LCD Soundsystem: Drunk Girls

After a leak a short while ago on the net, LCD Soundsystem have decided to release a new track from their album, "Drunk Girls" as a single. The highly anticipated new album, which still doesn't have a title, is due for release on 17th May (or 18th if you're in the US of A). Fans of the band, led by James Murphy, will lap this slightly rocky number up as it's not too far departed from what they were doing on some of "Sound of Silver". As ever, Murphy's lyrics are great, the music catchy... although it does sound just that little bit like David Bowie's "Boys Keep Swinging". But never mind; any Bowie connections have to be good, right?

Sound of Gold

It can truly be said that LCD Soundsystem occupies the space somewhere in-between electronic and rock, especially after listening to the wonderful "Sound of Silver", the third CD I bought last week.

Just like on "45:33", James Murphy doesn't find any reason to rush his songs, which is particularly evident on opener "Get Innocuous!", "Sound of Silver" and "All My Friends". The gradual build-ups add to the depth of his songs, which are certainly not cases of style over substance.

It may be hard to believe but there really aren't any weak points on this album. Yes, it really is all killer and no filler! Every song has its own charm, from the angry, twisted patriotism of "North American Scum" to the almost sweet, oddly heartfelt tracks "Someone Great" and "New York I Love You But You're Dragging Me Down". It is obvious that, compared to "45:33", disco takes a more modern twist and is rocked up with guitars, funky basslines and hot beats. The guitar line on "Time To Get Away" sounds particularly retro, with an almost video-game quality (I'm thinking something from Crash Bandicoot - only that could sound old-school and yet still cool and modern). "All My Friends" has an immediate, attention-grabbing piano base that provides the foundations for what becomes an epic smash after about five minutes.

Involving his band more was a good decision - on the whole, the album is a lot tighter than "45:33", and even that was pretty well put together. The long, long, incredibly long tracks may not be to everyone's taste but if you give them a go I think you'll find something special indeed. If nothing else, listen to "North American Scum" - not as threatening as it sounds, but it is a blinding tune!

What I'm Listening To Right Now - "Teardrop" by Massive Attack

45:33

I went a little bit mad buying CDs last week, although many of you probably think that 3 CDs isn't a lot at all. This included 2 LPs by electronic maestro James Murphy aka LCD Soundsystem.

The first of the 2 LCDs I bought was "45:33", named for the length of the first six unnamed songs on the album. Essentially "45:33" is a collection of mixes and experiments that Murphy created in 2006, prior to the release of "Sound of Silver" and includes an instrumental version of "Someone Great" alongside a remix of "North American Scum" and seven other previously unavailable tracks.

Disco feel? Check. Funky vocals? Check. 70s brass? Check. It's a very uplifting and funky collection. Personally I like Track 2 (no idea what the tracks are called - even iTunes doesn't know - so let's call it "Shame On You"). "Shame On You" sounds like old-school dance music, and takes its time to build up into the short bursts of brass and choppy vocals. "Freak Out" does the same, blending seamlessly into "Starry Eyes". Nearly all of the tracks here are over six minutes long, with one or two exceptions. However, "45:33" only benefits from its long build-ups and it is the perfect album to put no when you're getting ready for a night out.

If you liked Hercules and Love Affair earlier this year, you'll love this.

What I'm Listening to Right Now - "Don't Let Him Waste Your Time" by Jarvis