodly naysayers: [LISTEN]
‘How Do You Sleep?‘
For the first half, a rubbery percussion bandies back and forth, eventually making way for explosive retribution. Venom is flowing in his veins and he’s looking to strike; a sonic king cobra who is burning with vendetta. Hypocrisy takes center stage, and mincing words is not on the agenda. He was told to steer clear of cocaine, but the one who warned him fell victim to it as well: [LISTEN]
‘Tonite‘
Simple analog rhythms leading to clear-cut declarations. His plainspoken style of lyricism leaves no room for confusion, and his transparency has a very specific target in mind. He’s tired of the carbon copy minutiae, the microwave ideas that lack tenacity. The absence of courage is daunting, and he can’t help but take a massive shot at the mindless clones who are bombarding the airwaves: [LISTEN]
‘Call the Police‘
Rock-centric new wave, a driving beat with a rebellious attitude. The flag is flying high and he’s storming the castle; ready to annihilate the passive ignorance that has handcuffed a nation. He’s daring the status quo to call the cops, mocking their fears and inability to acknowledge truth. He’s explained himself enough, and is making sure that the walking dead will get what’s coming to them: [LISTEN]
‘American Dream‘
The melodic, but distorted backdrop serves as an appropriate sonic interpretation of the fading American Dream. Instead of making a grand statement, he’s applying the logic to himself; analyzing his love/hate relationship with success. On one hand it’s provided him with unique opportunities, but on the other it’s imprisoned him and made him a commodity; the steep price of fame and fortune: [LISTEN]
‘Emotional Haircut‘
A trim of the locks is sometimes enough to get a person over the hump. The change is a longtime coming, but for those around him it’s a new and sudden departure. The reaction to his emotional haircut is startling, and the disappointment over it confirms his suspicions. Every move is analyzed, scrutinized under a microscope. It’s enough to drive a person mad and he’s firing back full throttle: [LISTEN]
‘Black Screen‘
The beat pulses with the faintness of a broken heart. It’s dark and sullen, a moody effort that pays homage to his patron saint David Bowie. He’s expressing remorse over lost time, and he’s wishing that their relationship were stronger. Even in the end Bowie was there, helping him along and guiding him through difficult times. While he’s gone, Bowie’s impact still resonates deep in his heart: [LISTEN]
