Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better

Almost like they're playing live!

I'm a big Franz Ferdinand fan and finally got to see them in concert, just before this album was released. I have to say, that this album absolutely captures the energy and excitement their concerts provide. The music is wonderful. Their songs range from exciting and fun like "Do You Want To?," mellow and melodic like "Eleanor Put Your Boots Back On" and dark and sexy like "Evil and a Heathen." I highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoyed their last album and anyone who just wants music they can dance to.

As for the Dual Disc issue, I enjoyed it, simply because I can watch the video for "Do You Want To?" over and over again. For me, that alone was worth paying for it. If you want something more than that, just buy the regular version. March 29, 2006

DualDisc does not have surround sound

The four stars I'm giving is for the music on the disc. But here's my warning about the DualDisc format of this album: even though the track listing here on Amazon.com suggests that the DVD side has the album in 5.1 surround sound, that is *not* true. If you read the label on the album, it says "enhanced stereo".
Getting a surround sound mix is the only reason I would ever buy a DualDisc and this one doesn't have it. The extra video content on the DVD side is not really worth the extra cost. Get the CD version of this album. February 8, 2006

4-1/2 stars -- Lucky lucky

First off, I promised myself that I wouldn't comment on this kind of thing any more, but since someone else mentioned it, I'll add MY two cents. I agree with reviewer James that people shouldn't give a great album like this one star because of the DualDisc technology. We're supposed to be reviewing the actual music on the album, remember? (And just for the record, I've had absolutely no trouble playing ANY DualDiscs on anything I own: computers, walkmans, DVD players, etc. I don't know; maybe I'm just lucky.)

Anyway, I checked out Franz Ferdinand's self-titled debut album on a whim and found myself enjoying it greatly. Although it's still true that the music isn't for everyone, the guys continue with their great sound on their second album. There are several funky tracks to find as usual, like "Evil And a Heathen" and "The Fallen". Another good one is "Well That Was Easy", which sounds a little like Men Without Hats' "Pop Goes the World".

But the best tracks on here would have to be the final track, "Outsiders", and the irresistible first single, "Do You Want To". What really surprised me, though, is that they can even score with mellow tracks. "Eleanor Put Your Boots On" and "Fade Together" are wonderful escapes from their regular fare.

Like on their first album, there's also one song on HERE that I can do without, which is "This Boy", because I don't think the lyrics make any sense. Now, some people may say, "When do ANY of their lyrics make sense?" which is a fair argument, but I think the lyrics in that song just don't work very well. Other than that, there's really no way you COULD have it so much better.

Anthony Rupert January 20, 2006

The CD OK but do not buy the dual disc

Being a Franz Ferdinand enthusiast I agree with the previous reviews as to the musical content of this recording. However Amazon does not alert that the DVD side of the dual disc is Zone 1 and cannot be reproduced in other zones. I bought the Dual Disc of the Ferdinanz recording as I wanted to listen to the enhanced high resolution multichannel version, but I just couldn't because of the compatibility problem mentioned. Besides, although the Dual Disc can be played in my CD player it makes a nasty noise. Not a format I would recommend. January 19, 2006

As great as the first album!

Franz Ferdinand's album is similar to the first - and that's not a bad thing: same catchy hooks, foot-tapping beats, and singable choruses. (If you don't tap your foot or sing along, there's something wrong with you). Anyway, they do tweak their sound some (listen to "Eleanor Put Your Boots on", a song that definitely has a Beatles influence). The DVD side is great - behind the scenes footage, an interview, photo gallery, and the music video for the first single, "Do You Want to".

As for the negative reviews from people who bought the DualDisc format but hated it - hey, nobody forced you to buy it.

If you're considering buying a DualDisc, read the small print first. I have no problems playing it on my personal CD player and my stereo, and it works well in my DVD player also.
This is one of three DualDiscs I own and I will buy more in the future. The only downside is that you have to keep the disc in the jewel case when you're not playing it, but it's a minor inconvenience.

If you're a big fan of the band, check out their self-titled 2 disc live DVD! January 8, 2006

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