LCD Soundsystem (Reading & Leeds 2010)
Quintet LCD Soundsystem provided a much appreciated alternative to Friday night Main Stage headliners Guns n' Roses. Not only were LCD punctual unlike a certain Axl Rose, their performance exceeded my already high expectations. A blend of electronic dance and punk, fronted by the camp and energetic James Murphy, the songs of LCD are lengthy and infectious. Each track follows a similar formula, a satisfying beat with a travelling bass line on repeat (the bassist must have been very patient to only play about 4 notes per song), starting soft and progressively leading to a climax of energetic screaming from Murphy backed by explosive instrumentation.
The band opened on 'Us V Them' from the second album 'Sound Of Silver'. It was a great taster of what was ahead, attention grabbing and undeniably LCD. The set highlight was undoubtedly the lyrical 8 minute long favourite 'All My Friends'. Murphy was joined in singing 'Where are you friends tonight?' with a zestful dancing crowd. My only complaint would be that LCD didn't play this song last - it would have been a great finisher and was so good that the following songs didn't have as strong an impact. The band's choice of finisher was an unexpected one, 'Yeah'. However it certainly was a crowd pleaser, you didn't have to be a genius to sing along to the lyrics 'Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah'.
Murphy's exuberance was endless. He minced in a similar fashion to Freddie Mercury, a true showman and total commander of the stage. Album opener on 'Sound Of Silver', 'Get Innocuous' would have been a welcome addition to the set and seemed like the obvious choice for a set opener, but alas it was not to be. Nevertheless, this performance was a favourite of the weekend and a great pleasure to watch.