+ also published on the PixelSurgeon website

Let us begin with the ending.

Though the new LCD Soundsystem album, Sound Of Silver, is dedicated to life of the somewhat obscure Dr. George Kamen, if you let your fingers trail up the last page of the CD insert you will see that the band gives special ‘thank yous’ to the Arcade Fire, Hot Chip, Liquid Liquid, Black Dice, Tiga, and !!! (chk chk chk) among others. A quick Wiki search for any of these names will give first-time LCD Soundsystem listeners a bit of insight as to what to expect from the much heralded sophomore release.

Unlike Horrorcore, the failed 1980s hip-hop sub-genre in which the group the Flatlinerz led by RedRum died faster than you could say murder, Dance-punk or Disco-punk, a genre of which LCD Soundsystem mastermind James Murphy is a founder, is more likely to be long lasting. The genre blends danceable tracks (think Anita Ward’s Ring My Bell) with lyrics that incorporate social commentary (which call to mind early U2).

As a pioneer in the very young sonic amalgam of Dance, Disco and Punk Rock, LCD Soundsystem delivers all of these elements with aplomb on Sound Of Silver. Yet it is the Punk Rock element that sets the genre apart from other Electronic/Dance classifications, and on one track in particular, North American Scum, Mr. Murphy seems to channel the ghost of every dead Punk Rocker, peppering the song with a bit of backhanded patriotism while setting record straight about the band’s origin.

“Oh I don’t know, I don’t know where to begin – we are North Americans. And for those of you who still think we’re from Englind – we’re not. No,” James sings. And it seems all star-spangled and Fourth of July until he gets closer to the chorus, “Oh I don’t know, I don’t know where to begin – we are North Americans. But in the end – make the same mistakes all over again! C’mon North Americans. Ah ha! We are North American scum.” Delivered a bit faster and with a tad more angst, this song would be classic Punk Rock.

The rest of the lyrics contained in the liner notes, all penned by Mr. Murphy – who incidentally was a former writer for the sitcom Seinfeld – read like social discourse. But for all of the drum kicks, cowbells, electronic blips, synthesized harmonics, and what on one track sounds like a Theremin, you’d more likely find yourself doing a manic version of the Robot than having a deep introspective moment.

Fans of LCD Soundsystem are thankful that Mr. Murphy, currently a resident of Brooklyn’s famed Williamsburg neighborhood, decided long ago to forgo the level upon level upon level of irony that is currently plaguing Brooklyn rock (though the New York borough is yet to be prolific enough to warrant its own musical genre). He instead delivers earnest, meaningful music meant to be enjoyed while Disco-moshing in dark urban dancehalls.

This creative stance might stem from the fact that Mr. Murphy, who is 37, is somewhat of a musical graybeard. He has three former bands – Falling Man, Pony and Speedking – under his belt; runs DFA with cohorts culled from his early collaborations (namely former U.N.K.L.E. drummer Tim Goldsworthy and Jonathan Galkin); and has an accomplished career as DJ/Producer – all of this before the birth of LCD Soundsystem.

The band could not originally be called a band as at first it solely comprised of James Murphy. But once interest in LCD Soundsystem grew with the release of the first single, Losing My Edge, and culminating in 2005 with two Grammy nominations, Mr. Murphy saw the need for a proper live band and enlisted the help of a few like-minded friends. Today while playing concerts Mr. Murphy is joined on stage by Al Doyle (of Hot Chip) on guitar and percussion, Phil Skarich on bass, Nancy Whang playing keyboards and synthesizer and Pat Mahoney on drums. This frees him up to act as lead singer, delivering his lyrics in a matter-of-fact harmonious style.

Mr. Murphy’s ability to carry songs using his laid back tonal range is also evident on the excelently produced Sound Of Silver. And though not as musically jam packed as the self-titled debut double album, this new disc is magnificent follow-up by LCD Soundsytem worthy of critical acclaim. It is comprised of eight masterful dance tracks that get the adrenaline flowing and the hips shaking, plus the brooding last composition, New York, I Love You But You’re Brining Me Down, that winds the listener down in time to do it all over again.

James Murphy’s musical genius, whether with LCD Soundsystem or at the controls at DFA, will ensure that Disco-punk is here to stay. Now if someone could do something about CafJazz.