LCD Soundsystem @ Wellmont Theatre, 9/23

On Thursday night I saw one of the best shows I've seen in a long time - LCD Soundsystem headlining with Sleigh Bells opening. It was one of the highest energy concerts I've been to - Sleigh Bells rocked out as usual, and LCD blew the roof off of the Wellmont Theatre with a spectacular light set-up and phenomenal sound. They kicked off with "Dance Yrself Clean," probably my favorite track from their 2010 album This Is Happening, apparently the first time they had played that song live. Incredible.

I saw LCD Soundsystem at Bonnaroo this year, and I wasn't blown away. Don't get me wrong, they played a great set - it just didn't feel like the band was in their element. Fans were throwing glowsticks at James Murphy, who went from drunk and happy to drunk and annoyed within the span of a few songs. A fan rushed the stage and tried to bite the bassist (true story). They only played for an hour, and didn't play an encore. It left something to be desired.

Everything I could have desired from that show came true on Thursday. They played a full two hours, including a three song encore and the debut of a few songs they hadn't played before. A sped-up version of "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House" absolutely rocked, and "Someone Great" was beautiful. "You Wanted A Hit" was a high energy song when played live, and the band ended with "Home," a fitting conclusion to James Murphy's first show in his native New Jersey. Brilliant.

LCD Soundsystem is a band that took me a long time to get into. I strongly disagreed with those who thought Sound of Silver was the best album of 2007. While I still don't think it was tops of that year, and I dislike the song "North American Scum" with a passion, I have softened my stance. I have been bumping to This Is Happening all year, and have come to truly love LCD Soundsystem. One of the best releases of the year, and definitely toward the top of the concerts I've seen.

LCD Soundsystem - Dance Yrself Clean (YSI) (filesavr)

wait what - Lean Yourself Back (LCD Soundsystem vs. Eminem, Mase & Fat Joe) (YSI) (filesavr)