LCD Soundsystem is Back. Like, Really Back
By: Connor Lenahan
On Christmas Eve I was talking with my cousins Pat and Joe about the rumor that LCD Soundsystem was going to reunite. Pat and I both were excited about the prospect, although for different reasons. Pat because he might be going to Coachella, and me because I love the band and would like to see them live. Joe, meanwhile, was against the idea, mainly because he was in attendance at the LCD farewell shows at Madison Square Garden five years ago. He wanted to have that seemingly-perfect ending be the ending.
Weirdly, all three of us were covered by James Murphy’s recent open letter regarding the future of LCD Soundsystem. It came just on the heels of the recent, awesome new Christmas song that the band released.
In the open letter Murphy talked about how he wanted to make music again, but was unsure of how he wanted to go about it. He called up his former bandmates and they elected to work together on a new LCD Soundsystem record. This then, of course, helps play into their decision and selection for one of the headlining spots at Coachella 2016. Murphy even brought terrific news in that Coachella is the first of multiple events they’ll play this year. The potential of a Governor’s Ball or Boston date makes me giddy.
So Pat and I were pleased. This was good news with one of the best bands on earth having sat dormant for the past five years. But Joe represents another part of the fanbase, the ones that aren’t jumping for joy at the return.
James Murphy understands that, and he addressed that in the letter.
“If you cared a lot about our band, and you put a lot of yourself into that moment (or anything about us you chose), and you feel betrayed now, then I completely understand that. It’s your right to define what you love about a band, and it’s your right to decry their actions and words as you see fit, because it’s you, frankly, who have done much of the work to sustain that relationship, not the band.”
A bit prickly, but something that really makes sense. It’s odd to see someone this forward regarding their place within a pop culture universe. LCD Soundsystem has a dedicated, passionate fanbase more than most other bands. What’s interesting to me is Murphy’s transparency regarding the decision. He not only saw through that people might not be happy, but could sympathize. For better or for worse, you don’t see Taylor Swift as self-aware about her career. This entire letter, and the foresight within it, further serves the belief that LCD Soundsystem is one of the more fascinating bands alive.
So where does that leave things? There’s going to be a new album and a tour-that-isn’t-a-tour in 2016. That all combined with LCD Soundsystem being back in general. Like Murphy, I can understand if you’re not all in on this, but I for one am excited about 2016 since we get these guys back.