The Dark of the Matinée

"The Dark of the Matinée"
Song

"The Dark of the Matinée", also known simply as "Matinée", is a song by Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand. It was released as the fourth track on the self-titled album Franz Ferdinand on February 9, 2004. On April 19, 2004, it was released as a single and reached eighth position in the charts.

In Australia, the song was ranked #50 on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2004.

Frontman Alex Kapranos said in an interview with BBC's The Beat host Dean Jackson (April 2004), "'The Dark of the Matinée' was basically a ripoff of an obscure song by They Might Be Giants called 'Hell Hotel'." This song appeared on an early demo but was never re-released, until February 2008 when the track was included on the band's official podcast.

According to Alex Kapranos, the song is based on the singer playing truant from his days at the University of Aberdeen this was stated by Alex Kapranos during the Aberdeen leg of their tour "You Could Have It So Much Better".

A Latin version of the song was featured on the Rhythms del Mundo album by the Buena Vista Social Club.

UK track listings

All lead vocals performed by Alex Kapranos.

CD1

1. "The Dark Of The Matinée" (Alex Kapranos/Nick McCarthy/Bob Hardy)
2. "Better In Hoboken" (Alex Kapranos/Nick McCarthy/Bob Hardy)
3. "Forty Feet" (Alex Kapranos/Nick McCarthy)

DVD

1. "The Dark Of The Matinée" [Promo Video]
2. "The Dark Of The Matinée" live at KCRW" [Video]
3. Gallery with Cheating On You live audio
4. Desktop Wallpaper

7"

1. "The Dark Of The Matinée" (Alex Kapranos/Nick McCarthy/Bob Hardy)
2. "Michael" (live at KCRW) (Alex Kapranos/Nick McCarthy)

12"

1. "The Dark Of The Matinée" (Alex Kapranos/Nick McCarthy/Bob Hardy)
2. "Better In Hoboken" (Alex Kapranos/Nick McCarthy/Bob Hardy)
3. "Forty Feet" (Alex Kapranos/Nick McCarthy)