Franz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand

December 17, 2004

# 3

Franz Ferdinand is unquestionably the “it” band of 2004. Their shows sell out in America and around the world, their tunes Take Me Out and This Fire are all over the radio, and snippets of Jacqueline haunted me during seemingly every video segment during the 2004 Major League Baseball playoffs. On top of that, a few weeks ago there was even a rumour that the band would be making a cameo appearance in, of all things, the next Harry Potter movie playing a wizard Goth band. What!? At this point, I am starting to wonder, is there anything Franz Ferdinand can’t do?

But enough about the hype. Musically, Franz Ferdinand’s self titled full length debut is dynamite from beginning to end. The songs recall everything from Gang of Four to The Beatles, Oasis to David Bowie. On one hand, it is an eclectic mix of thirty years worth of rock and roll influences. And on the other, it is a straight ahead party album that stays the course, never wavers, and certainly kicks some major indie rock ass. And Oh, the songs…

The hit Take Me Out is as dramatic as a four minute rock and roll song can get, pounding through with abrasive guitar and an overwhelming bass drum stomp. This is a song that has rightfully gained its success across radio America. The swooning Tell Her Tonight makes me think that John Lennon might not be dead after all, and in fact, is just hiding out somewhere in the New York City underground and sending Paul his ideas and vocal parts via courier. This Fire is a rager with a chorus destined to stick in your head for weeks, “this fire is out of control we’re gonna burn this city, burn this city!” The Dark of the Matinee is another stunner that is as brooding as The Cure yet somehow as exuberant as a Diane Lane affair in Unfaithful. And let’s not forget Michael, which recalls the androgyny and uncertain homoeroticism of Placebo at their best, only with a bit more dance swagger. And like any great rock and roll album, it is the guitars and the melodies that will keep you coming back for more.

This whole concoction is a knock out, and it’s no wonder American audiences have taken to these Scottish lads almost as feverishly as their British contemporaries. But if there is one element missing in the Franz Ferdinand equation to greatness, and I think there is, then it must be said that part of their greatness comes from the style over substance massive attack. I’m sure Franz Ferdinand have no intent to change the world through rock and roll (as many a pretentious rock and roll band has tried and/or continues to try <cough> How to Dismantle… <cough>), but that tiny element of deeper meaning in their lyrics is all that’s stopping Franz Ferdinand from reaching the next level. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the great Jacqueline, Franz’s ode to the decadent live by the seat of your pants lifestyle. As true as the saying is, “it’s always better on Holiday”, there was one band that captured that new millennium sentiment even better than Franz Ferdinand (and I’ll get to that with this year’s #1 album). That’s not to take anything away from this marvelous achievement, for this is exceptional music, but it does leave the door open for Franz Ferdinand’s next effort, which I look forward to with great anticipation.