LCD Soundsystem played their final show to a sold-out audience at Madison Square Garden on April 2nd, 2011. The decision to end the band was made by LCD frontman James Murphy. He explained that he wanted time to live his life rather than spend his days touring on the road. LCD Soundsystem were always an interesting “band” because they began as a solo project for Murphy (who was best known as a DJ in New York who had a very eclectic record collection). Their first big “hit” was “Losing My Edge” which was basically an airing of grievances for an aging hipster upset that the younger kids claimed they knew more obscure bands than Murphy did. Next came the brilliant “Daft Punk Is Playing At My House” about a house party in which those lovable Gallic robots show up to jam. It’s wasn’t until later that Murphy was forced to hire musicians to learn and play his album live. So basically, everyone knew LCD Soundsystem had a short lifespan. After the release of This Is Happening (their third and final album) the band decided to call it quits and stop before they became enemies or burnt out, as most bands end up becoming. The document of their final show is the brilliant documentary, Shut Up and Play the Hits.

The documentary is receiving many comparisons to The Band’s Last Waltz and for very good reason. LCD’s final show is littered with DFA Records regulars (the New York label Murphy started with Tim Goldsworthy), Arcade Fire singing back-up and a who’s-who of Brooklynites jamming onstage with the band. The entire show feels more like a giant party rather than a concert.

While I will admit that I’m a bit biased when it comes to reviewing this doc since LCD Soundsystem are one of my favorite bands, I found it very bittersweet and exciting. The concert footage is interspersed with the morning after the final gig and the week prior. Scenes of Murphy taking his dog for a walk around Williamsburg (aka The Hipster Capital of the World) juxtapose the excitement and anticipation of the band’s final show. Chuck Klosterman (the brilliant essayist and music critic) interviewed Murphy about his final performance and the conversation between the two provides a welcome break from concert footage.

A few days after their final show, the crew packed up all the equipment and left it in a large warehouse before it’s auctioned off. When Murphy visits the equipment, he breaks down and sobs. I couldn’t help but be bummed too since I will never be able to see LCD Soundsystem play live. But watching this documentary is the next best thing. I rate it a 15/17.

Just for fun, here is my Top 5 LCD Soundsystem Songs:
1. Someone Great
2. Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
3. Tribulations
4. Dance Yrself Clean
5. Never As Tired As When I’m Waking Up