SHUT UP AND PLAY THE HITS is special, detailing the eventual build-up and great release of musician James Murphy's final show with his renowned band LCD Soundsystem, standing nothing short of touching.
Don't you want me to wake up?...
The first response from those whom have not heard of the film's subject matter is likely a groan and presumable skip. That would be a mistake. A big one, as even if you are not a fan of LCD Soundsystem, unlike myself, there's plenty to be found here. This spectacularly loud and up-beat event all on the record - and at the center of it, a surprisingly down-to-earth and easily likeable front man, attempting to cope with easing back into a normal lifestyle and waving one last goodbye to a project that's been with him for a decade.
The interspersed narrative that starts at the end and goes back to explain itself is a touch of genius, creating that level of accessibility that allows new listeners to the band jump in and with the click of their fingers know what's going on. It's what allows the doc's often brisk pace to take shape and work fluently.
That's only part of the beauty however, it is gorgeously shot, with some slow-motion shots thrown in there to accentuate the concert. When Dance Yrself Clean kicks in and you see Murphy sauntering on stage, you know you're in good hands. It makes it a great pleasure to look at and is worth watching alone to see some of the wonderful camera work on offer here, a trait of the documentarians behind Shut Up And Play The Hits, who have had prior experience in this sector before - and it shows.
This serves as a fine introduction to the quirky dance-punk band that is LCD Soundsystem, hooking you on a band that no longer exists whilst simultaneously kicking yourself for not being able to witness their final hoorah at Madison Square Garden for your own eyes, as I did, similarly applying to those who were already fans, of which the effect is only heightened.
If the music struggles to please your ears, do not fret: the aforementioned focus of this doc is a brief glimpse into the end of an era for a musician, a vertical slice of what it is to get out while the goings good and perhaps regret it immediately, or maybe not. The confused and low-key nature of James Murphy's attitude is honestly charming, leading me to ask as to who could possibly hate this guy?
The end of the concert, which is coincidentally where the doc draws to a close is a tearjerker, pulling on your heart strings in every conceivable way as Murphy utters his last interminable pause as he loves New York whilst it also is bringing him down. Horrific and questionable puns aside, Shut Up And Play The Hits is a remarkable and superbly crafted doc that I would have no trouble in recommend to most, or at least those who are looking to shut up, sit down, and watch the hits.
You're still the one pool where I'd happily drown...
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