How LCD SOUNDSYSTEM Started Making Music

James Murphy was over 30 years old when he started the disco-funk band, LCD Soundsystem. This is the story of a man who was afraid of failing so he did nothing -- but dream big.

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Written, Voiced and Edited by Frank Furtado

#lcdsoundsystem #americandream #middle8

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In this video essay I talk about the beginnings of LCD Soundsystem and the making of the following albums:
LCD Soundsystem
Sound of Silver
This Is Happening
American Dream

LCD Soundsystem sprung from fear. Let me explain. You see, in the early 2000s New York was going through a “rock renaissance.” Interpol, The Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs were just starting out. But they were all very nostalgic for New York’s past, resembling bands like The Ramones, Talking Heads and The Velvet Underground. By no means did that take away from these acts but a young James Murphy saw it as simply following tradition. He dreamed of a different New York, one where the sounds clashed, new musical styles originated and the people danced. Murphy sought to reinvent New York’s legacy, but he didn’t know where to begin. Murphy was quickly approaching 30, he couldn’t sing that well nor did he look the part of a frontman.

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Disclaimer:
I do not own any of the videos or music used in this video. They are used for education and discussion purposes.

[Middle]

Thanks for watching! Rank those LCD albums and let's talk about papa murph

[romilrh]

This whole video is approximately the length of one LCD Soundsystem song

[conordrake]

5:33 "turn it up a little bit, cos you're gonna wanna hear what Murphy sang in those first couple minutes"

Trying to sneakily deafen your audience I see!

[TotallyRadicalShow]

I love how you tell a band's story and really make us see them as individuals first before showing them as artists.

[worrywirt]

I got introduced to LCD Soundsystem by dance yrself clean and it’s still my favourite track. I don’t have many songs that I’d give 10/10 to but this is one of them

[RealLukeWilson]

I’m always blown away by how predictive “Losing My Edge” became as its satirical relevancy has only strengthened in the past decade.

I have to try to remember how late in life Murphy got started though; not just with the band, but with everything. Thanks for giving me that reminder, I need it now more than ever.

[Nitpix]

Your videos are straight fire man. This is definitely your best - keep it up.

[alexjay]

Gotta go with All My Friends. I know it's a cliche pick but it's just way too good to pass up. I remember hearing the song back in high school and thinking it was pretty alright; coming back to the track and LCD Soundsystem in general very recently, the song resonated with me emotionally in a way it hadn't before. Having just finished college and not seeing friends as often anymore, I can relate to the lyrics WAY more than before and I figure they'll only get more relatable as I get older. Also, that piano.

PS: James Murphy has to be one of the coolest people alive (maybe even THE coolest in a post-Bowie world)

[ModestAndroid]

I fucking love all of LCD Soundsystem's albums. A lot of American Dream feels VERY reminiscent of Talking Heads, which I greatly appreciate.

[Ahmad-hypc]

Bruh your channel really needs to blow up

[emiliodg]

I saw LCD Soundsystem live last year, when they announced that they were coming to my country I went mad, and seeing them live is something else, even the people that didn't know them were dancing, from teenagers to grown adults making fools out of themselves, it was absolutely great.

[Crampsam]

I absolutely adore your style of videos and I am damn proud to have my name in those credits. Brilliant work Middle 8! Oh and as for my favourite LCD track, that would have to be All My Friends although Dance Yrself Clean is a very close second

[SergioAllIndie]

James Murphy´s story is so crazy and inspiring! Thank you for this. Fav LCD record is always gonna be This Is Happening.

[PBCollects]

Middle 8 coming through with another mastapeece. Dance yrself clean is prob one of the greatest pieces of music ever recorded. I as a person don't really enjoy dancing but once I hear that song I throw the fuck down. It's so beautifully constructed and flows so seamlessly through it's different parts that you wouldn't think it's 9 minutes long. Also shout outs to I can change, Get Innocuous, and Tribulations

[aaronb]

I traveled from Wisconsin to see the Madison Garden show, it was an amazing time and a proper farewell. When I first heard they were getting back together I felt it was a huge slap in the face to everyone who attended MSG. As time moved on I realized that new lcd music would be in the works and I’d have more opportunities to see them.

[jacobsnedaker]

Someone Great will always be my favorite track, but I've really been loving "how do you sleep?" off of american dream. Fantastic video!

[WiloPolis]

The editing and script here is absolutely top tier. Absolutely beautiful by the end, and the use of LCD's actual music is near perfection.

[kieran]

45:33. Its so so so so good. The opening Track moments (Shame on You) to it with that building Piano line is perfect.

[paulmatthews]

I saw them at Victoria Park last Friday; as fresh as the day they were made.

[DillonMinasian]

james murphy is such an inspiring guy. that conversation he and his therapist had is incredibly relateable.