LCD Soundsystem performs at Alexandra Palace in London on Oct. 11, 2010. Photo: Flickr/Paul Adrian
First the White Stripes and now LCD Soundsystem?
LCD Soundsystem recently announced that they will be performing one final show on April 2 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. While many other acts have made similar announcements in the past — only to regroup for another final show the following year — we have a feeling these guys are serious.
Even though, we hope they’re not.
For the uninitiated, LCD Soundsystem is a New York-based band that is best known for dance hits like “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” and “Losing My Edge.” In addition to frontman James Murphy, there is a supporting cast of musicians (including Patrick Mahoney formerly of Les Savy Fav, Nancy Whang of The Juan Maclean and Al Doyle of Hot Chip) who contribute to the group’s recordings and live acts.
LCD Soundsystem got their start in 2002 with the single “Losing My Edge,” which caught the attention of indie rock fans everywhere with knowing lyrics like, “I heard you have a compilation of every good song ever done by anybody.”
Three years later, they released their first studio album, LCD Soundsystem, which featured “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House,” a track that went on to become a dance floor classic. “Sound of Silver” (2007) proved that, unlike many bands of the time, they were not just a one-hit wonder. Unfortunately for fans, last year’s “This Is Happening” will be the act’s last.
Even though LCD Soundsystem is calling it quits, Murphy is definitely not retiring from the music business. He is co-founder of music label DFA records, which has produced bands such as Holy Ghost! and Hercules & Love Affair, and plans to continue his work with the label.
As for LCD Soundsystem’s final show, Murphy has promised a three-hour performance with some previously unreleased songs. Fans have been asked to come dressed in white and black because, as Murphy explained in his blog post, “if it’s a funeral, lets have the best funeral ever!!!”
