CD Review: LCD SoundSystem (8/10)
With a background of musical taste in bands that mention the word love at least once, it was quite a change popping this self-titled LCD SoundSystem cd into my pink, sparkly cd player. The LCD SoundSystem experience began with a quick, upbeat drum roll and a catchy bass tune, which repeated throughout the song. My head began to nod to the music, and I felt the bass take over my body. The upbeat, rhythm made me even feel like dancing, although this action should only be taken in the privacy of my own dorm room, to prevent the public from nightmares of course. I thought it would be good for me to experience different types of music that don’t include warm, fuzzy poppy bands or simply just Dave Matthews Band and Kanye West’s adorable little tongue twister raps. So I danced and surprisingly fell in love with the mood boosting LCD SoundSystem tunes that could easily start any party, with people who are like me at least.
“You gotta give it up , if you wanna live it up"” is repeated constantly in the third song, helping to sustain the theme of being free and enjoying life. With a raspy, pitch-changing voice and repeating lyrics of freeness, it almost invoked a Reel Big Fish/Jack Johnson feel of playful, redundant lyrics but contrasted these two musicians by being mellower than Reel Big Fish and more upbeat than Jack Johnson. Fortunately, I was able to hear all of the instruments involved in the band throughout the song, such as James Murphy (vocals), Pat Mahoney (drums); Nancy Whang (keyboards, vocals); Tyler Pope (bass) and Phil Mossman (guitar, percussion, keys, bass). These members all are successful in striving to make you dance with their unique funk/rock style. The lyrics are all easily heard and catchy, enabling you to sing along in your car; just please keep the windows up if you aren’t so talented.
Perhaps the members of LCD SoundSystem were always given the blue crayon in kindergarten or are just plain hyper off of espresso or drugs, since they are mostly in a perky mood. Whatever the case may be, LCD SoundSystem has created many energetic ‘live the way you want and be happy’ songs that may attract people surrounding you to sit a little closer and listen in to your tunes on your Ipod. Fortunately for LCD SoundSystem fans, their self-titled cd has just recently come out on February 15, 2005; enabling them to continue shaking it with LCD’s funky rhythms.
This DFA labeled band is extremely creative, and apparently popular as I asked around if people knew of this ‘smile and be merry’ cd. I would advise anyone who is having a bad day to take part in having your ears hear the upbeat tunes that could easily boost your mood and make your day feel a little brighter. As corny as that sounds, it’s true. Count on LCD to sympathize with you on your bad days and make you dance your worries away. If you happen to be a Marilyn Manson fan, I wouldn’t suggest running your booty to the store to purchase this cd. If you prefer to smile somewhat during the day; LCD is what your cd player needs.
