Review of Shut Up and Play the Hits (2012) by Kevin C — 18 Sep 2012

What began as a hipster dance-collective ended up being one of the greatest bands to come out of New York City and one of the past decade's most enduring acts (and an absolute favorite of mine). So as heartbroken as many fans (myself included) were about LCD Soundsystem disbanding it still makes sense they would do so at the peak of their powers.

And they chose to do big, with a four hour show at Madison Square Garden in April of last year, and this amazing doc captures the palpable, euphoric intensity of that moment, while also exploring frontman James Murphy's conflicted feelings about calling it quits.

Shut Up and Play The Hits, from co-directors Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern, segues excellently from performances of LCD Soundsystem classic like 'Someone Great' and 'Losing My Edge' to the jarring normality of Murphy's life the morning after, complete with him making coffee and getting emotional at the sight of the now defunct bands touring gear.

The most engaging moments involving Murphy come form his interview with writer Chuck Klosterman, where he opens up in surprising ways. That, paralleled with a truly mesmerizing show, makes for a concert film that is staggeringly powerful.