10 Pop Albums That Turn 10 In 2014

4. Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand

RELEASED: 9 February 2004 The eponymous debut album for Scottish band Franz Ferdinand was a perfect snapshot of simple alternative pop. Persistent beats and jaunty lyrics were just what was called for in indie-friendly 2004 and it wasn't just the indie crowd who latched on, with the Ferdinands and others of their ilk grabbing a decent chunk of mainstream spend as well. Between September '03 and November '04 the album spawned 5 singles: "Darts Of Pleasure", the top 3 hit "Take Me Out", "Matinée", the decidedly homoerotic "Michael" and the download-only "This Fire". The distinctive vocals of Alex Kapranos work just as well on the curiously misspelt "Auf Achse" as they do on "Tell Her Tonight" with its staccato verses and 60s-inspired chorus. And ten years later? It's still a cracking good thing! In fact it's still the best of the four albums the boys have released. Its infectious rhythm, off-beat lyrics and catchy hooks demand your attention and are hard to shake off once heard. And at just 39 minutes long, it's too short to ever get bored of.