James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem returns strong with “Tonite,” the third single from their highly-anticipated comeback album, ‘American Dream.’ 

One and Not Done.  That was the 30 for 30 film done about Coach John Calipari, the controversial coach of the team I ‘fanboy’ hard on, the Kentucky Wildcats.  What does that have to do with LCD Soundsystem? Not much, except for the fact that the band indeed is not done after disbandment.  James Murphy and company returns with its highly-anticipated, fifth album, comeback effort, American Dream (September 1).  As of press time, three singles were issued in advance of American Dream: “Tonite,” “Call the Police,” and “American Dream.”

From the jump, the groove is irresistible on “Tonite.” In your face, there’s no possible way a foot doesn’t tap or a head doesn’t nod.  The movement is inevitable.  The production is expected to be a selling point on a LCD Soundsystem joint.  Indeed, it is, given the array of synths, the beat, and even the vocal production.  Sometimes, there’s inequality between production work and songwriting, particularly on a “producer’s” album.  While “Tonite” may not be the year’s poetic tour de force, the songwriting is captivating, in addition to the bomb production work.  Throw in expressive vocals by James Murphy and “Tonite” feels nocturnally good.  Get it?

Moving on, the biggest rub of “Tonite” is its length.  Keeping it real, it’s difficult to remain excited when a song exceeds the four-minute mark.  “Tonite” runs past the five-minute mark, approaching six minutes.  Most of that duration is exciting, and the groove always helps. Still, at six-minutes, you lose a bit of the enthusiasm from a listener’s perspective.  Also, playing devil’s advocate, forcing the same repetitive, minimalist groove on listeners for six-minutes? Geez Louise! Come on James – get it together!

Final Thoughts

Yeah, forget most the snarky remarks of the aforementioned paragraph.  LCD Soundsystem deliver an enjoyable, fun, and worthwhile listen on “Tonite.” Yeah, it’s nearly six-minutes, but it engages you right at the top of the song.  Sure, Arcade Fire have danced for two albums, but we know the dance-thing is better suited to LCD Soundsystem.

LCD Soundsystem • American Dream • Columbia • Release: 9.1.17

Photo Credit: Columbia