Attack of the Killer Track! is a series that explores tracks from artists from a variety of genres. Some of the tracks were singles, some of them were obscure b-sides or long forgotten album tracks. One thing is certain – all of them are killer tracks.
Grunge wasn’t REALLY born in Seattle, WA now was it? No, no – it has its origins in the grittier city of Tacoma, WA with the garage rock band The Sonics. Punk wasn’t REALLY 1st bandied about by the Sex Pistols now was it? Nope – have you heard of The Modern Lovers (later covered by the Sex Pistols). How about that band that featured Damon Albarn and Liam Gallagher? Sorry – made that part up. “Losing My Edge” by LCD Soundsystem is a song about hipsters, by a hipster, for hipsters, making fun of hipsters. If there is anything you’ve taken away from my writings I’d hope you understand – I’m in both camps constantly. As I’ve gotten older I’ve lost the self-important edge that goes with knowing all the complicated relationships and scenes from music over the years (though the knowledge has stayed in my brain). What does it all matter? Anyone can look up anything on the internet at anytime and be hip to the secrets of the indie elitist. This song features a repetitive and catchy dance beat as James Murphy spouts off about various scenes and bands from the last 50 years. He always comes back to the refrain “I was there – I was there” – which becomes funnier as the song progresses. The song was released as a 12″ single on July 8, 2002 on the DFA Record label (owned by James Murphy). The video features Murphy being slapped repeatedly as he mimes along (in an edited version). My beloved Sonics get a shout out at the end. Key lyrics:
I was there in 1968.
I was there at the first Can show in Cologne.
I’m losing my edge.
I was there in 1974 at the first Suicide practices in a loft in New York City.
I was working on the organ sounds with much patience.
I used to work in the record store.
I had everything before anyone.
I heard you have a compilation of every good song ever done by anybody.
Every great song by the Beach Boys. All the underground hits.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xG4oFny2Pk]
What an amazing group. I was so sad to see it disolve. I was there in 2011. I was there for their last televised performance, on The Colbert Report. 😛 Actually, I watched it from home, but I was “there.” Everything about LCD is completely one-of-a-kind. I never get tired of them, and their music is perfect for everything except sleeping; I suppose you could put “New York, I love you, but you’re bringing me down,” on repeat. Have you seen this video to go along with “Dance Yourself Clean?” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj9Sv1JpmPs
I have to admit I’d never see that video, very cool. I really like everything I’ve heard by LCD….even picked up the band he was in previously…great, great stuff.