Last night LCD Soundsystem gave people all around the country the shared experience of being part of the end of the band. On April 2nd, 2011, the band played their last show at NYC's Madison Square Garden and the documentary Shut Up And Play The Hits is the story of that farewell show. The film is so much more than just this concert though. Set against the backstory of James Murphy experiencing the day after the event and the front story of Murphy doing an intimate interview prior to the concert, the film presents not only the band's music, but also a rare insight into the man responsible for it all. To me, James Murphy is one of the most culturally significant people in the history of indie music. Aware of the role his music plays, aware of his place in the music and aware of the cultural impact of experiencing the band, Murphy transcends being a rock musician to show the intellectual pursuit of creating great music in all its fullness. The movie presents all of this, along with the terrific performance of the band at the concert in fine detail, with great photography, wonderful sound and the best of LCD's songs that one would want to hear. In the end, I was struck by the emotion of this great band being over. Though it has been over a year since the band ended, this is something that had not really hit me prior to the movie. Shut Up And Play The Hits pulled you into the event and made it personal. This is a movie that should be experienced by everyone that is into LCD Soundsystem. It was truly an event...personal, expressive and emotional. Watch the trailer below.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
LCD Soundsystem: Shut Up And Play The Hits Review
Last night LCD Soundsystem gave people all around the country the shared experience of being part of the end of the band. On April 2nd, 2011, the band played their last show at NYC's Madison Square Garden and the documentary Shut Up And Play The Hits is the story of that farewell show. The film is so much more than just this concert though. Set against the backstory of James Murphy experiencing the day after the event and the front story of Murphy doing an intimate interview prior to the concert, the film presents not only the band's music, but also a rare insight into the man responsible for it all. To me, James Murphy is one of the most culturally significant people in the history of indie music. Aware of the role his music plays, aware of his place in the music and aware of the cultural impact of experiencing the band, Murphy transcends being a rock musician to show the intellectual pursuit of creating great music in all its fullness. The movie presents all of this, along with the terrific performance of the band at the concert in fine detail, with great photography, wonderful sound and the best of LCD's songs that one would want to hear. In the end, I was struck by the emotion of this great band being over. Though it has been over a year since the band ended, this is something that had not really hit me prior to the movie. Shut Up And Play The Hits pulled you into the event and made it personal. This is a movie that should be experienced by everyone that is into LCD Soundsystem. It was truly an event...personal, expressive and emotional. Watch the trailer below.