6 MUSIC
REVIEWS
Fiona worth the wait Franz Ferdinand can
By SUZANNE SULLIVAN Daily Titan Photo Editor
Inventive and more emotionally eclectic, the new Fiona Apple album is well worth the six-year wait. Amid rumors that her new album was shelved because of the lack of “radio friendly” songs, Apple was actually pursuing a new producer to re-record tracks that Sony considered finished. Although Extraordinary Machine could be considered just another Apple album about break ups, she has matured in her song writing, evolving as a more diverse composer. She is now more focused on creating storylines, while still acknowledging weaknesses, which leads her album to feel more volatile. Songs like the title track and “Tymps (The Sick in the Head Song)” show Apple’s willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles. “Extraordinary Machine”
creeps along theatrically with clever staccato notes while Apple changes her vocal style from a soulful alto to a whimsical soprano. “Tymps” sounds funky and new, driven by a unique rhythm with a pseudo-rap vocal style. A few songs on the album resemble her older works. “O’ Sailor” focuses on her signature piano style accompanied by stark drumbeats and repetitive and driving lyrics. Most of the album’s tracks deal with familiar Apple themes: Weakness, desire, loss of love and selfawareness. These themes are what keep her music interesting; she is able to tap into strong emotions and instead of wallowing in them, she is able to create power behind them. Despite the wait, Apple created another wonderful album that will endure the test of time while the Kelly Clarksons and Michelle Branches of the world will quickly fade into the background of pop culture oblivion.
By EDUARDO VASCONCELLOS Daily Titan Staff
Today’s society is diseased with bad music imposed on the public by the likes of MTV and KIIS FM. But fortunately, we do have a handful of bands doing their best to keep the populace entertained, despite not being quite as renowned as others. Once again, Franz Ferdinand released an excellent record. Following 2004’s self-titled debut, the band’s new album, You Could Have It So Much Better aims to prove just that. Following the trend set in the Scottish band’s first album, So Much Better is a myriad of simple sounds combined to create an exquisite audial experience. The enjoyable lyrics enveloped by the band’s great use of guitars and percussion are a welcomed addition to any music lover’s collection. The album sticks with the same formula, starting off with “The Fallen,” a catchy number about a young lad who goes against society’s norms. With its upbeat tempo, the intro will suck all who listen into the record with ease.
“Do You Want To” is easily this year’s equivalent of last year’s mega-hit, “Take Me Out.” The song is the stand out track of the album, infusing a complexity in simplicity as only this band can. The lyrics are fun, but vague and it’s anyone’s guess as to what they mean, but its crafted into a supremely pleasing song. From there, the songs slow down and give listeners a rest. The title track, “You Could Have It So Much Better” is a resonating track resembling the Queens of the Stone Age. “Outsiders” closes the album and tells fans that their time wasn’t wasted listening. It’s different than the band’s norm, with a groovy baseline and a cool “wah-wah” guitar on top of a funky beat. Consistent with the band’s signature sound, all instruments use simple structure, using few notes in a song. However, much like the Ramones, when the entire package is put together, it produces some stellar music. While it’s not quite on par with their debut, Franz Ferdinand’s sophomore effort is still two steps beyond most and they tell us exactly what listeners are with this album – so lucky.
Concert Calendar Fri. Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. Santana The Home Depot Center Carson Sat. Oct. 15, 2 p.m. POWER 106 Presents Live at the O.P. with Twista and Mack 10 Orange Pavilion San Bernardino Sat. Oct. 15, 7 p.m. The Vibrators Showcase Theatre Corona Sun. Oct. 16, 7 p.m. Turbonegro House of Blues Anaheim Sun. Oct. 16, 7 p.m. The Misfits Galaxy Theatre Santa Ana Sun. Oct. 16, 9 p.m. The Bravery Avalon Hollywood Hollywood Mon. Oct. 17, 7 p.m. Coheed and Cambria The Grove of Anaheim Anaheim Mon. Oct. 17, 8 p.m. Busta Rhymes House of Blues Hollywood Tues. Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. The Exploited House of Blues Hollywood Tues. Oct. 18, 8 p.m. Matt Costa Troubadour West Hollywood Tues. Oct. 18, 9 p.m. Wed. Oct. 19, 9 p.m. The Black Crowes Henry Fonda Theatre Los Angeles Wed. Oct. 19, 9 p.m. G. Love & Special Sauce and Blackalicious House of Blues Anaheim Thurs. Oct. 20, 6 p.m. Bad Religion Canyon Dinner Theater Agoura Hills Thurs. Oct. 20, 9 p.m. The Go! Team El Rey Theatre Los Angeles
