In celebration of the sophomore LCD Soundsystem record, Sound of Silver, which came out this week, here's a list of some of James Murphy's best productions under the DFA moniker. Feel free to argue/add.
10. Nine Inch Nails - 'The Hand that Feeds (DFA Remix)'
Because: It's almost as though you can hear the synths inhale and exhale. Also, do I have a snare drum stuck inside my ear? Deduct a few points for Reznor's typically dry-vocals.
9. Goldfrapp - 'Slide In (DFA Remix)'
Because: Clocking in just a second under 13 minutes, this is one of the DFA's lengthier remixes and it's well worth it. Sounds glide around Allison Goldfrapp's voice in a psychedelic wash that would never be possible on her own records.
8. LCD Soundsystem - 'Never as Tired as When I'm Waking Up'
Because: This is a complete anomaly in both the DFA catalog and the LCD Soundsystem catalog. With its glam rock stylings and thin guitar stabs reminiscent of George Harrison, here Murphy perfects the come-down track. Every time I hear this I secretly hope that the LCD debut is just a preview of the stuff he'll flesh out more properly on upcoming albums. Sound of Silver totally builds on "On Repeat," right?
7. The Juan Maclean - 'By The Time I Get To Venus'
Because: It literally could've come out in 1983 and nobody would know the difference. But that doesn't speak to its retro-ness so much as to its timelessness.
6. Black Leotard Front - 'Casual Friday'
Because: It was obvious that Delia Gonzalez & Gavin Russom had a track like this in them. It's one of the longest works from DFA, clocking in at a quarter of an hour but that's just how long it takes to complete this particular vision. The track comes armed with a wicked array of bizarre vocal snippets, a few samples (is that !!! I hear?) and layers of Gavin Russom-constructed analog beauty.
5. The Juan Maclean - 'Give Me Every Little Thing'
Becase: It has been one of the biggest dance floor tracks of the last three years, receiving continuous play either in its original form or one of the many remixes. It makes sense too because that bass line is almost as irresistible as those layered vocals.
4. LCD Soundsystem - ‘Losing My Edge'
Because: James Murphy namedrops just about every band he's ever referenced with his productions. Don't believe it? Check out the awesome list, which has been graciously upped to wikipedia. Also, Murphy has used this particular beat on a number of other productions, including The Juan Maclean's 'AD 2003' and The Rapture's 'Killing.'
3. Le Tigre - 'Deceptacon (DFA Remix)'
Because: The DFA lost their remix virginity to this track. Plus, it kills. James Murphy and Tim Goldsworthy throw down like the vets they are.
2. (tie) The Rapture - 'out of the races and onto the tracks'
Because: This song is, in some ways, the little brother to ‘House of Jealous Lovers.' James Murphy has said before that if this track hadn't been blocked by some sort of five-year "don't touch"-contract with Sub Pop, it probably would've been re-produced and re-released on DFA before ‘House of Jealous Lovers.' Still, it holds its own as is.
2. (tie) The Rapture - ‘House of Jealous Lovers'
Because: Another defining moment for the DFA, this was the label's first 12" single and a certified club banger. If Daft Punk was a rock band, it would sound a lot like this. p.s. - This track has some very famous fans. In other words, James Murphy's influence reaches the top of the pop charts.
1. LCD Soundsystem - '45:33'
Because: It is absolutely James Murphy's most concise and cohesive statement, although plenty of people would disagree (and probably make excellent arguments). His sound selection is as good as it's ever been and the weirdness is unchartable, due to the space-themed story the lyrics provide. It's a perfectly satisfying slice of space disco worthy of its 45+ minutes. The cherry: Nike paid for it.
Honorable Mention: Black Dice - ‘Cone Toaster'; Tiga - ‘Far From Home (DFA Remix)'; Delia Gonzalez & Gavin Russom - ‘Rise'; LCD Soundsystem - 'Daft Punk Is Playing At My House'
