One record at a time: 235. LCD Soundsyatem - American Dream

In 2011 LCD Soundsystem played an emotional farewell concert at Madison Square Garden and promptly disbanded. Whilst it was sad that the project had come to an end, most people respected James's desire to concentrate on his personal life and relieve the pressure that comes with being a hugely successful artist. 

Five years later it seemed the pressure hadn't been too much after all and not only did the band begin to tour again, they also released a new album "American Dream". Whilst their return did create a mild sense of confusion (and dare I say irritation) amongst some fans, everything would be forgiven if the album turned out to be a masterpiece.

The first track is the magnificent "Oh Baby". If you haven't watched the video for this song then you should go and watch it on YouTube now. You can thank me later. 

"Other Voices" sounds a bit like a rehash of things we have heard on other LCD albums, but there is enough drive and energy to keep things interesting. "I Used To" is a slow groove that meanders along in a rock style that lacks the spark of inspiration more electronics might have lent it. 

Once again James displays his allergy to certain vowels with "Change Yr Mind" which also lacks any variation and becomes a little boring by the end. "How Do You Sleep" is a bit like "Dance Yrself Clean" from the previous album in that it builds from humble beginnings into an nine minute electronic colossus. It's a great track that has so much happening that it can be hard to digest at first.

"Tonite" employs the same relentless bassline for its entire length and it either becomes hypnotic or irritating depending on your frame of mind. The single "Call The Police" tries to channel Joy Division and The Cure but ends up going a bit off piste. I'm not a fan of guitar driven music and this is just dull.

The introduction to "American Dream" sounds like "Circus of Death" by The Human League but it becomes more wishful and melancholic rather descending into the weird abstraction that inspired it. "Emotional Haircut" is the usual boisterous 'guitar and shouting' type track that LCD Soundsystem sometimes resort to. "Black Screen" gives us insight into James Murphy's feelings and behaviour when David Bowie asked him to produce his final record. The track is OK musically but I have to admit, my sympathy is somewhat limited.

As good as it is, this record still annoys me. For a start I hate the lower case styling for all of the song titles and the artwork is dull and uninspiring. This wasn't the triumphant return I was hoping for and it didn't entirely remove the bitter taste left by the band reversing their decision to disband. 3/5