New York, NY · dance-punk · electronic

LCD Soundsystem

2 upcoming festivals

The dance-punk philosopher kings — 'All My Friends' remains the great festival closer, and James Murphy its most self-aware master of ceremonies.

LCD Soundsystem is the band led by James Murphy, formed in New York in 2001 around Murphy's DFA label, which he ran with Tim Goldsworthy. The project began with the single "Losing My Edge," a deadpan monologue about ageing and record-collector status that set the tone for much of what followed: dance music made with post-punk instrumentation and a self-conscious, often funny lyrical voice.

The group's albums pair long, propulsive tracks built on repetition — Murphy has been open about his debt to Can, Talking Heads and disco production — with slower, more direct songs about friendship and time passing. LCD Soundsystem announced a break in 2011 with a large farewell show at Madison Square Garden, then returned several years later with new material and continued touring.

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