15 - LCD Soundsystem

“North American Scum” – LCD Soundsystem – Sound Of Silver

It sounds like James Murphy had an eye-opening experience being an American on the world stage while touring in support of LCD Soundsystem’s debut album, because there hasn’t been a song with such an insightful perspective on being a band from the US since Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band” (new playlists: Lead-Singing Drummers, and American Pride Rock).

Murphy is torn between being false as an act of diplomacy (“I hate the feeling when you’re looking at me that way/’cause we’re North Americans/but if we act all shy, it’ll make it OK, makes it go away”) and basking openly in the prejudice (see chorus, song title), giving the finger to anyone who would judge him based on his region of origin.

He also gets big bonus points for successful use of the “long verse/surprisingly short verse” trick with the line, “And for those of you who still think we’re from England/we’re not.” A song has to have just the right tone to pull that off.