Blood: Franz Ferdinand, a compilation of dub versions of
songs from the Scots’ Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, was originally
packaged up as part of a two-disc, European limited-edition release
back in January. This disc, mixed by producer Dan Carey, was finally
unleashed on North American audiences as a stand-alone release in early
June. As a companion piece, Blood is a fun bonus, but it’s not
an album that will find a permanent residence in your stereo, car or
MP3 player. Tonight has driving energy and verve, but
Blood, unfortunately, strips away a lot of Franz Ferdinand’s
charm and energy, and therefore falters as a stand-alone disc.
This article appears in Jul 9-15, 2009.