Franz Ferdinand @ House of Blues, Dallas, TX

I know everybody has a list.  A list of musicians or bands that changed the game for them.  In my case, a handful of bands changed my musical landscape and set me on the path I'm on today.  The two bands that really stick out in my mind are the Strokes and Franz Ferdinand.  Their minimal sound was louder than any nu metal or horrible rap I was listening to before I was converted.  I have seen the Strokes before, another pivotal moment in my history of music.  But Franz Ferdinand had always eluded me.  Until now.  Making a stop in Dallas between the two weekends of Austin City Limits, I marked my calendar, checked it twice, and made my way to the House of Blues for a night of reminiscing and pure excitement.

To be honest, it didn't matter what Franz played this night.  Of course, they were touring around their latest release, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, but the energy of the band proved that any song can be a hit.  Mixing their fresh tracks with their library of classics, the set was anything but boring.  From the opening "Stand on the Horizon" to finale "Ulysses", Franz proved they are worthy of all the accolades they have received the last 10+ years; well, mostly across the ocean but still a favorite of many here in the States.  I think you could tell that the band was still feeling the way through their new material but they absolutely shone when playing their oldies but goodies such as "The Dark of the Matinee", "Michael", "This Fire", and of course, "Take Me Out".  It was an absolute blast to finally see them, in a proper venues no less; I feel like their live show would suffer slightly in a festival setting.  I would see them everyday if I could but I can only suggest that you catch them if you have the chance.  Pictures of the show are below:

 enjoy.