"Tonight: Franz Ferdinand"- Franz Ferdinand

7.0

Franz Ferdinand has always been, in my opinion, number 2 in indie (at least). It always seems that whatever they do always get out shined by something else; and, in my opinion, that's not necessarily in vain.

First of all, this is supposedly their "dance" album. This didn't necessarily work out for them because you can't just add a couple synthesizers here and there and make the beat a little faster and expect to have it be a dance album. They didn't necessarily miss their objective; this album lies somewhere between Indie Rock and Indie/Dance.

This album starts out strong, and then falls off the cliff from there. For instance, "Ulysses" does a great job of opening the album. It's a catchy tune that makes you want to groove into a British night club. The next, "Turn in On", is the stalker in the back of that night club you just walked into. "No You Girls", highlights the differences in genders (possibly during intercourse). "Send Him Away" is the first mediocre track, with a grooving line, but not quite there. "Twilight Omens" is possibly the most jivin' song on the album. This song plays the part when you get her number and go home from the night club. "Bite Hard" marks the first in the black hole on the album, which lasts until "Lucid Dreams", an almost 8 minute jam. "Dream Again", is a strikingly celestial song in the midst of almost dance-indie and pop. The end of the album, "Katherine Kiss Me", takes the group back to "Jacqueline", a slow acoustic soulful tune.

All in all, this album starts out strong, fades off, and sort of recovers. An overall pretty good album.

Highlight: "No You Girls", "Dream Again"
Listen if you like: The Bravery, MGMT

"Merriweather Post Pavillion"- Animal Collective

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"Old Home Movies"- The Botticellis

9.6

Unfortunately, this album was released earlier in May of 2008, and I didn't stumble upon it until a couple of weeks ago; but that makes it no less amazing. It was another one of those "meant to be" moments, I heard one song, and I knew the whole album was going to be amazing.

Now to the real story, this is a San Francisco band called The Botticellis, and what they did in 28 minutes, on their first album, is truly magical. This album is perfectly crafted with vintage organs, harmony vocals, reverb guitars, thoughtful lyrics, a.k.a. EVERYTHING! This beauty clocks in at just over 28 minutes, and 10 sweet songs.

1. Old Home Movies- Quickly fading in, the organ catches your ear. A beautiful song about a free spirit, a true Indie epic. The words flow perfectly with the music, and the vocal delivery compliment perfectly. 5 stars

2. Stay with My Brother- Where do you go from the perfect opener? Here. This time soulful vocals, gentle phrasing, this is a gem. 4 stars

3. When I Call- Pure haunting magic. Slowly and carefully strummed guitars, haunting vocal arrangements, a deep set of lyrics about one of their friends who was in the emergency music. There's a lot of soul in this song too. What starts out haunting and gentle, evolves into epic and pumping, with a double timed solo that rivets straight to your heart. 5 stars

4. Up Against the Glass- Another short, but driving beauty. Fast paced and will quickly get your foot tapping, and your head swaying from side to side. These organs are delicious. 4 stars

5. The Reviewer- It sort of seems like the part 2 of the previous track, it carries on the beat and takes it to new levels. This song shows off all their best qualities. 4 stars

6. New Room- Majestic atmosphere, and more soulful vocals. The new room is outside, and if outside could play The Botticellis, I would spend 24/7 outside. 4 stars

7. Flashlight- Great structure, and awesome drums. 4 stars

8. Tongue is Blue- A melancholy, nostalgic acoustic guitar with amazing keyboards, face-to-face vocals, and singing about Terry and David. 5 stars

9. Who Are You Now- The longest song on the album. It has more wonderful vocal arrangements, and carries on the epic aspect that's expressed on the first part of the album. 4 stars

10. Table by the Window- Very short, I want more! An acoustic reflection sort of, I think a great way to end an album. 4 stars

Highlight: "When I Call', "Tongue is Blue"

44/50= 8.8
Feel of the album= .8/1
Total score= 9.6

I would recommend this album to any lover of The Shins, The Zombies, or The Beach Boys. This album is truly a gem, I can't wait for more from these guys.

-Griffin Taylor