Friday, October 07, 2005

Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better

It doesn't seem all that long since I first discovered the delights of the Ferdinand, which is probably due to the fact that it isn't all that long since their debut album was released and thrilled so many people.

The good news for the record company accountants is that Franz have stuck to that old adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." From the minute you first put this cd into your player (or download it onto your MP3 Player if you're being all technological about it) you know exactly what it is. Which is no bad thing if you ask me, when 'what it is' is so good.

Lead single "Do You Want To" is little more than an updated "Take Me Out" but that doesn't change the fact that it is bloody fantastic. And there are many more delights to enjoy on the collection. "The Fallen" is a wonderful opener (who indeed gives a damn about the profits of Tesco?) and "Evil And A Heathen" would already fit nicely on to a "Best of Franz" compilation.

But it is tracks such as "Walk Away" and "Eleanor Put Your Boots On" that really strike out, being as those are the "least-Franz" compositions on the album and bode very well for a successful and rewarding future listening experience with the band. Although even these songs retain their Franz-charm (Walk Away references Hitler and Mao-Tse Tung) and overall there can be no doubt. Their debut album wasn't a fluke, and on this showing the best could even yet be to come!

Icon's view 4 1/2 out of 5.

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