LCD Soundsystem 45:33
by Daniel Finn
One of the strangest releases in LCD Soundsystem’s catalogue started as a Nike commission.
In 2006, Nike approached James Murphy to create a 45-minute running track for their Nike+ Original Run series. The idea was simple, make a piece of music designed to follow the rhythm of a workout. The funny part is James Murphy is famously not a runner. When asked about the project, the story goes he responded with something along the lines of, “Do I look like I run?” which feels completely on brand for him.
The result was 45:33, a continuous piece that moves through disco, funk, electronic music and long-form experimental composition. It was released digitally in 2006 as a one-track album through Nike’s Original Run series.
What makes it interesting is that this wasn’t just a side project. Parts of 45:33 became the foundation for some of LCD Soundsystem’s most loved music. The instrumental section that became “Someone Great” later appeared on Sound of Silver, one of the band’s defining albums.
Other sections evolved into tracks like “You Can’t Hide / Shame on You,” with Reggie Watts appearing on the vocal version. It’s a perfect example of how James Murphy takes a strange idea, pulls it apart, and turns it into something much bigger than the original concept.
For me, this is one of those releases where the story behind the music is almost as interesting as the music itself. A Nike running soundtrack accidentally became the blueprint for one of LCD Soundsystem’s best albums.