Song Stories: LCD Soundsystem: All My Friends

It’s been a while. 

I wanted to wait for the right song to write another one of these posts. After watching some footage of Glastonbury this week. This song stuck out. 

The Glastonbury performance symbolised everything that makes this song great. Performed as the sun was going down in front of an adoring crowd of fans. 

‘All My Friends’ was written by James Murphy and Pat Mahoney. Released as the second single, for their second album. ‘Sound of Silver’ in 2007. 

The song sees the band tackle friendship, youthful excess, life experiences and coming to terms with the fact that things don’t last forever. 

It’s a song that’s well known for its intro. Two pianos playing two notes on repeat. So fast that it feels like it’s just one piano. Before the rest of the band come in. A brilliant piece of LCD magic, incorporating elements from electronic music and traditional forms of rock music effortlessly. 

The song is one of the best of the 00s, referring to the nature of life. Each reference, fits perfectly. Pop culture references, references to substances, the idea of having a face like your dad. 

A real ear worm, due to the nature of the instrumentation. Yet with some beautiful and impactful lyrics. 

LCD Soundsystem are super popular amongst other musicians, and it’s easy to see why. At the Glastonbury performances that influenced me to write this post, Noel Gallagher and Dave Grohl were stood at the side of the stage watching. 

Matty Healy has been vocal in his praise for the band. Stealing the piano riff for the latest version of ‘The 1975’ and the opening line of ‘All My Friends’ in ‘Sex.’ 

Healy hailed the James Murphy-penned track as “the most reflective, celebratory, present, nostalgic” track and “the best song ever”.“It is,” he continued. “Especially for guys exactly our age. It’s our song. It’s the cool guys’ ‘Mr Brightside’.”

Even David Bowie was a fan helping the band reform just before his death. 

This song is the bands defining moment, a euphoric, beautiful tale of life and the joys and sadness it brings. Don’t take my word for it though watch the Glastonbury performance. Watch as the audience becomes captivated. I certainly was. 

Thanks for reading x