On the sophomore album from LCD Soundsystem [ tickets ], New York Producer James Murphy shows us that it's OK to grow up in the dance-punk world--and that growing up doesn't mean embracing contemporary-dance slickness or buying into indie's stagnant mythology.

Instead, Murphy accentuates his signature sound--complex, percussion patterns often featuring loads of cowbell--in memorable, frequently witty tunes. "Sound of Silver" ranges from stripped-bare rock to galactic electronica. The rockin' single "North American Scum" notes, correctly, that mimes are more plentiful abroad as it tackles the subject of touring overseas.

Murphy still draws on disco and punk, revising the early '80s New York scene. But he also pushes himself to new heights, singing on the krautrock-inspired "All My Friends" with a nod to classic New Order. Often, Murphy's genius is in his use of familiar sounds in fresh new ways. "Friends" is a driving, engaging tune that maintains its tension with a hammering piano riff.

Way outside his comfort zone--and teasing ours--Murphy ends the record with "New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down," which has a bit of Broadway musical in it, even a bring-the-house-down final chorus and coda. Throughout the record, Murphy's drawing out sensational, quirky elements from his songs, boiling down his obscure influences. He's got a sense of humor, for sure, but LCD is worth it because he's just a damn good craftsman.