LCD Soundsystem

At the age of 40, James Murphy has perfected his role as the weary scene veteran, as sick of the nightlife as he is compelled to write songs about it. LCD Soundsystem’s third album, This Is Happening, is rife with smart dance-rock inspired in equal parts by Berlin-era Bowie, Murphy’s own blurry nights, and heavy sighs. And if the lyrics to the first single, “Drunk Girls,” didn’t effectively convey Murphy’s love/hate relationship with the clubs he commands, its video will: He and two of his bandmates are shown being attacked by costumed party animals with spray paint, confetti, and ultimately fists.

Updated 10/11/2010