FFS [LP] in Bloomington, MN

A long time in the making as well as a complete surprise on its arrival, the self-titled debut from
FFS
-- the collaboration between
Franz Ferdinand
and
Sparks
-- is the work of two great, and distinctive, acts at the top of their game. In fact,
works so well because these groups aren't carbon copies of each other. Over the years,
brainy shape-shifting has touched on glam and new wave, two of the styles that were most influential on
's suave dance-rock, but that's just the tip of their musical iceberg. What the bands do share -- jaunty wit and a flair for indelible choruses -- gives
plenty of fertile common ground. These songs are inspired, even-handed combinations of all of their strengths, whether
Ron
Russell Mael
lend a dash of weirdness to
's spiky hooks, as on "Call Girl," or the Glaswegian outfit adds some heft to
' flights of fancy on the satirical "Police Encounters" or the hyperactive "So Desu Ne."
' strongest moments bring passion to its abundant cleverness. Somewhat perversely and sometimes poignantly, the supergroup is at its best when singing about different kinds of solitude. "Piss Off," the first song
sent
back in 2004 after the release of their debut album, is a cheerfully antisocial anthem for those who'd rather be alone. "Collaborations Don't Work"'s self-referential duet turns into a duel, with
Alex Kapranos
trading barbs like "I don't need your navel gazing/I don't like your way of phrasing." However, the best showcase for their vocals is the brilliant opening track "Johnny Delusional." At once grandiose and self-deprecating, it's a vivid portrait of unrequited love that combines
Kapranos
' smooth baritone and
Mael
's anxious counter tenor like a juxtaposition of fantasy and reality. Similarly,
boasts so much personality that character sketches like "Dictator's Son," which tells the story of a despot's offspring who is more into creature comforts than tyranny, also rank among the standouts. A near-perfect blend of
's skills,
is a collaboration that works very well and offers just about everything a fan of either band could want. ~ Heather Phares