ACL Artist Spotlight: LCD Soundsystem

When James Murphy isn't running DFA Records, he's the mastermind behind the undeniably influential outfit known as LCD Soundsystem. At this point, most people have at least heard of Murphy and his dance punk project, but this kind of set is particularly interesting within the context of ACL, a festival that maintains is relevance largely due to its recognition of well-aged acts. It's nothing short of amazing that Murphy & Co. will perform at the same festival as Phish and The Eagles.

Then again, it's par for the course for Murphy, who makes no bones about his upbringing, his age, and his quasi-ignorance about up and coming young artists. He recently confessed to Pitchfork's Joe Colly, "I guess I'm interested but I guess I'm not. I would like to be interested. I have this vague sort of prejudice where I'm like "Ehh". But, you know, I like being proven wrong." He is vocal about his upbringing in the '70s as a rabid Yes fan, a closeted Smiths geek and his reverence for "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by Harry Belafonte. So in many ways, he should be right at home on the Zilker lawn. Likewise, it's entirely likely that his energy-filled, raucous set will inspire some of the old school Austin rockers to let their hair down a bit and cut a rug.

Earlier this year, Murphy released This is Happening to critical praise world-wide. This Is Happening doesn't mess with the nuts and bolts of that approach. Murphy is once again wrestling with the meaning of cool, and using Eno and Byrne as touchstones across the record as evidence of his quarry. He's stepped a bit off the dance floor and has written quite a few tunes that actually seem to be about relationships -- real ones. This is all good news, of course, because the songwriting is still incredible and the pertinent elements are all in place. His show in Austin back in June was a legendary one, and we're expecting the same caliber performance in October. See snapshots from LCD Soundsystem's June show at Stubb's here.

LCD Soundsystem [Official] [MySpace] [Twitter]
Watch the video for "Drunk Girls"