Touted as being the first great album of 2004, Franz Ferdinand's eponymous debut may be the secret weapon that'll kick-start the British fight against the White Strokes. Though they have a reputation as being bohemian art-obsessed dilettantes, they're at the vanguard of the Art Wave scene, and possess a fierce determination to change the face of modern music--their twin aims: to bring back cerebral rock that makes you want to dance, and to bring frontline music back home (witness exclusively British lyrics such as "I'm on BBC 2 now; telling Terry Wogan how I made it"). So what weapons do these four skinny lads engage to galvanise the UK music scene? Unsurprisingly, they roll out the big guns of Britpop past. "Cheating on You" bounces like early Blur; "Come on Home" soars like pre-OK Computer Radiohead; "Michael" flirts with Suede-esque sexual androgyny; and "Matinee" sleazes onto you like Pulp at their most lascivious.

Though they draw on the past, they do so wisely, injecting voguish angular 80s synth-pop with old-fashioned heart and soul. Their debut embraces the experimental, featuring time-signature changes and mid-song tempo drops, yet its solidity prevents it from consignment to the gratuitously quirky bin. If you feel that the Rapture lack a sense of drama and Interpol lack joy and energy, then Franz Ferdinand are the boys for you. Their stated ambition is to erase the Archduke Franz Ferdinand from the annals of history and replace him in the collective consciousness with themselves. Archduke who? --Paul Eisinger

The 2 FF albums are the best albums of the 21st century, so far. Catchy tunes, crisp guitar/vocals/drums, no dud tracks. Some of the lyrics aren't up to much, but you can't win them all!

On 25 October, 2004, legendary DJ John Peel passed away. Perhaps I was too young to appreciate his impact and the sheer passion for music he possessed, but, nonetheless, I have many memories of listening to his show at night, absorbing the many strange and out of step songs played, usually at the wrong speed. That same date in 2004 was my first gig; Franz Ferdinand at the Manchester Apollo. Their impromptu cover of 'Teenage Kicks' in memory of John Peel is legendary in my mind and will always stick with me. The memories of that night will forever be tied to this album and that's why, for me at least, it is still worth listening to.

A brilliant summer rock album that is smooth, catchy, and energetic. You will really love the tunes and the lyrics.

If you like Keane or the Kaiser Chiefs then buy this now. I am always putting these albums on my car CD to enjoy.

Another truly great release from the Domino stable of musicians that includes the Artic Monkeys.

Take Me Out and Matinee plus possibly Michael, three singles, are the best moments on this album, but the energy and metronomic synchopation that characterises FF and the whole album really gets you moving. It's a great driving album and your fingers tap the steering wheel. Live, they are also superb, but if you can't catch up with them then this is a great substitute.

It's worth it just for the lyrics of Matinee...

WHY did this band even get signed? how much more pop do you want.
im sure all the little indie boys and the scene kidies are loving it. Just pop it on before bed and the children will sleep, hopefully long enough so you can listen to some real music.

a music magazine once put a video of a chimp urinating in its own mouth as a review for jet's 'shine on'. i think this album is more dserving of the video.