LCD Soundsystem Barrowland, Glasgow

THIS show could be described, using monumental understatement, as rather better than James Murphy’s last Scottish date.

Then he played to a small crowd at T in The Park. This, however, was a euphoric joyride of a gig, one of noise, movement, and lyrical contemplation, and one of the finest shows I have seen at the Barrowland.

Having a new record, American Dream, meant the band were here as a relevant, modern act rather than a nostalgia package, even if only a handful of newbies were played over two hours. The rest was a trip through music history, gloriously cherry-picking the best bits and playing with them.

Murphy’s adoration for this part of the world seems genuine, including dedicating a sensational Losing My Edge to Optimo. The rest of the set, powerfully delivered by a cracking band, soared to equal heights, whether the swaggering Yr City’s A Sucker, a feral Movement with feedback aplenty or the messianic hands in the air joy of Home.

There is, of course a sadness too, at the heart of the swaying New York I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down or the ear-wrecking, show-closing All My Friends. Yet ironically tunes like that, rich with life, make the passing of time seem irrelevant. The crowd of all ages that remained on the dancefloor after the band departed, grooving to All Night Long blasting out over the PA, would surely agree, a vision of giddy happiness the lot of them.