Review: Shut Up and Play the Hits

Sundance’s director of programming, Trevor Groth, called it “by far the coolest film we’ve ever shown at Sundance.” And it’s true; Shut Up and Play the Hits, a documentary about the last days of LCD Soundsystem is far more than a concert registration of one of the greatest bands that was. It is a feast of music, visuals and the human side of fame.

A year ago thousands of fans came to Madison Square Gardens for LCD Soundsystem’s farewell performance. All the while the cameras were rolling, resulting in ‘Shut Up And Play the Hits’, a documentary that follows lead singer James Murphy and the band in the days leading up to, during and after the extremely exciting and tumultuous four-hour farewell.

We hear the hits and at the same time see the fun, sadness and doubts that hit the band when they had to say goodbye. This fly on the wall documentary offers a clear picture of the work and effort that goes on behind the scenes but at the same time is genuinely entertaining (ever for non-fans) with the simplicity and human fragility of Murphy leading the narrative.

The film, directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace, made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival this year in both the US as well as in the UK, at its sister festival Sundance London. It will be screened in cinemas nationwide early September.

For more information about the film check out the film’s website, follow it via Twitter, and watch the trailer below – enjoy!