Sound: Much more of the debonair and decadent discotheque punk/rock that dominated their first album – a super-catchy piece of pop perfection that was my #2 album of 2004. However, they cut out the couple synthier moments in favor of Bowie/Beatles-esque, piano/acoustic guitar balladry (”Eleanor Put Your Boots On” and “Fade Together“), which isn’t a great fit for them.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “The Fallen“; “Do You Want To“; “This Boy”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Evil and a Heathen“; “You Could Have It So Much Better”
Recommended: To those looking for a similar and less impressive helping of fun and danceable rock from the band that’s modernized the late 70s/early 80s sound better than any of their contemporaries. This album lacks the relentless barrage of hits their debut boasted, but the first three tracks are high caliber Franz Ferdinand.
Grade: B+

(As posted 10/17/05 on davepowersmusic.com)
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