The Upstate Life

Monday, May 14, 2007

TUL's Take: LCD Soundsystem @ 9:30 Club

Who was able to drive from Philly in order to attend their cousin's college graduation and still make it back in time for the LCD show? Oh, you know it. Only problem was that we were still able to catch some of YACHT's opening set which was rather unfortunate. Dude just wasn't that good. I mean I applaud him for trying to get the audience into his act by jumping into crowd, etc, but he didn't really connect with those in the room that much. On the other hand, we were able to secure ourselves a nice spot on the floor a few rows back from the stage.

James Murphy and company introduced themselves to the sold-out audience at around 10:15 and started the evening off with "Us vs. Them" from Sound of Silver. From the start, the band sounded a lot more polished compared to their first show at the club back in '05, especially in regards to their new material. "Get Innocuous" and "Time to Get Away" sounded downright fantastic. Midway through the set, James claimed that he had blown out his voice but despite his vocal limitations, the group still put on one hell of a set and ended in climatic fashion with the best version of "Yeah" I've ever heard live. Granted that was only the second time I've heard that particular song live in concert, but still, it will be a hard one to top next time I see them. Speaking of which, some of my friends passed on this show because of the group's upcoming appearance at Virgin Fest and would just see them there instead, but I digress. The 9:30 Club and its intimate (and air conditioned) atmosphere suits this band a lot better than standing out in the middle of a fucking racetrack infield in the infamous humidity of August.

After being treated to such a thrilling set, LCD Soundsystem returned to the clamors of the enthusiastic crowd to only perform just one more song, "New York I Love You". It was understandable considering James' condition, but did they have to play the slowest, least danceable track from their entire catalogue? I mean don't get me wrong, it still sounded great, but I wish "Someone Great" somehow stumbled onto the setlist. Oh well, despite that one minor letdown, they got the majority of the club to get down and dance so that's what counts. I certainly got my $15 worth for this one.