LCD soundsystem at Coachella: Dancing Through disquiet in a Troubled america
LCD Soundsystem‘s Saturday night performance at Coachella wasn’t just a concert; it was a complex emotional experience.The set, featuring a rare rendition of “North American Scum,” resonated deeply with the anxieties and contradictions of the current moment. It highlighted the band’s unique ability too blend intellectual depth with pure dancefloor energy.
A Rare Treat: “North American Scum” Returns
“North American Scum,” a standout track from 2007’s Sound of Silver, is notoriously infrequent in LCD Soundsystem setlists.Actually,the band didn’t play it live between 2011 and 2024,coinciding with their hiatus. Its reappearance felt notably poignant, with lyrics like “We’re North Americans/But make the same mistakes all over again” landing with a heavy weight.
The song felt like a direct commentary on the unsettling state of affairs in the U.S. – a sentiment many in the crowd likely shared. it sparked reflection amidst the festival’s celebratory atmosphere.
The Privilege and Paradox of Joy
Attending a music festival is, undeniably, a privilege. Yet, it’s hard to fully escape the weight of current events. As attendees danced, many were likely grappling with headlines about ICE activity, environmental collapse, mass shootings, and eroding civil liberties.
This creates a paradox: how do you reconcile joy and escapism with the despair happening outside the festival gates? The recent temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel from his show, and the subsequent cancellation of streaming subscriptions, likely weighed on many minds. It’s a question of navigating privilege while acknowledging the struggles of others.
More Than Just a Dance Party: Intellect and Emotion
What sets LCD Soundsystem apart isn’t just their ability to get a crowd moving. It’s the intelligence and emotional resonance woven into their music. You can loose yourself in the beat, and find yourself contemplating life’s big questions.
This was evident throughout the set, as they moved through classics like “Home,” “Dance Yrself Clean,” and the heartbreakingly relatable “Someone Great.” The latter, an anthem about love, loss, and acceptance, drew tears and cheers in equal measure.
A Moment of Remembrance: Honoring Keith McIver
The set also included a touching tribute to Keith McIver, one half of the influential Scottish DJ duo Optimo (Espacio), who passed away from brain cancer earlier that day. James Murphy acknowledged the loss, wearing a T-shirt that read “No DFA Without Optimo.”
This gesture underscored the profound impact Optimo had on Murphy’s own legendary DFA label and the broader electronic music landscape. It served as a reminder of the vibrant community that underpins the music we love.
LCD soundsystem’s Coachella performance was a powerful reminder that music can be both an escape and a reflection of our times.It was a space to dance, to mourn, and to connect with others amidst the complexities of being alive in America today.
