Dog Problems

The Format

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 11, 2006)
• Original Release Date: July 11, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nettwerk Records
• ASIN: B000FVBLGQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #43,507 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Every great power pop band is all about two things: meaty melodies and oo-la-la choruses, and there's no disbelieving that this Phoenix band have the formula nailed on their sophomore album. Produced by a master of the genre (Steve McDonald, founding member of Redd Kross), the 12-tracker advances the Format's debut album by sandblasting pocketfuls of hooks and poetic prose into the consciousness. Band leaders Nate Ruess and Sam Means progress like a modern day Colin Blunstone/Rod Argent, zigzagging Zombies-like through a piano-led, choral-like pool of tuneful experimentation and falsetto intonation. The band make it almost too easy to pick out potential radio gems, which include up-tempo numbers like "Time Bomb" and "She Doesn't Get It," and especially "Oceans," with its glee club chorus that's downright impossible to shake. But Dog Problems must be heard as a whole to appreciate the dexterous brilliance of Means and Ruess, who apply a '20s dancehall vibe to the title track, turn the narcissistic "I'm Actual" into an Abbey Road waltz, and even flirt with country music in the discreet "Snails." Like the Zombies, the Raspberries, Dwight Twilley, or the Shins? This record may be for you. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb., July 12, 2006

By	J. T. Nite "mightybjorn" (Mesa, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In the second track of "Dog Problems," singer Nate Reuss asks us a question, while Beach-Boys-esque harmonies swirl behind him: "Can we take the next hour and talk about me?" It's a question and a challenge -- in the world of mp3s and single-serving music, are you willing to commit to an album that's meant to be enjoyed as a whole?

If you are, you'll be rewarded with an intricate, satisfying collection of songs that make a coherent whole, but are individually catchy as well. Nate hasn't lost any of his gift for writing the perfect lyric, as noted in an earlier review, and his voice is, if anything, more powerful than before.

The song arrangements take some getting used to. My first listen, I thought they were overproduced -- too many horns, too much harmony -- but on repeated listens, what seemed overly complicated was just agreeably complex. Nate's voice never gets lost in the shuffle, and the tune remains the driving force.

This is an album to listen to in its entirety, then listen again through good speakers, then again through headphones, then again and again. I'm still hearing surprises on my fifteenth or sixteenth go-round. From the Queen-influenced title track to the Mountain Goats-esque "If Work Permits," this is one CD you'll come back to over and over again.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars buy this now., November 16, 2006

By	kt burrr (Nyack, NY) - See all my reviews

i was first introduced to this wonderful band about three years ago when they toured with dashboard confessional. Their first full length album, Interventions and Lullabies, was also awesome...but they've grown up a lot since then. After being dropped from their record label (twice) they are still thriving and releasing great material. They describe their most recent effort as "desert pop" and i totally agree. It features great use of instrumentals that really captivate the listener. This album hasn't left my car stereo since i bought it during the summer. I recomend this album to any fan of the pop genre and all good music in general. It is totally catchy and has the sort of sound that you are pleased to have stuck in your head 24/7. They've also just released an i-tunes exclusive ep that you should be sure to check out! It is a live recording from their 'dog days of summer' tour. I was lucky enough to catch the tour and also to see the guys again two weeks ago in their current supporting tour 'tournado.' These guys will be tour in the spring sooo be sure to catch them there too. You won't be sorry you've invested in such an amazing album...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Problems with this CD, January 3, 2007

By	S. Stewart "Stewfart" (NYC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I heard one song from this CD and decided to buy it - I was not disappointed. It's hard to describe the style of the Format because they hit so many different types of song with some folksy guitar-based songs and some that resemble circus music. All in all, it's an unexpected delight and a light, enjoyable listening experience.