Darts of Pleasure

"Darts of Pleasure" is the debut single by the Glasgow-based indie rock band Franz Ferdinand, released in the United Kingdom on 8 September 2003 and in North America on 18 November 2003, both through Domino Records. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number 44 on 15 September 2003, where it stayed for one week before dropping to number 76 the next week then leaving the top 100 the week after. Nonetheless, the band were happy with its chart performance, commenting "we couldn't believe we were in the UK top 50."

"Darts of Pleasure"
Single by Franz Ferdinand
from the album Franz Ferdinand
B-side
  • "Shopping for Blood"
  • "Van Tango"
  • "Tell Her Tonight" (demo)
  • "Darts of Pleasure" (demo)
Released8 September 2003
Recorded2003
StudioGula (Malmö, Sweden)
Genre
Length2:59
LabelDomino
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Franz Ferdinand singles chronology
"Darts of Pleasure"
(2003)		 "Take Me Out"
(2004)

History and content

The band developed its reputation by supporting Hot Hot Heat and Interpol. NME editor Connor McNicholas said, "My first contact with Franz Ferdinand was when someone was playing the Darts of Pleasure demos, in the NME office, and it was genuinely one of those moments when a track goes on and I come bundling out of my office saying 'what the hell is this because this is amazing'". It was therefore no surprise the band won the "Phillip Hall Radar Award" at the NME Awards of 2004 (announced in late 2003). Furthermore, the NME described the band as "The Next Big Thing" and featured the band on the front cover describing them as "The Band That Will Change Your Life".

Alex Kapranos explained to Q magazine that "the song is about seduction and the 'Darts of Pleasure' that hit you are actually words."[1]

The song ends with several lyrics in German, most famously the line "Ich heiße Super Fantastisch!" ("My name is Super-Fantastic!", whereas "Super-Fantastic" is the name, not an adjective. Although variations in the German language occur, making the true meaning "I am called Super-Fantastic!").

Critical reception

The single was received well with Pitchfork Media giving it a rating of 8.3. AllMusic gave it 3.5 stars and the NME gave a very enthusiastic response. "Darts of Pleasure" was released on 8 September 2003. With the release Franz were acclaimed as "the saviours of rock and roll" by John Peel who gave them airtime.

Track listings

Lead vocals performed by Alex Kapranos except where noted.

UK 7"

  1. "Darts of Pleasure" (Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy)
  2. "Shopping for Blood" (Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy, Paul Thomson)

UK CD / 12"

  1. "Darts of Pleasure" (Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy) – 3:01
  2. "Van Tango" (Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy) – 3:25
    • Lead vocals performed by Nick McCarthy.
  3. "Shopping for Blood" (Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy, Paul Thomson) – 3:34

US / Canada CD

  1. "Darts of Pleasure" (Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy) – 3:01
  2. "Van Tango" (Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy) – 3:25
    • Lead vocals performed by Nick McCarthy.
  3. "Shopping for Blood" (Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy, Paul Thomson) – 3:36
  4. "Tell Her Tonight" (home demo) (Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy) – 2:20
    • Lead vocals performed by Nick McCarthy.
  5. "Darts of Pleasure" (home demo) (Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy) – 3:25

Personnel
  • Alex Kapranos – vocals, guitar
  • Bob Hardy – bass guitar
  • Nick McCarthy – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Paul Thomson – drums, percussion and backing vocals
  • Adrian Breakspear - Assistant Engineer
  • Tore Johansson - Producer
  • Alex Kapranos - Producer

Charts
Chart (2003) Peak
position
Scotland (Official Charts Company)[2] 35
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[3] 44
UK Indie (Official Charts Company)[4] 5
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References
  1. "Darts of Pleasure". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  2. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
  3. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
  4. "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
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