Slowly but solidly, LCD Soundsystem have garnered critical acclaim for Murphy's brilliant production, his sarcastic and deadpan lyrics and his ear for a great hook. Over three albums, LCD have consistently demonstrated this productivity in various guises but my personal highlight is Sound of Silver album closer New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down.
Murphy's piano led ballad is carried by his open letter to New York and connects with any feelings that start to creep in after living in a big city for an extended period of time. Though New York is arguably the most glamorous city in the world in which to reside, it tends to alienate it's inhabitants whilst striving for that New York Spirit (see Gil Scott-Heron - New York Is Killing Me).
Murphy's targets for his attack on New York range from an egotistical mayor, to deaths in the hall emphasising that he "means all disrespect".
Murphy's scathing lyrics are built on an ever evolving city, one which is losing it's character to tourism and capitalism by trying so hard to exploit that individuality that New York so easily holds. This hollowness and glitzy facade is demonstrated in the lyrics
"There's a ton of the twist
But we're fresh out of shout"
leading the listener to realise that so much of the glamour is put on to draw in the tourist dollers.
Though Murphy's feelings are clear there is inevitably love for his city, describing New York as "still the one pool where I'd happily drown".
Such an honest song about such an emotionally charged city is hard to achieve without coming across bitterly and narrow minded but Murphy's sardonic lyrics tap into a genuine feeling about one of the great cities and the song is executed with such perfection, it's hard to argue.
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