the death rattle of rock

[Stephen Bawa]

Whilst having a quick flick through the new improved forum, I had the dubious "pleasure" of hearing the thoroughly crass Franz Ferdinand on Radio 1. Not only do I despise their foppish, flag waving, clean shaven 80's pastiche, I cant stand the fact that I find their irritating new single is lodged firmly (and seemingly irrevocably) in my pysche. It surely is the end of a fine musical form when this kind of pap pervades the charts and is championed by the very people who should defend against it. But then, thats just my opinion... :P

Naturally, I'm not looking to argue with any Franz fans - rather, I'd like to know if anyone else is experiences this strange duality of emotions over any current act. Please, don't let me be the only one!

[David]

I too find the current "frenzy" over Franz Ferdinand very strange indeed. I find their brand of "pop" (let's not elevate it to the "rock" category) rather insipid; tame in the extreme and unimaginative. Of course, now that I am past the age of 40, my opinion on such matters is worthless.

I can only envisage some time in the next few years when my childeren are raving about the latest "easy listening" new-things-on-the-scene while I'm in a corner somewhere still listening to Joy Division and wondering where it all went wrong. :(

[francis]

Same with Snow Patrol. If you want epic sounding guitar music in an indie vein, try Longview - it's a fine album. I don't get Franz Ferdinand at all - still the NME have to have something new to write about.

"if there's a sound you play that doesn't fit today
why not just play the b@stard anyway?
ignore those journalists, we're just one mind you miss
the only voice is what you say is yours
so don't get lost in corporate corridors"

The Wildhearts - Schizophonic

[Phil]

I feel I should really defend FF here. Although electronica is more my thing these days, I did see FF a week or two ago on a bill with Von Bondis, the Rapture, and Funeral for a Friend; FF proverbially blew them all off the stage. That new single's not all that strong but live they cut it (complete with Shadows-esqe, "ironic", synchronised dance moves) and the album's well worth a listen / buy / download.

'course, no one can get anywhere near Goldfrapp in my opinion.

[francis]

Goldfrapp? Some of their stuff sounds okay, but I fear they'll get lost/buried sometime soon as they're not rap/urban (http://www.chavscum.co.uk/)/Pop Idol/Fame Academy. If you want an excellent slightly chilled, album I'd highly recommend Craig Armstrong's The Space Between Us.

Excited by the Brit awards tomorrow? The shop I live beneath has voting rights for this, but the owner never bothers as no-one good ever gets nominated and the usual suspects (Annie bloody Lennox) always gets in. So, for the last 3 years, I've voted. So far, no good ;). It's the same old same old - one day I truely believe that Godspeed You! Black Emperor will get into the Best International Group shortlist... I'm just praying that The Darkness don't win anything.

Gigs for 2004 so far: Twilight Singers a couple of weeks ago, The Boxer Rebellion this Friday (if I can be bothered), Erin McKeown on Saturday, Wildhearts in March and April (with Therapy?) and Sarah McLachlan in October.