This CD installed trojan-horse spyware on my Windows-based computer, without informing me. My company had to reinstall Windows, after erroneously purchasing a new optical drive, thinking that was the problem.

SONY/BMG releases contain spyware. This is not rumor, it is now reported in the mainstream news (...)

YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RIP MP3s OF THESE SONGS, and play them on more than one device, as the CD is currently formatted. Think on that. Plus, you will have your Windows permanantly altered with tracking software.

I would avoid this and all other Sony/BMG releases until this issue is settled. In the meantime, perhaps artists could stick up for their fans and demand that the record company do better.

Franz Ferdinand's follow up to their sparkling self-titled debut, You Could Have It So Much Better, is another hook filled record. The one noticeable difference is a fuller production sound. The songs don't have that clipped feel of the original and they have a better sonic texture. The first single "Do You Want To" has a tremendous riff and a killer vocals. "Eleanor Put Your Boots On" is a great ballad that wouldn't sound out of place on a Beatles record. "I'm Your Villain" has a Bowie/Eno in Berlin vibe and "This Boy" is pure punk-pop. While the album is not as consistent from top-to-bottom like their debut, there's no sophomore slump here. The band knows hooks and they've shown on their first two albums, they aren't afraid to use them.

I don't understand why people are so disapointed. Why do people want another debut from this band. They've already given it to you. "You Could Have It So Much Better" is NOT the same as their debut. It is progression. Why would you want another "Take Me Out"? No. Although I LOVE their glorious debut, I'm glad this not a replica.
However, Franz Ferdinand still radiates thier sexy tongue in cheek attitude only they've matured enough to incorperate "ballads" like the very Beatles inspired "Eleanor Put Your boots On" and "Fade Together".
"You Could Have It So Much Better" somewhat reminds me of "Veni Vedi Vicious" by The Hives a tad bit (and that's not bad; it's very very good). If there every was a complaint that these songs sound similar to one another then it's probably with "You're The Reason I'm Leaving" and "Well That Was Easy". These two great songs could very easily become one. Try and listen to them back to back. You'll hear the similarity but perphaps Franz has done this on purpose. Tracks 6-8 (to me) is a trilogy of three stages of breaking up. All around the album is all delicious and sweet. My favorite tracks are "This Boy (super sexy song), The Fallen, and What You Meant". Noticed how I didn't mention anything about "Do You Want To". Opps.

Franz Ferdinand enjoyed great success on thier first album, self titled debut that was magnificent. Many hits were created, and a deep fanbase was created. Many people woundered whether Franz Ferdinand would fall to the infamous sophomore slump. Many bands spend years and years writing thier songs and that is why thier first albums are so spectacular. Then when a studio wants a new album, they rush to write it and it isn't as good. Franz's second LP You Could Have It So Much Better is the total polar opposite.

In about a year after thier first LP release these guys came fresh off the bat with great new material. These Scottish revolutionaries return with a second album of smart guitar hooks, and amazing indie dance beats. Even though thier first single "Do You Want To" makes this album seem like it will be a more fast paced dance rock album, but it's not. There are moments of genuine contemplation in "Fade Together" and "Eleanor Put Your Boots On." There is magnificent balance that is strung together by these guys in this wounderful album.

You Could Have It So Much Better leaves you eager for more Franz, instead of concerned on where their careers are headed. Franz is taking over modern rock and roll and are rising stars, this album is great. Franz Ferdinand made music better indeed.

There should be a warning label on this album that keeps you from listening to it in the car. When I first bought it, I had no idea what to expect, and found myself dancing while trying not to run into other drivers. This is another instance of hooking you in and not letting go, and though there are a few slower moments, they are wisely few and far between. I also haven't laughed as hard at an album, not in the Weird Al sense, but at how fun the songs are. Yes, some of the lyrics are goofy (You're lucky lucky, You're so lucky!) but the songs themselves, the time and key changes in unusual places are jarring, but somehow flow with the rest of the song. Take Well That Was Easy, which goes from a driving rock tempo to a a more danceable tempo and back again. You're thrown for a second, but can easily adapt. The overall feeling you come away with from So Much Better is the infectious sense of fun, of what a great time it must have been to be in the studio with these guys. The record is full of little surprises that are always a delight, even after you've heard it enough times to anticipate them.