Premature Evaluation: Franz Ferdinand - Tonight: Franz Ferdinand
At this point you've likely heard "Ulysses" and its "funky" Spoonerisms in more than one form. We weren't blown away by the track then (or now), but after listening to Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, we can understand why the guys chose it as the single: While nothing special, it's better than most of the upbeat fare offered on the Kapranos crew's followup to You Could Have It So Much Better. Yes, we could have it so much better, guys. We kid (a little), though compared to their past work, Tonight can often be insipid, especially considering they're calling it their "night album" and are largely focusing on sex and the battle of the sexes. Going back to the choice of "Ulysses" as the album's lead: The album's best songs are really the slowest, quietest, and weirdest (relatively speaking). When they play with rougher post-punk-ish textures. When they focus less on the disco, even if they've made the latter work in the past.
After a couple passes, someone over here suggested that FF fucked up with the Tonight title and instead should've named the album after the track "Bite Hard." Good one, but if you give it some time and are in a generous mood, there are decent moments. (The album isn't quite a crime scene.) The reason we were hating on it initially is because the first few songs -- the aforementioned "Ulysses," "Turn It On," and "No You Girls" -- seem kinda whatever at best and kinda annoying at worst. Further into the album, though, the Glaswegian quartet pickup steam.
The change of pace offered by the psychedelic cuckoldry of "Send Him Away" is welcome after the generic disco hop. Same goes for the dark, oddly distant pulses of "Twilight Omens." And, zings aside, from its Beatles-esque piano ballad to clapping strut "Bite Hard" is one of the better tracks -- it possesses a post-punk kick. It's followed by "What She Came For," another track that succeeds, especially with its final, rougher bit of distortion. Or the electro (8-bit!) stereo explosion at the end of the almost 8-minute "Lucid Dreams." It's a moment that lives up to the idea of "night" music. It's followed by the airy, dusky "Dream Again" (is that a Theremin in there?) and the acoustic love song "Katherine Kiss Me," as if it really was the climax before sleepytime. Both of these two quieter bits are welcome, piloting Tonight into different textures and sounds. See, Franz Ferdinand are capable of good songs. On Tonight, when they venture too deep into generic disco, it feels like they forgot that fact.
If you want more info on the collection, the guys made this promotional video, where they laugh a lot and answer some questions:
Tonight: Franz Ferdinand is out 1/26 via Domino.
Posted at 5:49 PM in Premature Evaluation
Tags: Franz Ferdinand
it is quite mediocre. i was expecting something new but these songs are simply poor copies of their previous efforts.
Score = -4
franz ferdinand is simply a poor copy of previous bands, period.
Score = -51
every band is a poor copy of previous bands
Score = 36
Am I the only one who wishes Franz would've taken "Eleanor Put Your Boots On" as a guide for their third album?
Score = 29
You are not the only one who thinks that.
Score = 0
I haven't heard the album yet except for Ulysses, but if this review is true and you're not being unnecessarily hard on them then that's really disappointing. While watching the Ulysses video, I was thinking that this is the ideal time for FF to make a big come back. It just feels right. But, I guess maybe not...
Score = 4
They are being unnecessarily hard on them, probably because they're not Fleet Foxes.
Score = 53
Probably. Maybe they should have worn flannel for the album cover.
Score = 16
great record
Score = 17
I definitely like it more than this review did but was I the only one that thought send him away sounded a lot like yeasayer's 2080...
Score = 4
I thought the same thing, that guitar line is very similar. I like the album, fwiw.
Score = 4
i actually really like the album. what she came for = amazing
Score = 8
excellent review. i agree 100%
Score = -15
Strangely spritely evaluation- its had 5 or 6 spins on my podding device and it's revealing more goodness each time. This review is might look a little slapdash in a month from now...
Score = 19
true dat- i effin lurv this band; let's wait until we all have a few weeks with it...
Score = 2
I actually LOVED "ulysses"... i only listened to the album once so far, but I think it has potential. their debut was a first listen win for me though, but i loved music more back then.
Score = 2
Well this sucks.
I was counting on Franz Ferdinand to become one of those bands that dependably makes a grerat hit every time they step up to the plate (ala` The Beatles, The Shins, The Smiths, Blur).
Oh well.
Score = -7
I wasn't expecting there to be any hate for this album, so I'm surprised in Stereogum being so hard on it. I feel like the albums shows a ton of progression on Franz's part, especially with the more electronic, danceable songs. There is a lot more texture and shifty instrumentation if you listen close. The slower songs are very well written, and the electronic outro to Lucid Dreams kills. This isn't your usual Franz Ferdinand singles album. Its a complete work, and not one where you can skip any tracks to get to the good parts.
Score = 19
Oh well. I'm buying it anyway.
Score = 6
yean, sadly, this album sucks pretty hard
Score = -16
I think it was a great album. Their music definitely improved and you can tell. They are experimenting with more stuff. It's a step in the right direction.
Score = 6
the last record was terrific but clearly this is a step backwards
Score = -7
per usual stereogum misses. this shit is boss.
Score = 14
Hey Matt! Nice Job, did you fill the quota yet? I've got 3 more websites to comment positively about the new FF album , after let's get pizza!!!
:)
XOXO LOL
XOXO
Score = -15
i feel like i just got out of a time machine and landed on planet ultragrrrl circa 2003.
YAWN.
Score = -4
This is way better than Fleet Foxes.
Score = 9
Hmmm... I kind of liked this album, though i do agree its way more off beat than thier previous work. Between you guys knocking "mainstream" bands all the time and then praising whatever pitchforks favorites all the time, i start to question why I'm still reading stereogum...
Score = 10
Initially, I wasn't impressed with this review, but after 5 or 6 more read-throughs, it's starting to grow on me. Give it a chance, guys.
Score = 27
I don't know anyone can not love "No You Girls"
Score = 8
wait a second, this band has flirted with the mainstream and it's their third record? it's the perfect formula! no shit dudes, of course stereogum hates it
Score = 7
It sounds like a B-sides collection to me. Pretty dissapointing.
Score = -4
not surprised at this review. a lot of the clips/live performances just did not sound like there was good material there.
Score = -5
This album is mediocre. They had some good singles in the past. Not every album by every band who was once popular is going to be great.
Score = -4
if the previous efforts are any guide i bet this record is not awesome but just ok and mostly a bit boring.
Score = -5
haven't heard this yet but i think they took too long from their previous album. i heard the single and I probably would have been happier with something similar to their previous album. not that this band has been that great anyway to be honest with ya'll, but it would have just been nice to hear them excited about music like they were a couple of years ago.
Score = -1
Wang of Four
Score = -1
Heard the album for the first time yesterday, and I think it's righteous. Love "No, You Girls" and "Bite Hard." Can't wait for them to tour.
Score = 3
Harmless fun.
Score = 4
am I the only one who loves "Live Alone"?
The John Taylor bassline kills it.
Score = 3
You people are smoking crack. This is by far my favorite FF album. It has such attitude and bounce to all the tracks. I love how they call it their 'night' album and the arc of it flows like a night on the town culminating in the electro jam ending of Lucid Dreams only to taper off in the last two come-down tracks. Im enjoying this more than the beloved Merriweather Post Pavillion and have a new respect for FF because of it.
If you like dance rock that keeps it real, this album will have you pitching a tent for the whole play-through.
Score = 16
I couldn't agree more, except for the part about it being my favourite. Have to listen to it a little more before I decide on whether or not I like it better than their debut, but overall after two spins, I love it, and I don't understand why it shouldn't be picking up rave reviews all around.
Score = 5
These guys definitely waited too long between albums. However, I can't think of a song as solid as "Ulysses" that has hit alt-rock radio in the past year. This song has been in my head for a week, blessedly killing the ringing in my ears that has been Katie Perry (boys, thank you!). The other tracks I've heard are solid. I'm psyched this album is almost here.
Score = 3
Even when FF were *good* they were mediocre. After hearing the single I won't even bothering stealing it off the net.
Score = -24
Crazy talk. Anyone skipping this album because Stereogum panned it is missing out on what's easily their best album. Early reviews have mostly been in the 3.5-4 star range and message board fan reactions across internet land have been highly positive. Me thinks Stereogum just wants to be contrary, or just isn't impressed anymore with music not made to play in the background whilst sipping lattes.
Score = 12
you would have to be hypnotised to enjoy that bloody song.
Score = -12
Damn, this review smacks of predisposition. While I don't think it's an amazing album, it isn't bad and certainly not worthy of such dismissal.
How bout another Dan Deacon post, dawgs?
Score = 9
coldplay: once cool, now "mainstream." bloc party: once cool, now "mainstream." franz ferdinand: once cool, now "mainstream."
all three put out albums within the past year. all three have premature evaluations that absolutely PAN what are actually pretty decent albums. (not fantastic or ground-breaking by any means, but certainly not terrible.)
as you can tell, im sensing a trend here...i personally can't wait for the premature evaluation of no line on the horizon...
stereogum, get your head out of pitchforks and animal collectives collective asses.
Score = 22
'Bite Hard' sounds a LOT like 'Call Me' by Blondie...strangely enough, Franz covered that song for that War Child CD. Shenanigans?
Score = -2
"Premature Evaluation" is an accurate title for this series – this would have been my initial reaction too. This is one of those albums that sounded really mediocre to me at first, but after repeat listenings is actually sounding pretty damn good. It's no Microcastle, but it's not a disappointment either.
Score = 5
Now if they'd only tour with TV on the Radio and Cut Copy again...
Score = 2
I am a white male and this album makes me want to dance. Also, "What She Came For" will be the most fun song released in 2009.
Score = 5
This album makes me want to do coke and fuck.
Score = 12
Now that I've listened through a few times, I'm really baffled by this review. This album is very, very solid. Right now, I like it more than I did their last album. It sounds like they are really refining what they want to do. There is more synth, but they still keep that new wave Talking Heads feel. The vocals are great. Tonight has way more hooks than You Could Have It...
Listen again, SG. This is solid stuff.
Score = 9
Completely disagree with this review, this is a fantastic album and easily one of the best I've heard in recent months. I agree that the only reason Stereogum isn't fawning over them is because they're not Fleet Foxes or Animal Collective. Seriously guys? Calling Merriweather Post Pavillion the best album of the year after 2 weeks of January? I mean it's great but that's just a bit too much fanwanking for my tastes.
Score = 16
I enjoyed negging every comment on this thread way more than i did the record.
Score = -5
i've heard the entire album and it is actually really really good
Score = 5
Ummm... what's not to like? It sounds like Franz Ferdinand, only trying something a bit new. If you like the band, I don't see how you couldn't like the album. And if you don't like the band, why are you listening? durr.
Score = 5
Huh? Did we listen to the same album? This review is so off-base it's mind-boggling.
Score = 8
Just genious.Fantastic album.You can't judge this album by just listening to it 2 or 3 times.Best dance rock-funk-disco album that i've listened to this decade."Ulysses" seems to be the weaker song!"Lucid Dreams" is acid psychedelic pop at its best,"No You Girls" is the perfect dance anthem along with disco romp "Live Alone" and "Can't Stop Feeeling" and then "What She Came For" turns into a fantastic rock 'n' roll funk tune.Superp african skank in "Send him Away" and my favourite track "Twilight Omens" is so groovy that makes you begging for more as it lasts just under 3 minutes.Brilliant.
Score = 6
I'm listening to this album right now... Stereogum, you overreacted. It's not amazing, but it's not bad at all.
Apparently there's an unspoken rule in indie "journalism" to grill any band that becomes huge overnight without suffering the cruel indie scene.
Score = 3
so they're vibing on the roman name for odysseus? i was hoping for some james joyce allusions.
shut your eyes and see!
Score = -1
Ulysses is definitely a James Joyce reference, they also namecheck the JB's in a podcast at the Guardian. This record is sick, with a matching rhthmic section. It's gonna get blasted by many, but this just makes the happy few even more happy! And it's not just "fans" slagging off your review BTW
Score = 4
They're coming down a little hard here. At least they're admitting it's a premature evaluation, but you can't judge a Franz album after having it for a day or two. Their songs grow on you; a listen or two isn't enough. It's a good album, not their best, but definitely not annoying by any means. "Turn It On" almost parallels "Tell Her Tonight" in style, and while neither track are on my list of favorites, they're still good songs. And I'd say "Dream Again" is a lot more Beatles-esque than "Bite Hard". Sure, none of the songs have quite the wit of "The Fallen", but there are great lines in "Twilight Omens" and "Lucid Dreams". Franz are my favorite band, but I admit this album does have its letdowns. The originally released "Lucid Dreams" is better in sound than the album version, but the lyrics are better on the album. The four or more minutes of synthesized instruments is a bit much. However, it certainly shines in songs like "Katherine Kiss Me" and "Ulysses". All in all it's a really good album and shouldn't be passed up.
Score = 1
Listened to the album for the first time today, did it all in one sitting. Upon first review, I actually agree with Stereogum. When their debut came out 6 years ago, it felt very fresh and different. Every song on that album was great. There are some good songs on this one, but overall it feels like more of the same and too many of the new songs sound like they're half-hearted rehashings of previous ones.
Score = 0
i dont understand the negative review. its franz, and they came with intelligent, excellent power pop. up for under-rated album of the year
Score = 3
All of their music is warm dog shit. You Franz fans need to lay off the pipe; you'll save brain cells, any your taste in music will improve (how couldn't it?).
Score = -3
You guys don't know what spoonerisms are, do you?
Score = 0
how do u love music more or less? wtf
Score = 0
Not so often modern groups let out not only good music, but also do qualitative clips. In this case dependence "is more expensive - better" not actually. It is enough to recollect last "pop princesses" and "pop kings" to be convinced that is a lot of the money enclosed in a clip at all does not mean quality of the last. That, the it is more pleasant to contemplate good clips of little-known groups
Score = 1
I kind of wish the whole album sounded more like the lo-fi version of "No you girls" in that video.
I also like the "Eleanor put your puts on" sound as other have said as well. I'd even settle for the still more electric, but mellower more plodding sound of older songs like 40' with that gentle chorus of repeated la's. I think this band shows the most promise when stop trying to sound like rock stars and settle into the grove of softer and more gentle melodies. Only then do they, to me, sound like they transcend being "Franz Ferdinand" and actually sound like a good band making good music.
Score = 0