Pitchfork

"Ulysses", the opening track from Tonight: Franz Ferdinand-- the highly anticipated third LP from the sharp-dressed Scots in, y'know, Franz Ferdinand-- is slated to be the album's first single. It will arrive digitally on December 2 and on CD and two different 7"s January 19 from Domino. Zane Lowe will premiere the single on his Radio 1 show on November 17.

However, you can download parts of the tune through Beatportal.com right now for use in a remix competition they're holding in conjunction with the band. Tinkerers are invited to nab the track stems and turn in their own versions of the tune, which will then be voted on by Beatportal users. Franz themselves will rifle through the top picks and choose a few winners, which will see digital release the same day "Ulysses" hits shelves in January. Man, if you've ever wanted to impress somebody by telling them you took on "Ulysses", now might be the time.

Tonight: Franz Ferdinand is due January 26 in the UK from Domino and the next day in the States from Domino USA/Epic. The band will embark on a brief European tour later this month, with dates (including a few new ones) to follow in Australia and New Zealand as 2008 becomes 2009. UK dates should be announced soon.

Oh, and that up there is the Tonight album cover, and this right here is the "Ulysses" single cover:

Franz Ferdinand:

11-13 Paris, France - La Cigale
11-15 Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser Medis
11-17 Berlin, Germany - Kesselhaus
11-19 Warsaw, Poland - Stodola
11-21 Milan, Italy - Magazzini Generali
11-24 Barcelona, Spain - Espacio Moviestar
11-27 Rotterdam, Netherlands - WATT (Main Hall)
12-29 Gisborne, New Zealand - Rhythm & Vines Festival
12-30 Marion Bay, Australia - Falls Festival
12-31 Lorne, Australia - Falls Festival
01-03 Busselton, Australia - Southbound Festival
01-05 Melbourne, Australia - Palace Theatre *
01-06 Sydney, Australia - Enmore Theatre *
01-08 Brisbane, Australia - Sunset Sounds Festival

* with the Cribs, Red Riders