Sunday Music Spotlight - The Format

Looking for great summer music? Something catchy? With hooky melodies and tight harmonies? Then look no further than The Format.

Hailing from Arizona, The Format is primarily composed of Nate Ruess and Sam Means. Though they are the driving force behind the band they are joined in the studio and on tour by Mike Schey, Mark Buzard, and Don Raymond. Together the craft pop songs that would sound perfectly at home in any decade since the 60’s. Though the band’s name is a snide reference to the music industry’s standard formula for what a pop hit should be, the band excels at producing songs that fit within the basic parameters of it but remain creative and original.

Despite relentless touring, and the use of their songs tv shows, movies, and video games The Format has remained under the mainstream radio radar. It’s difficult to figure out why, since their music is very radio-friendly, should have wide appeal, and wouldn’t require a Parental Advisory sticker. Maybe it’s because the RIAA has their heads up their asses. For example, can you imagine any of the major record labels allowing a band to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the release of a CD by giving it away for free on their website? No? Well that’s just what The Format did with their latest release Dog Problems. Until July 16th you can download the entire album, DRM free, with a PDF of the liner notes, at their website.

The Format- Dog Problems

The title track off of Dog Problems is a four-minute mini-epic. Musically it breaks down into several sections, recalling at various times Queen, The Beatles, and Nellie McKay. The upbeat and joyous music juxtaposes the lyrics that relate to a break up. And the juxtaposition works beautifully, allowing the casual listener to bop along without realizing the depth, but giving the eager listener something to really dig into.

The Format - She Doesnt Get It

Another song where the upbeat music belies the heaviness of the lyrics. After you hear the chorus a couple of times I dare you to not sing along.

Links:
Official Site