395 - LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver - Wil Anderson
Nov 11, 2020
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Comedian Wil Anderson joins the podcast to discuss the dancy sadness of LCD Soundsystem's album 'Sound of Silver'. They cover topics such as the formation of DFA and LCD Soundsystem, the transformative experience at Splendor in the Grass music festival, and the satirical song 'North American Scum' reflecting on America.
LCD Soundsystem's album Sound of Silver blends different genres to create energetic and catchy songs.
The song Someone Great resonates with listeners, capturing emotions tied to personal experiences of grief and grappling with the passage of time.
All My Friends is often considered one of LCD Soundsystem's most beloved tracks, reflecting on the passage of time and changing relationships.
'New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down' serves as a culmination of the album's introspective themes.
Deep dives
Get Innocuous
Get Innocuous is the opening track of LCD Soundsystem's 2007 album Sound of Silver. It starts off slowly with sounds generated from a Yamaha CS60 synthesizer, building up gradually. The song features a catchy stack of vocals around the two-minute mark and a driving guitar that adds energy to the track. The lyrics explore James Murphy's struggle with touring and the grueling nature of the music industry. Despite its slow start, when the song kicks into high gear, it becomes a phenomenal dance track.
North American Scum
North American Scum is a tongue-in-cheek song by LCD Soundsystem that humorously agrees with the reputation of stereotypical ugly Americans while still taking ownership and pride in their nationality. The song's lyrics playfully acknowledge the stereotype of Americans while also expressing their uniqueness. Musically, it has influences from electro, freestyle, and krautrock genres. The track exemplifies LCD Soundsystem's ability to blend different genres to create an energetic and catchy song.
Someone Great
Someone Great is a heartfelt track on LCD Soundsystem's Sound of Silver album. It is an introspective song that deals with loss and existential thoughts. James Murphy wrote the song as a tribute to a therapist who had a significant impact on his life. The lyrics express a sense of longing and yearning for someone who is no longer present. The song resonates with listeners, capturing the emotions tied to personal experiences of grief and grappling with the passage of time.
All My Friends
All My Friends is often considered one of LCD Soundsystem's most beloved tracks. The song is an anthem that reflects on the passage of time and changing relationships. It explores the nostalgia and bittersweet feelings associated with growing older and witnessing life priorities shift. The lyrics encompass the experiences of being a touring musician and the evolving dynamics with friends. All My Friends is a seven-minute masterpiece that captivates listeners with its poignant storytelling and relatable themes.
Diverse musical styles and introspection in LCD Soundsystem's album
LCD Soundsystem's album explores a range of musical styles and themes, showcasing the band's ability to blend genres like new wave, punk, and techno. The album conveys the artist's introspective thoughts and anxieties about success, credibility, and the nature of artistry. The songs resonate with listeners as they navigate the tension between looking back on nostalgic moments and embracing the present. The album's eclectic sound and thoughtful lyrics provide a unique and captivating musical experience that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.
Critique of two songs in LCD Soundsystem's album
Two songs in the album, 'Watch the Tapes' and 'Sound of Silver,' are described as less remarkable compared to the other tracks. 'Watch the Tapes' is considered the most punky, new wave song on the album, highlighting the absurdity of planning a successful career in the unpredictable music industry. 'Sound of Silver,' with its repetitive structure, captures the nostalgia and challenges of teenage years. While these songs may not stand out as much as others, they still contribute to the overall thematic cohesion of the album and provide a enjoyable listening experience.
The standout track and the impact of social media on music
The standout track on the album, 'New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down,' features delicate waltz-like melodies and introspective lyrics about the love-hate relationship one has with a city. This song serves as a culmination of the album's introspective themes. Additionally, the podcast discusses the impact of social media on the music industry. The host and guest reflect on how platforms like podcasting have revolutionized the reach of artistic work, allowing artists to connect with audiences globally and create content that is both unique and diverse.
