LCD Soundsystem have gone out in the best way possible. When we look back on what the band did for music, this show will be our last memory of them. Our final impression. This is a rock solid way to end a career, leaving things off on an incredibly strong note.
Put aside all the ticket scalping, and LCD’s reasoning for retiring so young. That’s in the past now. What we have here is a historic concert that will go down with the best of them. For a band like LCD Soundsystem to say goodbye the way they did tonight, was by all means, the best way possible.
The band’s opening performance of “Dance Yrself Clean” was pure ecstasy. It put the crowd in an absolute frenzy, that lasted throughout the entire duration of the nearly 4 hour long set. The band confidently weaved through some of their best songs, leaving no room for error. Each song had an extra dose of epic, definitely not shying away from the notion that it was the last time they’d be playing it live. One minute you were dancing carelessly to “Drunk Girls”, and the next minute you will spilling your guts out to “I Can Change”. “Get Innocuous!” put the Garden into a near fever pitch. They threw “Daft Punk” right after, just for good measure. Just when I thought the going couldn’t get any better, James and co. bestowed us with the classic known as “All My Friends”. If you saw the webcast, then you should be well aware at just how stunning their performance of it was. I hope it sounded great, because it sounded legendary in the garden. James gave it all he had, and it really showed. It was a mesmerizing performance of what probably is their best song. I still get chills thinking about it.
After a quick intermission, the band dove into their 45:33 album, and it was a great way for us to catch our breath again, because Set 3 was quite the ride. Their performance of “Us V Them” was just the beginning of the ultra dance party that LCD was getting us ready for. Arcade Fire came out to add backing vocals during “North American Scum”, putting the Garden over the edge. It was a perfect moment amongst perfect moments but it didn’t steal the moment from James in anyway. How could it with the dance rock set that followed?
The band came out for a 5th and final set, and it was a sad but exciting time to see what they would play. “All I Want” was unexpected at first, but that guitar line made it the perfect choice. They threw in an epic cover of Harry Nilsson’s “Jump Into The Fire” that got us warmed up for the final goodbye. “New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down” was the last song that LCD Soundsystem ever played live. When the crowd booed upon realization that they only had one more left, Murphy told us not too boo, but to applaud, because this was it, and we had to make the most of the cards we were dealt. The band played it off as cool, but immediately upon striking of the first chord, things got emotional. It wasn’t too teary eyed or sad, but the reality of the situation sunk in. The crowd helped him get through it, and it was as heartfelt of a performance as you could have asked.
Upon completion, the band got emotional hugs from their friends and family standing at the side of the stage. That was all she wrote. It was as proper of a send off as an LCD Soundsystem fan could have asked. They played everything. They played their hits, and rarities that the real die hard fans deserved to hear live. I got to rock out, dance my ass of, and get emotional. Not many shows allow you to share such a wide range of emotions. Then agan, LCD Soundsystem are not just any band.
Don’t be sad that LCD Soundsystem are gone. Their records will continue to guide us through the good times and bad. Just remember that this band left while they were at the highest of highs. Playing an amazing show at Madison Square Garden is the best way to sign off.
So long LCD, thanks for giving it everything that you had. We are all your friends now.
Check out the setlist, after the jump:
Dance Yrself Clean
(with “I’m Not In Love†by 10cc intro)
Drunk Girls
I Can Change
Time To Get Away
Get Innocuous!
Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
Too Much Love
All My Friends
Tired
(with “Heart of the Sunrise†by Yes snippet)
—
Set 2
45:33 Part One
45:33 Part Two (w/ Reggie Watts)
Sound of Silver
45:33 Part Four
45:33 Part Five (w/ Shit Robot)
45:33 Part Six
Freak Out/Starry Eyes
—
Set 3
Us v Them
North American Scum (w/ Arcade Fire)
Bye Bye Bayou (Alan Vega cover)
You Wanted A Hit
Tribulations
Movement
Yeah (Crass Version)
—
Set 4
Someone Great
Losing My Edge (With “Da Funk†by Daft Punk snippet)
Home
—
Set 5
All I Want
Jump Into the Fire (Harry Nilsson Cover)
New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down (with “Twin Peaks Theme†by Angelo Badalamenti intro)
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