01. LCD Soundsystem – All My Friends
1 Jan
Artwork by Adam Sarpalius
As 2009, and the decade come to a close, PMA will be looking back at our favorite songs of the last ten years. We will update a list with 75 empty slots until we reach that song that changed everything. You can keep track of this list by keeping an eye on this page. We make these lists in hopes that you guys will chime in the comments and share your favorite musical moments of the noughties.
Naming a song the best of the decade is a bold statement, in spite of any credentials you may have. Before I even started this list, I knew that LCD Soundsystem’s “All My Friends” was my favorite song of the last ten years; and sitting here, trying to figure out how to tell you why it deserves such praise is proving to be far more difficult than I ever anticipated. It’s not a conversation I’ve ever had aloud with someone — shocking, yes, but true. However, it is one that I have had in a brief email exchange with a reader Seth Fowler. In his email, Seth asked me what my personal theme song was. Which song, through its beat, melody, or lyrics, bests represented me.
I was taken back by this question. It was so blunt and innocent and curious. I never did answer his question. I couldn’t come to terms that a single song can properly represent a whole person, especially me. I did, however, share with him, the song I felt best illustrated where I’ve been, where I am, and where I want to be. The seven minute and thirty-nine second miniature opus found in LCD Soundsystem’s Sound of Silver, “All My Friends”.
It opens with a galloping piano loop that will accompany us throughout the entire ride. Almost a minute of solid bare keys, strumming along and setting the mood. Seconds after the smooth, slippery bass-line pops its head out, James Murphy immediately snaps you out of the trance-like state you’re in with the devastating and humbling first line, “That’s how it starts”. These four words are ones that speak volumes. And what follows is deeply nostalgic. It was then, that you knew that beyond “All My Friends”‘ anthemic qualities — the pianos, the bass-lines, the drum line percusion — the song was a long sigh, an old man’s lament. “That’s how it starts”.
“All My Friends” is poetic in a way LCD Soundsystem hadn’t prepared you for. It’s brilliance is found in its honesty; its genius embedded in its insight. By this account, James Murphy is a man who can hold a mirror to his face and come up with one simple but stomach turning question: “where are your friends tonight?”
We’ve finally gone through Pretty Much Amazing’s 75 Best Songs of the Decade. Expect a podcast with our Top 25 by Monday, 1/4. Till then, have a Happy New Years Weekend!
- 02. Radiohead – Idioteque
- 03. Outkast – B.O.B.
- 04. Britney Spears – Toxic
- 05. Animal Collective – My Girls
- 06. Arcade Fire – Wake Up
- 07. TV on the Radio – Wolf Like Me
- 08. Outkast – Hey Ya!
- 09. Gnarls Barkley – Crazy
- 10. M.I.A. – Paper Planes
- 11. Daft Punk – One More Time
- 12. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Maps
- 13. Spoon – The Way We Get By
- 14. The Killers – All These Things That I’ve Done
- 15. Panda Bear – Comfy In Nautica
- 16. Arctic Monkeys – Leave Before The Light Comes On
- 17. Kanye West – Jesus Walks
- 18. Beyonce – Crazy In Love
- 19. LCD Soundsystem – Losing My Edge
- 20. Radiohead – Jigsaw Falling Into Place
- 21. The Strokes – The Modern Age
- 22. Jay-Z & The Beatles – 99 Problems (Danger Mouse)
- 23. Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal
- 24. The Knife – Heartbeats
- 25. Lil Wayne – A Milli
- 26-75: Various
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hey are you going to do 215 (or something) best songs of 2009? with categories like last year? or it’s gonna be only 75 songs in order?
My favorite line from that song is, “It’s the memory of our betters
that are keeping us on our feet”. I also love the bit about being in the middle of France.
SPOT. ON.
i agree wholeheartedly with every word of your reasoning. this song means more than anything to me
YES! This is without doubt my favourite song of all time. We had LCD at the top of our Albums of the Decade list.
This song has all these magical sections to it. It’s hypnotic, enveloping and I find myself holding my breath.
It’s also original, more cool than anything else in the last decade, it’s insightful and beautifully poetic.
Lastly, it’s challenging, reflective, moody, hopeless and hopeful, dramatic and intelligent.
It’s truly special. It’s the song to soundtrack those private moments when you stare at yourself in the bathroom mirror, for longer than usual, wondering what’s happened.
If you get this song, then you are truly facing the music.
Thank you so much for picking it…
Mike
TheRecommender.net
Someone great is my favourite LCD Soundsystem song
Wow. I completely agree. My favorite song by far.
very nice list all the way through.. i can see why you would choose that lcd soundsystem song as your personal #1.. u run an amazing site.. good luck in 2010..
I can still remember only hearing of LCD until a girl in my freshman year of college and I swapped iTunes Libraries. I listened to “Losing My Edge” and never looked back.
I immediately pre-ordered Sound of Silver as soon as it’s upcoming release was announced. “All My Friends” was the reward. So rewarding.
Good job!
I think this song sounds more epic than it actually is. But that’s just how I usually feel about LCD Soundsystem.
hands down the best song of the decade. good job PMA
I WOULN’T TRADE ONE STUPID DECISION FOR ANOTHER 5 YEARS OF LIFE!!!
I’m sure All My Friends/Someone Great/New York I Love You saved my life in 2007.
This song isn’t covered nearly enough to be the best song of the decade.
So by that logic the best songs of the decade are “Toxic” and “Crazy”, right? Both of them are in PMA’s top 10.
This is a fantastic song. I might have gone with something from Animal Collective or Radiohead as the best of the decade, but I have absolutely no problem with some LCD Soundsystem topping the chart. I love this song and will always find myself enjoying it. Great selection.