In an inconspicuous back alley of Sydney’s Darlinghurst over the last week, has lain a gleaming gem of music iconography…

A giant 5ft flickering, DFA lightning bolt beckoned music and design aficionados to the hidden away Tom Dunne Gallery where we proudly held the THAT’S COOL BUT CAN YOU MAKE IT MORE SH*T? exhibition. Three stories were packed out with a full retrospective of “shit aesthetic” DFA and LCD Soundsystem stage props, vinyl sleeves, early polaroids, artwork concepts, underground party invites (imagine seeing LCD for $5!), napkin scrawls, and the nigh illegible (but hilarious) DFA Records extensive mission statement. Michael Vadino (DFA Art Director – responsible for most of the works in the building) flew from NYC to Sydney specifically to help set it up!

It was a true honour to stand before the original Yeah prints and pencilled Sound of Silver logo mockup… without spilling red wine on them.

On July 27, we shut shop early for the exhibition launch. Names on the guestlist included James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem (naturally), Hot Chip, Alison Goldfrapp, Nick Valensi (The Strokes), Yeasayer, Stereogamous, Dappled Cities, Papa vs Pretty… and lots of enthused EMI staff.

Check out our launch night interviews with Michael and James, some footage from the night, and photos below. All shots courtesy of Dan Boud.

More photos at Harpers Bazaar and Pages Digital.

As for take-home memories of the event and tour… we sold uber-limited edition exhibition posters printed with 24 carat gold ink! (Mine is hanging in my living room this minute). And if you weren’t game to brave the merch desk queues at the LCD Soundystem shows or Splendour in the Grass of late, you can still pick up your own official licensed LCD Soundsystem tees on our sister store at http://lcdsoundsystem.securestore.com.au