You Could Have It So Much Better
Franz Ferdinand
(Sony)
Oh, Franz Ferdinand, if only all of you could have been my prom date. I spent my senior year prom with a bunch of chicks who, fun as they were, just weren't shaking their asses and talking in adorable Scottish accents. To put it simply, a party isn't a party without some sausage. And on You Could Have It So Much Better, Franz Ferdinand prove one thing: these guys can party.
The much-awaited sophomore record opens with "The Fallen", a hedonistic plea to cut loose, with overtones of champagne and destruction that could easily chronicle any notable rock star's (or young adult who feels obligated to party like a rock star's) Saturday night. In fact, the whole album seems to explore Saturday night in all its aspects, ranging from the manic high of an alcohol-soaked hook up ("Do You Want To") to a snapshot of the solitary couple who spend their evenings at home watching black and white movies ("Fade Together"). But, just like most Saturday nights, a good deal of these songs begin to blend together. Franz Ferdinand seem to have figured out a recipe for dance numbers: add one slower tempo, speed up tempo, mix in one catchy phrase (often double-tracked), plug in guitar, clear throat. The recipe may work, but these songs are the equivalent of musical Twinkies: sure, they taste good, but is there any substance?
Of course, substance is not the point of You Could Have It So Much Better. Franz Ferdinand are just trying to have a good time, and there's no reason to fault them for that. The whole problem lies in the aforementioned "Fade Together," as well as "Eleanor Put Your Boots On," a sweet afternoon love affair where two adults become children. If these two tracks hadn't been included on the album, the listener would never have the sense that there is a greater, more timeless depth to Franz Ferdinand (one which may or may not resemble a much more attractive Paul McCartney). "Fade Together" and "Eleanor" prove that there is a versatility to Franz Ferdinand that could make them just as historically memorable as their namesake if they choose to pursue it...for the time being, however, they just make the rest of the record look very shallow indeed.
Article comments
1 - Thad Anderson
The question is, does it have a mega-riff like the one in "Jacqueline"?? They don't write them like that enough these days.
2 - Yashin
I caught Franz Ferdinand at Princes Street Gardens in August (I was there for Arcade Fire) - their big Scottish gig. It's the second time I've seen them, and once again I have to say I was more impressed with their showmanship than with their tunes.
For me, Franz Ferdinand's first record is is inextricably tied to my summer of 2004 and in particular driving from Boston to Cooperstown with my brother.
Unfortunately their follow-up LP doesn't enjoy this association, and in the cold light of day I'm able to rationalise the appeal of this band.
Put simply, I believe they're the band Talking Heads would have been if they'd chosen not to innovate, not to take risks (Although their suits are still several sizes smaller than that of fellow Scot David Byrne).
Franz Ferdinand do what they do quite well, but they don't seem in a hurry to do anything else.
3 - Matt
This has been syndicated to Advance.net, a place affiliated with about 10 newspapers around the country.
Also please let your contact know, if you had one, that this article, is published at another place.
Thank you.
Matt Freelove
Music Editor
4 - Megan Giddings
Dear Matt,
Thanks for the syndication based encouragement. It's very much appreciated.
Yours,
Megan
5 - sean
Why is it that when a band that comes out with an album of incredilbly catchy and clever songs, every moronic critic instantly declares that it lacks substance. Well folks, when a band has all of its members contributing strong hooks to each song the way that Franz Ferdinand does, and it all comes together to sound amazing, something special has been created. It seems that only when a critic can detect a sound reminiscent of the Beatles can he give a stamp of approval.
It had been several years since my last album purchase when I bought FF's debut album early last year after hearing Take Me Out at a party. I was thrilled after listening to the album and knew that I would get years of enjoyment from it. I was also happy because these guys play with a passion and style not seen since the early 80's by the most critically underrated band of all time, Duran Duran.
Based on the strength of FF's debut album and the promise of something better, I couldn't wait for the release of their 2nd album. I've been through the cd 3 times and Do You Want To, This boy, Evil and a Heathen, and What You Meant really stand out as all around infectious tracks. But the best song on it is definitely I'm Your Villian. The transition that takes place during the last minute is absolutely mind blowing.
What I still find utterly amazing is how far critics will go to undermine the musical credibility of one the greatest bands of all time, Duran Duran. I've searched the internet for articles about FF mentioning DD's influence, and only found a couple among hundreds of articles that even mention it, and usually only when a FF member states the influence. Do You Want To is not the best single on their album, but I'm glad that they released it first. I'll sure get a kick out of reading pages of nonsense from music critics about Gang of Four meets the Turtles influence in FF's music.
6 - Megan
Dear Sean,
Your comments are appreciated, but honestly, if you feel so deeply 1) you should truly read the entire review before blowing up and 2) perhaps you should simply write your own review; isn't that what blogcritics is all about?
I valued your opinions though and I look forward to sometime reading them in a more gentlemanly tone.
Sincerely yours,
Megan Giddings
ps. The name Megan is a girl's name.
7 - Zach
Megan's got it about covered, but let me just add that NOBODY on the MPP staff thinks Franz Ferdinand sounds like Gang of Four. Thank you.
8 - Megan
P.P.S If I had thought this album sounded like Gang of Four, I would've creamed all over myself.
xoxoxoxoxox,
Megan Giddings