Reviews (page 9 of 14)
Funky beats easy listening. I don't know what the style of guitar is called; it's feels more iconic than djent I'm surprised it's not part of a broader genre. I was originally going to highlight Take Me Out but I'm not sure why this one rose to the top in terms of popularity, there's a lot of equally good songs with a similar style. I feel like they didn't experiment with their sound much which led to this being quite a so-so album. It's pretty short though so it didn't get too stale low 3
In the mid 2000s there was this glut of ‘landfill’ indie that all sounded like derivatives of one another. I never particularly liked Franz Ferdinand when they came out but they did seem the best of a bad bunch. I can see why ‘take me out’ took off so much as it has one of those riffs that people sing along to, but the rest of the album, while not hugely exciting is reasonable. Slightly more art rock influences on it probably keep it slightly more interesting than its peers, with shades of the velvet underground, magazine, and even Belle and Sebastian coming through for me.
I always go into these albums hoping my favorite track won’t be the legendary hit from the record, but how can it not be “Take Me Out”? Kind of hit-or-miss overall, some good songs though. Best Track: Take Me Out
Liked it, but except for the most listened track nothing stood out specifically
I forgot all about this band! This was good
Decent enough, not Indie Landfill which is always a decent yardstick for anything of this sort from the 00s.
Recognized more of the songs than I thought. Okay one but not a standout
Sound and reminders of the early aughts. Would give 3.5 if I could.
holds up really well, truly embodies the early 2000s punky pop rock stuff
More than a one hit wonder band. I rlly loved ‘Auf Achse’
“Take Me Out” is one of the songs that helped get me into indie rock. I remember being in my first year of college a few years after this came out and all of a sudden learning about a bunch of bands like Frank Ferdinand that I suddenly needed to catch up on. This song in particular was an early favorite. It’s got swagger. Frank Ferdinand definitely project coolness, but now that I’m a little older, their coolness feels a bit practiced. And their sound is right between The Strokes and The Killers without being quite as bold or original as those bands. Still, I like the way they incorporate disco and funk rhythms into their music. It’s angular, angsty dance rock. Overall, this is a solid album with a great energy. “Take Me Out” is the clear standout though and the one track worthy of classic status. 3.5
Rockin and rollin Fave song: Jacqueline - LMAO MOOD also come on home
“Take Me Out” is the monster hit on this one. Everything else is just pretty ok. But, cover to cover, it’s a fun album to listen to.
I will say it's aged a lot better than a lot of early 2000s indie rock. The bad part of its aging is that it doesn't sound overly impactful in any way. It's fun music, but not earth shattering.
Ok. Not my thing tho
Not my fav, just not my style. Only song recognised was ‘take me out’
hatte iwie schlager erwartet lol, aber actually ganz fun so auf 70s rock bisschen I guess ganz fun eig
I didn't finish but didn't know take me out was that song! They were good from what I listened but a little repetitive
A dynamic record from a band that emerged during the early-/mid-2000s garage rock revival with Jet and The Strokes and share a similar sound and aesthetic. Catchy riffs and misleading arrangements such as that on Take Me Out add up to an interesting listen. Tracks often have a disco beat, some have retro echo vocals, mostly it's bouncy, dancey rock guitars and a frantic-sounding jam. They seem to have a fascination with Germany for some reason - Darts of Pleasure feature German-language lyrics and the video for Michael shows people dressed up like the old SNL Sprockets sketches: "und now ve dance!"
1st time to listen to whole album. enjoyed this album very much!
all the songs sound the same 5 stars for take me out, and i like 40'
A few great songs
Fine indie rock. Think it's weaker of the big 2000s indie stuff but not bad.
Take Me Out kind of gets on my nerves but there were definitely three or so songs I chucked into my playlist
take me out is so eletric and cheating on you got a laugh out of me and come on home was another highlight
nice, rap is not my genre... but fineeeeeeee
Impeccable vibe: a nice urban night club feel that distracts you from what trends have just come and gone, differentiates it from the horde of british bands in the 2000s. Little care is given to masking their inspirations, great example of taking a trend and effortlessly rolling with it, all while having a ball. Less of an albums band, listening in an order, all the songs in an album don't add up to much more than another song, but each song on it's own is a three minute punch, dancable, catchy and yet with a satisfying raw edge. Most songs can be listened on repeat. Somewhere between 7 and 8
Not quite selling as a loose outfit given how tight they are, and not quite as more than one review mentions Television - that's who I was thinking of as "tight band" to reference). Fairly middling indie rock that's capable and bouncy but that's about it. Don't think you need to hear this before you die, but it's certainly not bad. Besides knowing the inescapable Take Me Out, I enjoyed the organ and marching, radiohead-ish shades of Come On Home. Otherwise, again, nothing remarkable, but I might return to it if I need something in the background to be mindlessly productive.
I liked how it was energetic in the beginning, then began to 'slow down' towards the end. Not too bad.
From this era, If gives the vibe of the Strokes first album, but not every song is memorable. Fine listen.
Take me out is a great song. After that took a turn for the worse but seems to have more catchy songs on the back half. Good little rock record here.
Hadn't heard this in years and it's still quite good. I didn't go all in on the new indie thing but it's still not a bad listen. Matinee is a great song and take me out is still something you hear often. Right band, right time I reckon.
This album makes a strong first impression. The opening run, especially “Take Me Out,” is undeniably catchy, rhythmically sharp, and full of swagger. The band knows exactly what it wants to be, and for a stretch, it pulls that off effortlessly. As the record goes on, though, the impact levels off. The songs remain solid and well constructed, but few truly stand out beyond the early highlights. The style is consistent to a fault. What initially feels tight and confident gradually starts to feel familiar rather than compelling. This isn’t really my lane musically, but I respect how well it’s executed. It’s above average, clearly successful at what it set out to do, and easy to understand why it connected so strongly at the time. It just doesn’t quite rise to the level of something I’d seek out or revisit often. A high three feels right. Well made, catchy, and competent, but stopping short of greatness.
Meh
Pretty average.
Landfill
Rankings: 1. Take Me Out *** 2. Jacqueline *** 3. Michael *** 4. Darts of Pleasure *** 5. Tell Her Tonight *** 6. Come on Home ** 7. Cheating on You ** 8. 40' ** 9. This Fire ** 10. The Dark of the Matinee ** 11. Auf Achse ** A little stronger as it goes on but once you've heard a track on this album, you've heard them all. Two-and-a-half to three stars. ***** - Best of the Best **** - Very Good *** - Decent ** - Average to Below Average * - Awful % - Straight Garbo
i have heard take me out but never really looked into the album - “the fire” the parts where he’s like oh how i burn for you is super rad lowk giving arctic monkeys rating - 6/10 not really my taste but there were some bangers
a bit underwhelmed tbh! a mediocre album with one or two bangers on it, but i expected more :(
Nice
Would be 3.5 if I could do half stars.
Take me out was very fun, the rest of the album is just a blur to me… like it’s good indie rock but nothing else stood out, wasn’t anything bad tho.
A little too punky for my liking but it has some good tunes and produced their number 1 song. I’d like it to have a little more authenticity but overall, a good album, just not my style
Good
A nice indie pop album with one massive hit on it.
OK, but doesn't age quite as well as some other bands.
Sonically a solid record but it falls prey to most of the songs sounding too much alike. The lead single still has a great hook. Hard to believe this one is 10 years old.
i like 👍
ja leuke muziek! kende ook al 2 nummers. toch zou ik niet snel een nummer hiervan aanklikken , ookal vind ik the dark of the matinee wel t leukste
This album was fine? It had some fun songs, but I think I would die happy without having heard it.
3.5 stars
I quite like this kind of sound at the time - spiky, angular, dance-tinged indie rock. I still like it but it’s not setting my hair on fire. Today this, on a first listen, is a strong 3.
like it but not love
I had to listen to it twice to get most of the songs. Its a good album but not my fave. Lots of that kind of that kinda hetero sadboy whiny songs about "why am i so sad and dark and horny, you girl youre so beautiful lets be rebbels and burn it all down" stuff. But then the song "Michael" comes on and ive never heard sonething so gay from this genre around this era it really took me be suprise XD
It's fun, creative, and obviously made with care. It was a little chaotic and definitely of the times. Not something I would listen to in my free time.
With the exception of the absolute banger, Take Me Out, this album is kinda mid. It’s fine, and the music is certainly not bad. It’s just nothing special. Again though, Take Me Out is undeniable. For that song alone the album can’t get anything less than a 3.
☆☆☆ I liked the album but immediately after I listened to it I couldn't remember a single song
I usually dont reach for music like this but with a changing mind towards the music i listen to now, this album is actually very fun for its kinda 80s rock mood it has. I actually like it alot, the unique poly melodies. I dont have much more to say i like it as a new sound for me.
Catchy
Sounds like twangy guitars and skinny suits. Apart from Take Me Out which brings back great memories of Pilsworth Megabowl the rest is forgettable and not really my vibe. 6 something
Enjoyed
7/10 poppy, rhythmic, and encapsulates the early 2000s garage rock sound
cool
This album was fairly enjoyable. Pretty good from that era.
Take Me Out was on repeat when it debuted. Solid album. 3.5 stars.
Just okay
I like this! A few songs stood out to me: Take Me Out, The Dark of the Matinee, Cheating on You, Darts of Pleasure, and Michael. Is this band ultimately for me? I don’t really think so. But it was a good listen for my drive to work this morning.
New band for me. Liked the vocal. Overall, a good album.
This was a fun nostalgia kick and I've had "The Dark of the Matinee" stuck in my head for a few days now, but that's it.
what a strange little german man. i enjoy his ferdiband.
All of the LiveJournal girlies were very into this album. I always liked the weird papercraft video for "Take Me Out" but I didn't get super into Franz Ferdinand overall because I was busy collecting Spin magazine editions with articles in them about The Killers. "This Fire" was fun to rediscover but overall this still, like, enjoyable music that feels like 2004-2006.
Decent. 3/5
Decent listen.
Quiet liked the vibe of this album, I’d listen to Take me out a million times before listening to any other one of their songs.
Scottish indie rock. Favorite track: Take me out other picks: the dark of the matinee, this fire, michael
It’s fine, but it sucks. I suppose it’s ok. But mainly it sucks. I have no right to judge. I haven’t done much with my life and this sucks, even though at times it’s ok. But mainly it sucks.
Resolutely upbeat, Beirut energy. Take Me Out is an absolute banger.
It's 2004. I'm blasting the more emo / grunge-y music the OC has introduced me to in my 1998 Mitsubishi Montero. Life is good. This album was and is fun. Not something I necessarily need to revisit, but a good time and I'm here for it.
one of those albums where there’s one smash hit and then 10 mediocre tracks treading similar water
My first time listening to Franz Ferdinand. They reminded me of Big Country. I enjoyed it.
Reminds me of Leeds
Pretty good throughout. I only knew "Take Me Out" before. Not tempted to skip but also not a big groove
A bit overrated, but still unique.
Very fun album. The first songs remind me a bit of the soundtrack of some old SSX games. Spotify probably agrees with me because the song that came up after the album was done was Banquet by Bloc Party which is definitely in the SSX On Tour soundtrack. Take Me Out is one of those songs that I wouldn't be able to name but feel like I've heard them before in a Guy Ritchie film or something like it. It's a good song and obvious to hear why it became a classic but I was most surprised by Come On Home. It makes me think of the internet hit Subways Of Your Mind by FEX and that's an awesome track. The other tracks on the album do fail to impress me unfortunately so I won't give it more than 3 stars.
This is a solid album for the era but I would not classify this as an essential album.
Хит. Лучшая песня - Take Me Out.
I liked the instrumentals but none of the melodies caught my attention
Not so interesting
i guess this was innovative and special in 2004 but doesn't feel that way now. fine enough favorite song: Auf Asche
Some solid b sides throughout to complement Take Me Out. Art Punk throughout with some blues mixed in. Standout however here is The Dark of the Matinee which takes the rating for me from a 3 to a 3.5. Good album.
A solid alt rock album. Really straight down the middle for the genre, head bobbing fun. Favorite track was Cheating On You, even if the subject matter is not great
cha me lose
an adequate guitar band
Good dance rock, but not really my thing.
Actually this record is not bad at all. I wasn’t looking forward to it, mostly just cause when this record was released, there were a slew of records released that sounded just like it (the Strokes, the Hives, Jet, etc.). I’ve never been drawn to the dancey low-fi garage band vibe of these bands. I’m still not in love with that whole sound, but I’m finding that I can overlook it a bit on this record. The songs are pretty decent, though honestly, I’m doubtful that I’ll come back and relisten to it a bunch, if ever. Probably one of the better records of the aforementioned bunch, and I’m enjoying it enough for what it is, but I haven’t been turned to a fan or anything. 3.8/5
I liked this when it came out. They used Take Me Out on NHL 2005 which means I’ve heard it way too many times. The vibe was a reinvention of XTC and other new wave bands but ultimately I’d rather listen to them.
havent listened to this one since i was a kid, great fun some super classic tracks but a bit samey
Another classic, no bad songs!
Naja..
Almost a 4 as there are a couple of bangers
It's ok, I guess. The album feels very samey and has a noisy vibe to it. I was so sick of Take Me Out but time and distance have helped.
never heard this album but Take Me Out is a banger so I'm hoping the rest of the record has good things to offer *Jacqueline: the pathways of my mind are built for post-2000 indie rock. it's good soup. Tell Her Tonight: little bit of Modest Mouse, little bit of Crack Cloud. love the manic angular energy in the verses but the chorus is mid. rockstars love to write songs about cheating on their girlfriends *Take Me Out: me when I say don't you know and you say you don't know The Dark of the Matinee: this sounds goofy. also kinda gives me anxiety. it's not quite circus music but I feel like the dude is twirling his moustache while singing it Auf Achse: sounds a bit like Mew if they weren't good. I can't pinpoint why it isn't working but I find it kind of boring Cheating on You: MULTIPLE songs about cheating on your girlfriend on the same album is criminal. "I'm cheating on you, yeah!" (x3) This Fire: again, on paper this song is something I should really like but it's just not hitting. *Darts of Pleasure: groovy, love the guitar riff during the verses. catchy hook too Michael: passable *Come on Home: really like this one, it has a fun sound to it. I'm sure other tracks on here had synths in them but this is the first one where I paid attention to them, they sound like a cheap Halloween costume (complimentary) 40': what the hell this is so dope?? more interesting than half the album combined the middle of this album is a slog but there's a few gems on here that make it worth a spin. I'm biased towards this kind of music so I should honestly like it more than I do, but it's a solid record. __ SCORE: 7/10 ADDED TO PLAYLIST: Jacqueline, Take Me Out, Darts of Pleasure, Come on Home, 40'
Enjoyed the album, a couple of the cuts I even recognized.
I actually had Herbie Hancock and not Franz
A very consistent style. Well delivered
Good energy, really enjoyed the songs at the start of the record. Take Me Out is a great song. The record really starts to feel repetitive after 3-4 tracks. Not bad, but gets old.
Good album, a lot of songs sounded the same
The UKs response to NY’s 2000s Post Garage. Filled with happy dance pop music
I would not go out of my way to listen to this again, but I wouldn’t be mad if someone left it playing when I walked in the room. Another aggressively ok offering.
3.5
Not surprisingly, nothing else on the album approaches the killer track levels of Take Me Out. A few other decent songs on the album but nothing particularly memorable. Some of the songs grew on me after a second listen, but still not sure the album will make it to my permanent rotation even though the genre is right in my wheelhouse. 3.5 stars rounded down
Fun-ish indie album, extra point the singles being bangen
Had heard this before and it's decent, but really Take Me Out is THE JAM here, with most of the rest being...ok.
Fine? Nothing really hits me hard. Take Me Out is solid but most of this is not memorable. High 2 low 3
Bit samey, but good music and iconic single.
These songs made me nervous.
About as original as a stroke but a fun, dancey, punky, wirey album that is almost instantly forgettable as to almost inspire a whole new genre in its stubborn irrelevance.
Ok.
Ambivalent about this. Too heavy on the drums and repetitive for my own personal taste, but the hooks are often undeniable. I love some of the song writing (Michael for example feels fresh and is fun) but it is also often the dumbest (Cheating on you is a crime). It does sound like a lot of different things, nevertheless, it ushered a wave of groups trying to replicate this sound. What I find most interesting is the fact that for a band that does sounds like a rip off of others, they have been ripped off too. Their music while very referential, still sounds sorta fresh 20 years later and that is interesting. That being said, a swing and some hits spells out middle of the road album to me. Nowhere near terrible, nowhere near great, and that is not the reaction I want : I want more.
gostei do começo com jacqueline, take me out me fara dar 5 estrelas e até agora acho que faz sentido ser a mais ouvida. this fire é legal, darts of pleasure também
Solid
One famous guitar lick, but otherwise good music
Nostalgic Take me out was in a game i used to play
I’m giving it a 3 star. But it’s a really good 3 stars. It’s like you’re in college. You’re drunk and go out to the local place for a nice big chicken veggie wrap. It’s pretty good for you, it hits the spot and a few bites are even darn near transcendent. But you finish up and move on. Still, you think about that meal every now and then. If I owned this on CD back in the day I would enjoy it sure, but I could also give it away or sell it without missing it. Take Me Out is a really damn good song these fellows came up with. Among the best of its kind. As I said. Very strong 3 stars.
Pretty good but kind of a one noter
Franz Ferdinand
Definitely early to the indie sound & scene. In terms of defining what indie rock sounds like, I think I prefer this to other early acts. However, after 20 or so years of newer indie, it has lost some charm. Definitely a few bangers though
Alright. A few hits here and there but the others blend into nothing.
There are moments when this album reaches a 5 but the inconsistencies between tracks makes it a 3 for me. "Take me out" is undoubtedly the band's most popular (arguably best) song; apart from Take Me Out, Dark of the Matinee, Michael, and Jacqueline were some standout tracks.
reminded me of the strokes if they weren't greasy
back in the day. already? banger.
i mean... it's alright. Take Me Out is awesome but the rest is just meh
I've always liked this band well enough, but there's a real same-y-ness to the music. Listenable, fun, but nothing special.
Brings me back to the days of Kaiser Chiefs and Razorlight. Franz always felt a level sharper than those chaps, but once Arctic Monkeys landed a couple years later, they stole the whole scene. Franz just missed it for me. Maybe a bit too prancey.
Nice, overall. Indiepop with its own sound.
3.2/saved by the absolute banger that is take me out Would I listen again? No Deserves to be on this list? Yes
buenazo
Just the one. Needs a relisten I think
Indierock med discotrummor. Gillade det när det kom och tycker att det håller okej idag. Inget mästerverk men går att lyssna på.
Actually enjoyed this a fair amount, several recognizable songs for good reason 3.5/5
Pretty decent.
decnet vibe, feels super 2010's
Great mid-2000s pop rock. Hits still hit, takes me back to high school.
It was ok
No songs that clicked
Fun album, but feels a bit samey as it progresses. The singles are good, but most of the rest of the album is aggressively "fine."
eerste drie zijn instant classics.. rest is middelmatige Kinks ( en daar zijn de Kinks beter in)
This is another one which seems like it was big when the book was written but has not stood the test of time. Sure there's some good tracks on here. And it's short and high tempo but it did leave me wondering "I wonder what they're doing now". Apparently they have a new album this year. So that's me wrong!
Te das cuenta que son buenos para su género y pioneros del mismo. Te hacen bailar.
Musically, I like it. Although I have never been a fan of Alex Kapranos' vocals.
Always liked Take Me Out. The album sounded very much like Franz Ferdinand.
Good album that takes me back to a time but don’t think I could call it great
Indie halt… aber endlich mal gehört! Kann man schon mal machen :)
Great surprise. Didn’t know the band but enjoyed this
A fun album with a great vibe 3/5
I dig this album.
It’s funny liking/knowing music through older siblings because growing up, this and Modest Mouse seemed exactly the same to me - which makes sense given where MM was in their career but they are so different…. Not a favorite but a pretty undeniable debut with a high hit rate!
honestly never connected for me but its fun and exciting and i think if i was a millennial this would go so hard
Some interesting musical moments , but overall, this is first and foremost a pop album, so it relies on a driving a hook home, and except one song, they're not driven home. I feel the artist was capable of doing something more interesting had they chosen to. Mixing-wise, vocals are too upfornt and overall the sound is very hyped and tough to listen to for a prolonged period of time. It'a as if they try to make you like the music through sheer repetition and aggressive mixing. I do think they have a lot of talent as musicians, but the feeling to me is that they consciously chose a very commercial path and for me that doesn't make for timeless music.
I mean, it's a decent enough album, but to be on a list of things someone should absolutely listen to? No, I don't hear it - it's just a decent enough album.
CHEL 22
Definitely an album of its time- and hard to separate from the swagger of similar artists (Kaiser Chiefs etc), but there's still something that's a bit playful and endearing about it (perhaps tinted by their Sparks collaboration in my mind.) Lyrically pretty insipid and not particularly inspiring musically, but best of a bad bunch I think. FFS much better. (Would give it 2.5 if I could)
Very much Indie of its era. I actually enjoyed this more than I did at the time, perhaps because I actually gave it a chance (rather than 17 year old me going "nah this is shit".) I mean, I still don't love it, but it's decent enough. A little repetetive, but what album isn't. I think a key decider for me in music seems to be the vocals, and I don't really enjoy the Franz Ferdinand singer most of the time. I guess it's that "indie voice" thing. But I did really enjoy the drumming on this album, and the guitars also do interesting and quirky things. It's not gonna go in the rotation, but it was enjoyable!
I wouldn't really listen to this now, but it was something I loved and was surrounded by 20-odd years ago. It was funny to revisit it. Energetic and throw away and big. Death drives and love-woes under the indie-club lights. It's not for me now, it's for me and my friends in our early 20s. And some music needs to be for odd, jerky, awkward kids. I think it holds up better than a lot of indie from that time, but that's probably not saying much.
Nostalgia! This is pop rock for me and I'll fight you if you say otherwise. It's also a very Killers indie vibe. Honestly, as someone who's not typically a fan of indie pop, this is so well done I could listen again. Big fan of the funky bass lines. 3.3/5
Definitely some pretty good songs on here, Take Me Out is a favourite of mine but there are also some good deep cuts
From an era where genre was a very tribal, parochial thing in the UK. People dressed according to their taste and they went out in different parts of town. Indie, Dance, Pop, Goth were identities and fraternising was rare, probably due to the casual violence that made Saturday night in a town centre so bracing Now, the kids all dress the same, listen to everything and generally glass each other much less. Progress.
Heard it before. I have a soft spot for early 00s indie rock from the UK. Also Michael > Take Me Out 3/5
Album 893 of 1089 Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand (2004) Rating : 3 / 5 It was enjoyable enough, but I didn’t really take much away from it. Several of the tracks had a very similar sound, and the lack of variety kept it from standing out. The musicianship and overall sound were fine, but nothing truly grabbed me or made a lasting impression. Just another “meh” album in this project for me.
Thought that it was a great mix of experimental jazz and mixes of rock and pop. Lots of creativity throughout the album and was engaging with its upbeat songs. Standout for me was Take Me Out which I recognized from somewhere but can’t put my finger on where it’s from
Okay
This is pretty good. Not sure why it started a war. (3.5)
This album is from the time of my second major musical awakening. The first one was Britpop in the mid 90s and the second one was the indie rock boom of the mid 2000s. This album was one of the flagships. I listen to it sooooo many times, and was on board until album #3 (Tonight) abd then stopped. I still like some albums from that era (The first Bloc Party album, the first The Zutons album, the first Maximo Park album, Interpol's first three), but this one did not hold up for me. It's still a fun listen, but it's the textbook example of mediocrity for me: OK songwriting, OK playing, OK songs, OK sound. I'll listen to it if I have to, but I'd never seek it out.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I liked the plunky, metallic guitar parts and lyrical content but it's probably something I won't return to. Although I'm sure I'll hear "Take Me Out" in passing about a million more times before I die...
When this album first came out, I really enjoyed it. A post-punk/dance-punk record with a playful, energetic vibe. The following year, they went on a co-headlining tour with Death Cab for Cutie. A band I’d been following since 1999/2000, after stumbling into one of their record store shows without even knowing who they were at the time. They were incredible live: a few self-described nerds making powerful music with heartfelt lyrics. When the tour came through, Death Cab was supposed to headline (the bands were rotating who closed out each show), but for some reason they switched things up at the last minute. Death Cab’s set was shorter, but solid. Though seeing them that night felt a little bittersweet. No longer the unknown underdogs I’d first discovered during that recod store experience. By then, The O.C. had catapulted them into mainstream attention, and I Will Follow You Into the Dark had become a teenage anthem. Franz Ferdinand took the stage in cowboy hats. Maybe as a nod to Texas, or maybe just part of the tour’s shtick, I’m not sure. Unfortunately, the sound was off, and their semi-choreographed dance moves felt awkward, as did their half-hearted attempt at Western attire. The whole performance was distracting, and it just didn’t land for me. I ended up walking out before the show was over, disappointed. After that night, I wrote them off, assuming they were a band that could only really shine in the studio, and feeling a bit bitter that they got the longer set since they were closing. Since then, I’ve met plenty of people who had much better experiences at their shows, but I never felt the urge to revisit their music. That’s why I’m glad this album made the list. It reminded me of what first drew me to them: that infectious, fun energy. With the bad live concert experience faded with time, the record itself shines through again. It’s a great album, and one I’ll definitely be spinning a few more times in the coming weeks
It's ok, bit samey throughout
Like a 21st century Elvis Costello in some ways. Just good.
Never listened to this whole thing. It's fine. It's just the same. It gets really boring by track 5. I was hoping a full album listen would be exciting, but it wasn't. Take me Out is a killer jam though. Played everywhere, all the time, but i still bop around to it when i hear it.
Really liked their singles. More than some UK bands at the time but 4 stars is high praise from me, and while take me out and dark of the matinee are fantastic songs, the rest are less so. At least they don't have that laddish band feel about them that I dislike. Hello Ocean Colour Scene and all the rest. They seem more art pop which is great.
Didn't like this as much as I thought i would. Take Me Out is great but overall the album felt quite dated and not very interesting.
Good.
Take Me Out is that god damn song. Besides that song, the vocals irk me in a way I can’t explain otherwise. Similar to the full body visceral reaction people can get to the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard. A full album of this was a lot for my ears to consume, but good in small doses.
First 2 songs were in the low 3 range. Take Me Out, the radio single, was much better. I generally liked the music but the production was muddy and just added a nervous, unpleasant air to the album. A few songs stood out, but in the end, wasn't something I'm going to reach back for.
Overrated but has more than the one hit
The most recent album that has been “assigned” so far. I knew a few of these songs and enjoyed hearing those again. Some new ones for me, which I found myself signing later in the kitchen.
3/5
Didn’t grab me too much, couple bangers.
Good, but not great. 7 out of 10. Rounding down. Typical of a lot in this project. Almost half of this album's sales were in England, which is also typical of a lot of music in this project. 3 stars.
I like this record, it’s fun. I love a rock band that plays dance music. Rock and roll is supposed to be fun and these guys get the party started. They are solid live. Is there anything earth shattering or even slightly original here? No there is not. Is it a fun listen anyway? Yes it is
Oh well. It's okay, but a bit too stiff rhythmically.
Very fun blend of pop rock and garage punk. Works very well for radio singles, but starts to grow stale by the end of the album after listening to what feels like the same song pattern for 40 mins. Not bad, but not something I'd clamor to hear again. Top tracks: The Dark Of The Matinée, This Fire, Michael
Ihan kivan menevää, jos soisi radiossa en vaihtaisi. Musiikki oli monipuolista, mutta albumin loppupuolella olisin halunnut lopettaa kuuntelemisen. Johtunee siitä ettei albumia ollut keventämässä yhtään rauhallisempaa kappaletta tai sitten musiikkiin tuli lopussa ripaus psykedeelisyyttä ja se alkoi tuntua ylistimuloivalta.
The album has "Take Me Out," which is a solid track, but honestly, it doesn’t bring much else to the table. Even "Take Me Out" might shine brighter as an instrumental.
Realistically it felt more like a 2.5, but there was nothing "wrong" with the songs it just felt very boring.
After Oasis, brit-rock took a sabbatical from mainstream radio, but that ended when Franz Ferdinand showed up in 2004. From a Pop perspective this album was a smash hit and it’s absolutely unsurprising that it’s on this list. In the same vein as bands like The Killers, Bloc Party, and The Strokes, this is indie rock built more for a good time than a long time. I hadn’t heard the term “landfill indie” before reading reviews for this, but it makes sense. These bands were the soundtrack of an era where everyone bought hipster clothes at H&M and Urban Outfitters. But where are all those outfits now?
yeag
So ‘Take Me Out’ is an all time banger. The riff is one everyone’s heard or would definitely enjoy if they did! But none of the other songs match this level unfortunately. There are other good songs on the album but they do tend to sound quite similar. Back in 2004 though, I imagine this was exciting as it has them choppy guitar licks and hooks with toe tapping rhythms.
My least favorite of the strokes, hives, rock revival of the early 2000s. But take me out still fricken SLAPS.
quintessential 2000s indie dance pop
3 stars It’s consistent and catchy. But it feels of the time. You can’t deny the quality of the music, but it feels a little samey and really only works when you’re in a certain mood. But not a dreadful listen in the least.
Went in expecting terrible but wasn’t terrible
Very familiar with Franz Ferdinand. I’ve already listened to this album, it’s good but not my favourite.
Mid
This album made me feel like getting shot in the head by a Serbian
Not bad but definitely not needed here. 2000s rock revival seems to be overrepresented on this list.
Jacqueline is really surprising start for the album and the spoken word bit almost took me out, Take Me Out; it's THE SONG™ but the rest of the album feels like equal parts Pulp (Dark of the Matinee) and The Killers (Darts of Pleasure) occasionally even dropping into the weird post-punk discordance of something like Wire (Michael) Surprising, quick and fun album with some very solid deep cuts. Personal High Points: Auf Achse, This Fire, Micheal, Come on Home
I thought worse
Ironically this album makes me want to smoke and act as if I'm a cool edgy teenager again lol
There were 1 or 2 4* songs, all in all it was nice album that just failed to offer that one extra thingnto place it in the 4* catagory
Okay
It was alright
Maybe the most 3.5 album I've listened to on this list so far. The hits are good, the music is fun, the instrumentation is tight, but as an album it falls flat and fails at being a certified classic outside of getting really excited about playing Take Me Out on the bar jukebox. It just kind of unfortunately overstays its welcome and gets a bit annoying like a guest who's had a bit too much to drink and isn't taking subtle hints that the party is over.
A solid collection of 2000s alternative tunes - nothing especially special to my ear, but a good collection of bangers nonetheless.
For every good idea this band has, they somehow have an equally annoying part to balance it out. Tell Her Tonight achieves the perfect split of great and awful within a single song! My takeaway is that Franz Ferdinand is best enjoyed in moderation. They have some excellent songs, but as an album it gets old real fast. Standouts: Take Me Out • Auf Asche • This fffire - New Version (technically not on the album, but it's way better than the original)
This was like the world's easiest 4 on my first listen. I liked almost every song and it was a good time. Then I listened again and it felt bland, uninspired, and I didn't care for more than a few songs. Very weird and this has not happened to me yet.
great album - love the energy
What a great little album from a great little rock band. As the band says about its name: it's music; it's just supposed to sound good. 3.5
Apart from Do You Want To, can anyone name a Franz Ferdinand single post this album? Take Me Out is great but it's hard to find much variety in their sound or many depths.
Quite good
Don't kill me but it's like a more catchy Talking Heads
I honestly thought I wasn't going to enjoy the album as much as I did. At first I was like oh this one hit wonder, and realized he had 3 or 4. It definitely had that early indie vibe, post-punk sound. Who doesn't love "Take Me Out" on 10!
I remember all the hype in 2000s about Franz Ferdinand. Lots of positive reviews in music magazines, like they were the new Beatles or something like that. Didn't understand it then and don't understand it now. This album is okay but really nothing special. Liked the song Michael though.
Strokes wannabes, very proficient, catchy but nothing original.
2000's Indie really does nothing for me at all. Everything about it grates on me. The twiddly guitar and obnoxious/self satisfied vocals. And I could happily go the rest of my life and never hear 'Take Me Out' again. That being said, this is fine. 'Darts of Passion' is probably, for me, the best song on the album and 'Tell Her Tonight' unlocked a forgotten memory of hearing it on FIFA 05.
Not bad. I recently listened to an album by Sparks and learned both bands have collaborated under the name FFS. Can definitely hear the influence of bands like Sparks and britpop in the weird but fun songs.
First song was great then down hill from there.
The music is fine. Some catchy and horny songs. So much Rock Band was played
This album is fine. I played a lot of NHL 2005, Take Me Out is a classic
Great band, fun album
not bad I would probably get really into them with more listening 3/5
Take Me Out is still a banger all these years later but the rest of the album was pretty forgettable in two listens. Why is this here?
helt ok pop rock
It’s got that hit song
Classic for me
good
A lot of fun.
3.5* Solid indie record but nothing special
I didn’t get on this hype train the first time around. Sounded like a rip off of my post punk heroes back then. Sounds little different now. But not a bad album. I’d just rather go with the originals.
Very good, better than expected
Solid album. Grinding guitar sounded at times like Jay Reatard's on Blood Visions, though here a little more dizzying.
Indie rock for the ages!
Guitar driven pop/disco/rock with some keyboards as well. Very catchy and danceable songs, I’m surprised that they didn’t get more famous than they did.
It was fun!
Not bad for an archduke
It’s alright. There’s some good catchy tunes on here. Sounds a little like heard it before vibe but so what, following a long line of British arty rock, which is no bad thing.
Not great, not bad. I feel like I keep repeating myself. It seems I'm getting a string of average albums, and I really shouldn't on a list of albums I must listen to. I'm not turning this off, but no, I don't have to hear this. Take Me Out is the best thing here, but it's still just above average. At least they managed to make each track sound different.
Fun
Solid debut. Great early 2000s stuff. Not quite a 4.
Listened en route to Wembley for a gig, earlier in the day than usual. More familiar with this than others so far and most songs I've heard at least a couple of times. Hard to appreciate Take Me Out as it's been everywhere for the last 20 odd years, but I know it would have sounded really fresh on release. Largely enjoyable album, not sure it has much depth for return visits but ok to pass 40 minutes.
They say you love the music that was released in your teenage years - well unfortunately this was the sort of thing released. Nothing wrong with it, catchy, with an almost laughable influence from the Strokes. I bought this and listened to it on repeat. Then I found music I liked so much more, most of which is from before or around the time I was born, and with very few exceptions the 2000s have faded from my interest.
154/1089 - It's alright at times. Too many songs with one-line hooks repeated too often.
It doesn't elevate the form like "Is This It?", "Turn On the Bright Lights" or "Fever to Tell," but it's holding up well and it did what it set out to do as well as one could, no?
What a refreshing palate cleanser. Can we go back to those times? This is so experimental and artsy, but not annoying or obnoxious, it's actually amazing how they do it without being pretentious. Fun all around, from beginning to end. Excellent album. Nice surprises: Come on Home The Dark of the Matinée 3.5/5
This came out during a time in my life where I was avoiding anything at all popular. Now I finally know these guys. Different than I thought. Like the strokes but more polite.
Enjoyed when it came out, they have a consistent sound, kind of clever. Good radio alt pop rock
Excellent
I remember telling Len that this was actually an album written about Les Ferdinand’s Dad. It was when Houmous & Chutney were touring Portugal in 2004 during the Euros. We were asked to come and say some motivational words to the England team. Len really embarrassed himself when we were chatting to the lads! 3.0 5/11 Auf Achse
Quite enjoyable, very little range. Take Me Out is the most famous song here, and if you listen to that you sort of get this album's whole deal.
Solid indie rock album. A couple of great singles. Lacks variation in sound and tempo as an album.
Didn't really appeal to me, but 2 stars feels too low.
Need to listen to this one again. Giving it a 3 star because I think I like it...
Oh look, it's some more 2000s Brit indie rock. At least this has some vaguely competent bass sound, even if everything else is shoved to the front. I still got bored about half way through.
Off the cuff remark: A good slice of slightly off-kilter guitar pop, but nothing spectacular. Standout Track: Perhaps obviulsy "Take Me Out" Revisit?: I do own it but don't listen often
Hm ja okay
Love the instrumentals and indie rock revival sound but found the lyrics/vocals so repetitive, shallow and emotionless that it somewhat took me away from the music
ants
Some fun stuff here, but a lot of it sounds samey.
Absolutely serviceable music for your nostalgic 2000's themed party. Pretty fun even, or at least until you forget it's even really playing about halfway through, once the hits run dry.
Definitely could've subbed at least three other strokes albums in here. Was actually pretty excited to give this album a listen because of take me out, but nothing really stood out for me. A number of the songs sound exactly like the strokes but worse. This is more poppy/dancy than the strokes. idk. Im thinking a soft 3 for this. Wasn't super impressive but I do generally like the genre.
Bands like Franz, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Killers, Bloc Party soundtracked my high school years so the bonus nostalgia points are hittin. Specifically Jacqueline cuz it backed Billy Marks' part in the Toy Machine skate video Good and Evil. One of my all time favs. I actually don't know if I had listened to this whole album all the way through. That dance drum beat does get kinda old but damn I love their guitar and bass tones.
Some songs are catchy and the sound is sometimes interesting. Yet too pop-rocky for me. 2,6
A few great singles, and the rest is a bit less.
pretty good alt rock album.
Take me out This fire
Fun alt-pop. Road trip album, would share with most people.
Take Me Out is on another level compared to the rest of the album.
NOSTALGIA. Highlights: The Dark of the Matinee and Take Me Out (obv)
Reminded me of OG arctic monkeys which I adore so I enjoyed this a lot. I never listened to any of Franz Ferdinand’s albums! Favourites: tell her tonight, take me out, darts of pleasure, come on home
I loved this album when I was younger, but my music taste has definitely changed, still a solid album though. Fav songs: Dark Side of the Matinee and Come on Home
had a sad realisation whilst listening that Lisztomania was not only not on this album, it's a song from a completely different band
There sure is a lot of mid-00's indie/alt rock on the list. While this album was nice to listen to, this is not music I seek out. Nothing here grabbed my attention and made me want to listen to more Franz Ferdinand music. They are definitely better than the other "mid-aughters" on this list. The music and vocals are good and they seem pretty talented. In the end though, this is another for the list of "not bad, but not great" albums.
It's not a bad album but also not particularly great. If you like the 2000s indie sound its solid but nothing sticks out like Take Me Out. Decent background music if you don't want it quiet but don't want the music to take your attention away. Not surprising that there weren't any other popular songs off this one.
I still remember when “Take Me Out” was a fairly big single back in the day. Then I remember listening to this entire album and feeling rather… underwhelmed by it. So I was looking forward to diving into it again; with my tastes being somewhat more refined now, maybe I’ll have a better appreciation for it. And well… no. No I didn’t. Most of the singles tracks are pretty much the stronger material on display while everything else either feels like filler or just doesn’t stand up very well. It’s an alright listen, and clocking in at 40 minutes means it doesn’t really waste your team. 3/5
Liked and could hear lots of influences, like Beatles and David Bowie, that weren’t obvious to me when the album first came out.
Feelgood dette, men blir kanskje litt vel jovialt og tynt til tider?
Det var med til at skabe liv i post punk og indie rock scenen igen i start 2000'erne. LCD soundsystem, Arctic Monkeys, Vampire Weekend, The killers og mange flere blev inspireret af lyden.
Enjoyable listen. And one famous song.
Solid, would definitely listen again to rerate, listened at like 9pm while reading a book so my attention wasn’t fully on the album
I was excited to listen since this is finally something right up my alley. It may not be the most impressive record I've heard, but it has some catchy melodies and nice vocals. Overall, the record lacked diversity, but some highlights include Take Me Out, The Dark of the Matinee, and Darts of Pleasure
Disty and nice British pop rock
Take me out is by far my favorite. Several good bangers on here, but hadn't heard them all before. Overall a pretty solid album.
I love these raw sounding recordings, it's become the signature sound of this era for me. Take Me Out is a certified banger. Come On Home was a pleasant surprise that I'd not heard before.
Mid
Solid and interesting album.
I can see why this album was included. In 2004 the two big singles were pretty popular in the UK. 'Take Me Out' is a good track that ended up on the first Guitar Hero game. 'The Dark Of The Matinée' is my personal favourite and has remained in constant playlist rotation throughout the years. A very catchy singalong chorus. Despite it being a bit FIFA soundtrack, indie sounding, there are a lot more cool guitar riffs than you'd think found throughout this record. 'Tell Her Tonight' has a gooden as does 'Michael'. 'Darts Of Pleasure', 'This Fire' and '40'' are the other highlights. Franz Ferdinand are certainly better than a lot of the British indie bands of the 2000's, but it is still indie, and there's only so far cool riffs can carry this album. Pretty good, but I didn't absolutely love it. I'd stick it on but would have to be really in the mood for it.
I liked this a lot more than I wanted to. I don't like this genre, so I went in with a bias. They won me over ⭐⭐⭐
Good album. Nice harmonies
Good vibes, I like this era of music but this album got a bit samey towards the end.
It was ok to listen to it once, but then it was too earwig-like for me.
I'm very familiar with this one as I owned the CD before the days of streaming. I haven't revisited it much since, but the songs that stood out then are the same that do now: Take Me Out and The Dark Of The Matineé, because of the way they pick up / slow down and switch up the flow. I might add This Fire and Michael as well. I've heard this album so many times and still know all the words because - again, pre-streaming days. But I never really loved it, and I was even more lukewarm this go round. It's alright, but there are so many albums that could have taken its place. Low 3 because the production and musicianship are both good.