The London Sessions
by LCD Soundsystem
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Jan 24, 2011
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. AllMusic
    Feb 17, 2011
    80
    His hopped-up hipster everyman with a bruised heart style is perfect for the band's small-club intensity, and the album leaps out of the speakers with an intense power that makes it more than just a commemoration of their 2010 tour; it's a vital addition to their already near-perfect catalog.
  2. The A.V. Club
    Feb 17, 2011
    83
    On the one hand, there are no screaming yahoos baying requests; on the other, there's none of the give-and-take energy so crucial to live performance. So why bother? Mostly, it's the little things.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 17, 2011
    80
    With his finest tracks lasso'd together, you can notice the immaculate progression of James Murphy.
  5. Pitchfork
    Feb 17, 2011
    82
    The number of actually transcendent live records--whether recorded at a radio station or in an arena--is almost laughably small considering how many exist. This one's a gift, the second LCD's given us this year.
  6. Beats Per Minute
    Feb 17, 2011
    84
    Where there was honesty in the lyricism of "Losing My Edge" in 2002, there is now sonic honesty in the vivacious rock and roll that is the London Sessions.
  7. NOW Magazine
    Feb 17, 2011
    80
    While these new recordings aren't that different from the original versions, their stripped-down arrangements highlight the strong songwriting, not to mention the musicianship of everyone involved.
  8. Consequence
    Feb 17, 2011
    70
    LCD Soundsystem fans will eat this up no matter what, as the group's infectious dance-punk pulls at your most primordial instincts to get drunk and move and shake like no other group can. If you're like me, though, this live studio album will be enough to make you re-think the live concept revolving solely around Mr. Diamond. And that's something worth dancing to.
  9. PopMatters
    Feb 17, 2011
    80
    [There] are minor complaints over what is otherwise a magnificent swan song for one of the premiere acts-both in and outside of the studio-of the past ten years.
  10. Prefix Magazine
    Feb 17, 2011
    70
    Like every live album ever, this is pretty much for fans only. A newcomer isn't going to learn much from coming in this late, and casual observers won't find anything here they can't get on LCD Soundsystem's studio albums. But as Murphy seems content to head into retirement after this touring cycle, he's entitled to a victory or lap or two.
  11. Q Magazine
    Mar 1, 2011
    80
    London Sessions is a solid memento of the group at their peak, albeit closer to a Peel session than a live album. [Feb 2011, p.120]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. SilverMan
    Jun 12, 2012
    8
    I may be one of the biggest fans of LCD Soundsystem (particularly, of James Murphy), but this album doesn't add anything new for the band andI may be one of the biggest fans of LCD Soundsystem (particularly, of James Murphy), but this album doesn't add anything new for the band and its sound. Songs like "Get Innocuous", "Daft Punk Is..." and "Pow Pow" have just a little change in the lyrics, new instrument line or a new rhythm. But in my opinion, is a f@#$ing awesome album!!!! But I have to be rigid...… Full Review »
  2. j30
    Feb 1, 2012
    10
    A perfect good-bye present, especially for anyone who hasn't seen LCD Soundsystem.
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