#danceyourselfclean

The West Coast Comeback from Bands-End

On the first night of a 5 day, sold-out residency at The historic Hollywood Palladium,  LCD Soundsystem packed them in.  All the furniture was in the garage and their was a freak out brewing in the house. After the bands very famous and well publicized break-up/bands-end tour in 2011, that was even made into a documentary “Shut Up and Play The Hits,” LCD was back on the opposite coast of where it all ended to play all the hits and a brand new record, “American Dream.”

Tracking Time. Photo: Anthony Mehlhaff LCD opened to their first song off that new album, “Oh Baby” which eased the fans into dance mode and also connected on an emotional level with new and old fans alike.  James Murphy barely emoted at all through the song until the songs climax and the magical disco ball lights beamed out from the mirrored globe and into everyone's eyes and hearts.

James Murphy on night 1 of 5. Photo: Anthony Mehlhaff All phones shot into the air, trying to grab an image of one the most recognizable symbols linked to the band, and for the next song waited for the disco lasers to return in a quest to seize the likes on social media.  Half the crowd watched through their phones and the other half (the half I love), danced as if they were all alone in the dark. As a fan from way back seeing the band back together was a great, great moment.  The band dismantled at the height of their success and it was truly a shame to have missed out on experiencing them live until tonight.  I will try and catch these guys again on Monday or Tuesday because these songs stick to your ribs like a hearty stew on a cold, New York, winter night. If I can’t, I’ll always be able to watch all the Instagram videos of the band.  Fuck that.