Introduction
Early 2005 was an interesting musical period for me. I had recently rediscovered Nick Cave following the release of the majestic Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus and Arcade Fire would soon turn into a steady favorite for the coming years. But the real excitement for me was the release of LCD Soundsystem’s debut album on January 24, 2005. One day later I bought the album. It marked the start of a deep love for the music of James Murphy and co.

LCD Soundsystem – Losing My Edge
LCD Soundsystem
LCD Soundsystem was founded in the New York suburb of Brooklyn in 2002. The LCD abbreviation stands for “Liquid Christmas Display”, referencing one of the first shows during the Holiday season when founder James Murphy (bass, vocals) and drummer Pat Mahoney covered songs Liquid Liquid songs.
Murphy was co-founder of the record label DFA Records, which released LCD Soundsystem’s debut single in July 2002: the fantastic Losing My Edge. It was this song that introduced me to the band, even though I don’t really remember when I heard if first. Danceable music, swing, guitars and funny lyrics, repetitive musical themes building in intensity, that was LCD Soundsystem from the very start.
One year later the single Give It Up was released, early 2004 followed by Yeah. In November 2004 the fourth single was released, Movement, a prelude to the upcoming debut album.

LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem
LCD Soundsystem
On January 24, 2005, the debut album by LCD Soundsystem, simply titled LCD Soundsystem, was released. It was the first music I ever bought from the band, and it was an immediate favorite. From then onwards the band has always been on my radar. The combination of dance, electronica, punk, indie rock, guitars, captivating rhythms with live drums, lyrics, pristine production, it was all (and still is) addictively good.
The influence of other bands that came before is huge. Murphy is an encyclopedia of good taste (please listen to Losing My Edge!). The musical references to artists like Brian Eno, Talking Heads, The Beatles, The Fall, Can and Liquid Liquid are surely present, but is all sounds uniquely LCD Soundsystem. Murphy is able to turn those influences into a sound completely his own. The music covers dance to (post)punk, yet all the music feels right at home on this indescribably good album. When one realizes this is in fact a debut album, the level of musicianship is nothing short of astounding.
Daft Punk Is Playing At My House is a great album opener, which immediately conveys the band’s ambitions. Dance and rock naturally melting into one irresistible groove. Live drums, synthesizers, guitar, bass, almost every instrument is put to use to create the beat, which is the center of the music. Even the melodies are used as percussive elements.
Next to being extremely danceable, the band can rock out like the best of them. Movement is a rock song with punk influences, on which the band rock harder than any other contemporary rock band of the time. The self-mockery in the song is typical for the band’s lyrics. Murphy calls himself a “fat guy in a t-shirt doing all the saying”.
But it’s still not done. The debut album features a second disc, featuring all the songs recorded and released before the debut album, including the genius debut single Losing My Edge. Songs like Beat Connection and the irresistible Yeah make the musical journey an overwhelming experience.
Review
LCD Soundsystem found its firm and lasting grip on my radar through this album. A favorite ever since its initial release. The band would release much more great music in the years to come. Luckily the band was more than able to translate their sound onto the stage. The times I have seen the band play live were all impressive, exciting, perfectly balanced, perfectly performed and almost spiritual events inspired by dance and commitment.

LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem – Singles
Singles
Four singles were culled from the album.
- Movement
(released on November 8, 2004) - Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
(released on February 21, 2005) - Disco Infiltrator
(released on June 6, 2005) - Tribulations
(released on September 27, 2005)
Songs
All songs written by James Murphy, unless stated otherwise.
- Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
- Too Much Love
- Tribulations
- Movement
- Never As Tired As When I’m Waking Up
- On Repeat
- Thrills
- Disco Infiltrator
- Great Release
Disc 2 (earlier singles and B-sides).
- Losing My Edge
- Beat Connection (James Murphy, Tim Goldsworthy)
- Give It Up
- Tired (James Murphy, Pat Mahoney)
- Yeah (Crass version) (James Murphy, Tim Goldsworthy)
- Yeah (Pretentious version) (James Murphy, Tim Goldsworthy)
- Yr City’s A Sucker (Full version)

LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem – Gatefold
Musicians
- James Murphy – most sounds
- Tim Goldsworthy – other sounds
- Eric Broucek – other sounds
- Tyler Pope – other sounds
- Nancy Whang – other sounds
- Patrick Mahoney – other sounds
- Mandy Coon – other sounds
After LCD Soundsystem
Two years later the band would release Sound Of Silver, arguably the ultimate LCD Soundsystem album. In 2010 This Is Happening was released, followed by the band announcing they would soon disband. After a farewell show in 2011 it was all over… Or maybe not? In 2015 the single Christmas Will Break Your Heart pops up out of nowhere, followed by the amazing American Dream album in 2017. The band still tours regularly and word is that they are currently in the studio working on their next album. I cannot wait!
In closing
What’s your take on LCD Soundsystem, the band and the album? Let me know!
Video/Spotify
This story contains an accompanying video. Click on the following link to see it: Video: LCD Soundsystem and the story of the debut album!. The A Pop Life playlist on Spotify has been updated as well.