04 October 2005

You Could Have It So Much Better

June 28, 1914.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria's assassination by Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo was widely considered the trigger for World War I.

February 9, 2004.

The band sharing the Archduke's name releases their self-titled debut, to commercial and critical success.

"Like all lasting records, Franz Ferdinand steps up to the plate and boldly bangs on the door to stardom. There's no consideration for what trends have just come and gone. There's no waffling or concessions for people who won't get it. As with all great entertainment, it will divide opinion.
--Brent DeCrescenzo, 3/9/04

Today.

Franz Ferdinand's long awaited sophomore effort, You Could Have It So Much Better, hits stores today.

"The trick is to cede the idea that Franz Ferdinand are meant to deliver the cohesive, moving, traditional Statement Albums their debut may have misled listeners to expect. Some people-- earnest people, like Bloc Party, Sufjan Stevens, and the Arcade Fire-- will go on trying to fill that niche. Franz Ferdinand, though, aren't going to do that, and good on them: We can only hope they'll go on offering us cheeky, energetic surprises. Someday, maybe, they'll score a single as perfect as Pulp's "Common People", or pop up with a discoid treat as frothy as Blur's "Girls and Boys", but don't count on these guys to keep you supplied with serious close-to-the-heart-on-your-sleeve indie touchstones. Judging by You Could Have It So Much Better, these style-conscious art kids are content to be a fine, entertaining pop band instead."
-
Nitsuh Abebe, 10/3/05

I'll be picking up my copy later today. I urge you to do the same.

That is all.
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