Review #011 - "Franz Ferdinand" by Franz Ferdinand
Year: 2004
Genre: Indie Rock
Another selection from my brother's CD collection, this time some Indie Rock. I saw "Take Me Out" on the track list and immediately popped it in. That was one of the defining singles of the early '00s for me, so yeah.
1. Jacqueline
Amazingly catchy, high energy song that works really well to open the album
2. Tell Her Tonight
Ooh. Chorus sounds kinda '60s-poppish, but a lot of it seems to be soul and funk inspired, such as that funktastic opening riff. It's cool to see a collision of genres like this.
3. Take Me Out
In my opinion, this is the defining anthem of '00s indie rock. It's the classic, but a lot of people don't realize that it's about the death of Franz Ferdinand, the group's namesake. His death inspired a little kerfluffle called World War I. Still, amazingly catchy song, my personal favorite indie rock song.
4. The Dark of the Matinée
Another tune with a funky intro. This one particularly makes me want to bop my head until we get a calm, cool verse. The calm, cool feeling during the verses is really enjoyable. Once again, catchy tune. Also if you listen closely, the bass groove is pretty cool. Just saying, cuz I noticed it.
5. Auf Achse
Ooh, piano overtones, hello. Trippy intro guitar, good to see you, how have you been? Funky drums to go along with it all, nice to meet you. Upon the second listening, I want to sing along, but I don't entirely know the lyrics. But hey, that's better than usual, a lot of times it takes a couple listens for a song to get lodged in my brain. This one is trying to work it's way in.
6. Cheating On You
The more Punk side of Franz still has funky bass. Not as catchy as some of the other songs on the album, but it's the kind of great, distorted, high-energy song that I'm in to. Really good stuff.
7. This Fire
Another single from the album. It's also really catchy, and pretty awesome. If I were a pyro, I would say it's a great song to light things on fire to.
8. Darts of Pleasure
More funky drums and bass, please come in. Guitars are also pretty heavy as far as Franz Ferdinand goes, which compliments the sound quite nicely. Also, is it just me, or are the vocals more distorted than usual? Also, supah fantastic.
9. Micheal
No, as far as I know, this song isn't about Micheal Jackson. Pretty good though. Drums really kick in this one. Guitars are almost ska-ish. Chorus is a mess in the best possible way (Not an insult). The guitars in the chorus are just WOW. I love it. And the lyrics are kinda gay, which isn't a bad thing ("Don't Stop With Me Now" is awesome, for instance). Great stuff.
10. Come On Home
Dat intro. This one is a solid headbobber at times, and deeply emotional at others. Mainly headbobbin'. Also, I love the synth/keyboard/whatever it is that we get in some places. So, come on hooooooooooooome...
11. 40
Opening guitar is pretty bad ass. Guitar in this one in general is pretty cool. Sounds like the rock equivalent of circus music at times. Lyrics actually seem to be about a tight rope walker. Harmonies at points is a plus for me, I love subtle harmonies. Great closing track. La la la la la la la la la la la laaaaaaaaa. *Scary trippy solo*
Conclusion: Great first album from a great group. While it does get kind of repetitive at times, it's not long enough to truly overstay it's welcome.
Overall score: 87/100 (Glamorous Indie Rock 'N' Roll)