LCD SOUNDSYSTEM THIS IS HAPPENING ALBUM DFA, EMI RELEASE: MAY 19, 2010 REVIEW: MAY 4, 2010

So this could be the last LCD Soundsystem release? Rumours would have it that way. On the strength of it though, James Murphy should be persuaded to hang on in there, as “This Is Happening“ shows there‘s still life in the ol‘ Soundsystem yet. I believe that Murphy also may feel that way, as it is alleged that he went down on his knees to plead with the audience not to leak the album onto the ‘net - not for financial reasons, but for good old love of the music. So, what’s all the fuss about?

There are some really long tracks on this long player - obviously aimed at the dance floor, and this actually allows the tracks to breathe and grow. I especially like “You Wanted a Hit“ - all nine minutes of it! It allows for deviations into experimental sounds while keeping the song structure, keeping interest all the way. “Dance Yrself Clean” plays with you a little, lulling you almost mantra-like into the opening track, before unleashing the electro noises about halfway through the track - it gets your attention by grabbing you around the throat!

“Drunk Girls” the possible first single, is also quite an interesting little track, with shouty vocals and refrains of "drunk girls" and "drunk boys" puncturing through the track - reminded me less of electro and more of 80:s Bowie for some reason…

“One Touch” is also quite glorious, with a slightly punkier edge than the previous tracks here, again 80:s came to mind, though this time The Human League seemed to spring to mind.

I can’t be positive about all that is on here though - all I wanted from “All I Want” was for it to stop! The song is quite dreary, and topped off by some quite passionate-less singing, one for skipping. ”Somebody’s Calling Me” follows a similar plodding path, and actually sounds like a three minute track which has been slowed down to fit into the context of the album - not great.

Having said all of that however, it can’t be argued that there is still life left in the LCD Soundsystem yet, it would be a criminal shame if the story ends here.

MIKE WHYTE