CD Review

James Murphy might be a common name in most neighborhoods, but if you add his punk drumming background and title as the king of disco punk funk, this Murphy sure is no bore.

Having been cofounder of the no-nonsense disco-punk label DFA, it was only a matter of time before Murphy unleashed his own outfit – LCD Soundsystem. Grabbing rock/dance hints from Suicide, Gang of Four, Slits and David Bowie; LCD Soundsystem bridges dance, punk and rock into a self-titled album that’s already being hailed as “genius.”

Atop the guitar noise and machine thunder, Murphy’s take-it-or-leave-it vocals are clearly novice. But all weaknesses aside, the lead single “Daft Punk is Playing at My House” proves he’s comfortable behind the mic. With “Thrills” and the Bowie glam of “Too Much Love,” Murphy endears his early 80’s dance rock love, while “Tribulations” steers down a New Order synth dominion. The one hint at a ballad- “Never As Tired” - is dreary and poses as the one question mark. But the exclamation point of “On Repeat,” with it’s “on your radio” shrills are quite the hipster comment. “Disco Infiltrator” even toys with sounds that are Midnight Vultures Beck, with its video game-meets-dance beat tandem.

A bonus second disc of prior LCD Soundsystem singles includes LCD’s first hit, “Losing My Edge” and the jungle trance of “Beat Connection.” Mixed with two versions of the techno laced “Yeah,” gives the album an extended rave rapture. Whether LCD Soundsystem is a band, studio creation or a glorified DJ one album nugget is yet to be seen. But using Murphy’s encyclopedic ear for the past, LCD Is able to cover diverse ground, while still holding a bold dance edge. Eat that Scissor Sisters.