Syd
Senior Member
Franz Ferdinand
2004 proved to be one of the best years music has seen for a long time. It had some of the best debut albums, the revival of some bands that had seemed to lose their path and in some cases the last studio albums of bands that really generated a lot of media attention. Long story short, it was a year that defined the rest of decade because it was filled with releases of bands and artists that would dominate the charts and critical acclaim for all that was left of the decade and until this very day.
For example we had the debut albums of Arcade Fire (Funeral), The Killers (Hot Fuss), Keane (Hopes And Fears), Kanye West (The College Dropout). Bands like Green Day (American Idiot) and U2 (How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb) received ovations all across the world for their works and somehow resucitated their careers. What can we say about the long-lost SmiLe by 60's genius Brian Wilson? People had waited decades to see it on stores and it finally was there. Also the final album (so far) by british band The Libertines was received with much enthusiasm.
But between all those bands, albums and great music we enjoyed, there was a small band from Glasgow that made some different music. Songs that reminded us of past decades, songs to which you could dance to and at the same time enjoy alone at home. This band (as you could have guessed from the title) is Franz Ferdinand.
Often overlooked (this forum is not the exception), this band created music that was fresh air to a scene that was still dominated by pop shows. But their weird and catchy songs soon made headlines and people started wondering about this revival of music from past years. Franz Ferdinand was a follow-up for bands like The Libertines and The Strokes, which seemed to take their inspirations from 60-70-80's music and transform it into songs for the new millenium. It's art-rock for the 21st century, the weirdness of Roxy Music blending with todays trends. You can notice from their videos the retro inspiration they had.
1. "Jacqueline"
2. "Tell Her Tonight"
3. "Take Me Out"
4. "The Dark of the Matinée"
5. "Auf Achse"
6. "Cheating on You"
7. "This Fire"
8. "Darts of Pleasure"
9. "Michael"
10. "Come on Home"
11. "40'"
Now most of you must have heard one of their 5 singles from their debut album (Most likely "Take Me Out", "Matinée" or "This Fire"). But that's not all this album has to offer. From the beginning in 'Jaqueline' starting slow and acoustic you wouldn't guess the thrill for which you're in, since the band blends the rythm section so well, you will find yourself tapping your feet at the sound of the beat. It's the strongest of their 3 albums in my opinion, and it's a record that will make you renew your faith on present-day music, for those of you who think Justin Bieber or Jonas Brothers is everything the world has to offer nowadays.
Personal Highlights: Jaqueline, Matinée, This Fire, Darts Of Pleasure.
Personal Rating: 92/100
