LCD Soundsystem: "Sound of Silver"

James Murphy's 2005 debut as LCD Soundsystem received acclaim from virtually everyone who was willing to lend it an ear. It's flawless production and Murphy's unparalleled ability to craft smart dance music (which is no longer an oxymoron) was appealing to clubbers and hipsters alike. Still, Murphy is not without blemish, as his vocals often make him sound like he's battling a serious case of nasal congestion. This made it very hard for me, someone who really values a good vocalist, to really get into LCD Soundsystem's debut album. Even though I could see the brilliance of it, it wasn't as good as I felt it could have been. "Sound of Silver," however, is the LCD Soundsystem I've always waited for. Though Murphy's vocals are still less than perfect, there's just no denying that this album is one that should be enjoyed for months and months.

"Get Innocuous" immediately showcases Murphy's talents as a dance producer in ways that no other song of his has really done to date. Here, his vocals are at their absolute best, sounding like something straight out of the 80s. On the contrary, "Time to Get Away" features everything that I dislike about his voice. But this is dance music, so vocals are always going to take a backseat. It's not that they're totally unlistenable either, just not optimal. There are other times, however, when the vocals are completely excusable because the song itself is just so awesome.

Take, for example, "North American Scum," one of the best tracks on the album and one of the most fun songs of 2007 thus far. Murphy's tongue-in-cheek humor is unparalleled here, as he sings, "New York's the greatest if you get someone to pay the rent, and it's the furthest you can live from the government. Some proud American Christians might disagree, here in north America. But New York's the only place we're keepin them off the street." The song travels from a steady dance beat in the verses to an all-out rock guitar heavy chorus almost effortlessly. It truly is a fantastic song.

"Someone Great" is a synth-heavy masterpiece that once again features Murphy's vocals at their best. In fact, they've never been better than when he's repeating "When someone great is gone!" towards the end of the song. Slowly but surely, he's forming me into a true LCD Soundsystem fan, and I'm loving every minute of it. The frantic piano line that begins "All My Friends" continues throughout it's length and eventually builds into an layer-heavy, semi-anthem that rivals The Killers or U2. It is completely unexpected, yet entirely welcomed!

Truly, "Sound of Silver" is fantastic. It's an album that should be remembered as one of the best dance albums in recent memory and, in my opinion, LCD Soundsystem's best yet! Whether it's the cowbells of "Us v Them," the earnestness of "New York I Love You, but You're Bringing Me Down," the brilliant intricacy of "Sound of Silver," or the undeniably fun sing along of "Watch the Tapes" ("Read all the pamphlets and watch the tapes!"), every second of this album is enjoyable! Sure, I may be a little tough on Murphy's vocal abilities every now and then, but I'm honest enough to admit that "Sound of Silver" is an incredible album! Listen to it, soak it up, enjoy it, dance to it, and rest. Then do it all again! You won't regret it!

Recommended for fans of LCD Soundsystem and anyone who want to hear what good, smart dance music sounds like.

Key Tracks:
1. "Get Innocuous"
2. "North American Scum"
3. "Someone Great"
4. "Watch the Tapes"
5. "New York I Love You, but You're Bringing Me Down"

8 out of 10 Stars