Release Date: 2007
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes

Impressions: Only really got into these guys (this guy?) recently. Techno ’80s in a blender with a great collection of vinyl and sneaky good songcraft. Droning building opener lays out the whole aesthetic immediately. They sound like a scary version of Erasure, harder edged, more cynical. In general, James Murphy seems like he’s full of shit lyrically, but that adds tension to the music. Like is this whole album a big put on or not? Listen to him alternate between Prince-like wails and Cake-esque monotone in “Time To Get Away.” I don’t know whether I love this band or I want to never bother with them again, which makes it kinda cool. Sonically, Murphy goes with real clean drum sounds mixed with Casio keyboard beats. The whole album has a surface dance vibe but organic production mixed with digital ’80s makes it all somehow, become very tasteful. “All My Friends” sounds like New Order plus a crazy piano line. Murphy isn’t much for choruses, or bridges. He likes to drone or groove the point home over many minutes, but, man, some of cuts completely groove. Every song sounds just different enough from each other but the album still remains very singleminded and never lacks confidence. Ironic lyrics abound throughout Sound of Silver but the album closes with the slightly more sincere with “New York I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down” Completely enjoyable.

Starred Songs: “New York I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down,” “Someone Great”
Sneaky Track: “All My Friends”
Should this album be on the list? Yes.

Will you listen to this again? I could see that.
Verdict: Shiny, eighties sounds mixed with contemporary dance music all served with a heavy dose of irony.

Rating:  ★★★★