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Franz FerdinandYou Could Have It So Much Better Domino/SonyBMG It doesn't seem that long since Franz Ferdinand first offered to take us out, but there's no hint of difficult second album traumas here. 'You Could Have It So Much Better' is a more emotional, more intense, more three dimensional album than their debut. It's full of swagger and spunk, sexual intrigue, smarts - in essence, music for the hips. Alex Kapranos' voice is full of new depth and warmth, citing the work of poet Charles Bukowski and musician David Byrne as influences in taking his vocals to another level. First single Do You Want To? is a delicious fusion of 80s power pop, funk and synth rock with such lyrical gems as "He's a friend and he's so proud of you / Your famous friend, I blew him before you." The Beatle-esque Fade Together and Eleanor Put Your Boots On, ostensibly about Kapranos' girlfriend (and Fiery Furnaces singer) Eleanor Friedberger, prove that not only can Franz shake your ass but toss your arms in the air as well. These are delicate and heartfelt tunes, evoking wistful memories and dreamy days. Then Evil And A Heathen is a spiky punk fruit tingle with a jagged guitar riff that sees Kapranos at his most menacing yet. Well That Was Easy is the standout track, with a mid-section break down to die for. It's a dynamic and hip number that is miles ahead of anything heard on their first record. Franz Ferdinand's music is like the tall, dark stranger at the bar that wants to buy you a drink: mysterious, intriguing and, most of all, sexy. At all levels, they succeed in seducing you into their freaky new wave world of awkward male/female moments, modern frustrations, and urban decay. Get your hands on this record. It could well become an instant classic.  |
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